Qubit breakthrough could make it easier to build quantum computers 29. May 2025 (12:00) Quantum computers that correct their own errors usually require hundreds of thousands of qubits. Start-up Nord Quantique claims it can dramatically decrease that number – but many challenges remain(New Scientist)
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols. Does that make it a health food? 29. May 2025 (09:00) Antioxidants like cocoa flavanols may benefit heart health, brain ageing and the microbiome. Columnist Alexandra Thompson investigates whether it’s time to rethink chocolate(New Scientist)
Before the Great Wall, Chinese rulers built a shallow ditch 29. May 2025 (02:01) A network of trenches, walls and enclosures built across the steppes of China and Mongolia 800 years ago seems to have been erected to control the flow of people, perhaps for tax reasons(New Scientist)
We’re about to unlock the secrets of ancient human brains 28. May 2025 (21:00) For the first time, we have a method for extracting proteins from preserved soft tissues like brains – which could be a treasure trove of evolutionary information(New Scientist)
Massive glacier collapse triggers landslide that buries Swiss village 28. May 2025 (20:08) Villagers in Blatten, Switzerland, were evacuated earlier this month after authorities warned a nearby glacier was on the brink of collapse – one of many becoming less stable as global temperature rise(New Scientist)
Is this book the ultimate guide for getting babies to sleep? Sort of 28. May 2025 (20:00) Helen Ball's How Babies Sleep draws on anthropology and biology to help babies (and their parents) get a better night's sleep. It has some fascinating insights, but is somewhat impractical(New Scientist)
Guess who brought back Agatha Christie as an AI clone 28. May 2025 (20:00) Feedback was surprised to learn that the late, great queen of crime fiction is presenting a creative writing course, and wonders if there aren't enough living authors around to impart their wisdom(New Scientist)
Storm clouds threaten a promised AI revolution in weather prediction 28. May 2025 (20:00) New AI models from tech giants are set to revolutionise weather prediction. But as our climate becomes more extreme, we need to ensure broad public access to their forecasts, says Annalee Newitz(New Scientist)
