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Quantum computer circuitry illustration. Conventional computers store information as 'bits', with each transistor holding either a 1 or a 0. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which operate according to two principles of quantum physics. One of the principles, supposition, allows a qubit to store a 1 and a 0 at the same time. This means two qubits can hold four values at once. The second principle, entanglement, means that the state of one qubit can depend on the state of another. As you expand the number of qubits, the machine becomes exponentially more powerful.

Physics

Quantum theory at 100: Let’s celebrate its power and provocation

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A timeline of the most important events in quantum mechanics

Physics

A timeline of the most important events in quantum mechanics

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The world???s largest iceberg is on a collision course with the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia. These images of the A23a iceberg are taken from an RAF Atlas A400M aircraft as it flew a routine Operation COLDSTARE mission over the South Atlantic. The flight, conducted by 1312 Flight from Mount Pleasant in the Falklands, captured striking aerial images of the iceberg, which has been drifting north from Antarctica and is now approximately 173 miles (280km) from South Georgia. Experts fear it could ground and shatter upon impact, endangering the island's unique wildlife, including colonies of king penguins and millions of elephant and fur seals. South Georgia???s icy shores have faced such threats before. In 2004, the massive iceberg A38 grounded on the island???s continental shelf, blocking access to feeding grounds and leaving countless penguin chicks and seal pups to perish. The iceberg A23a, which originally calved from Antarctica???s Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986, became trapped on the seafloor and ensnared in an ocean vortex for decades. It finally broke free in December 2024, embarking on what experts describe as its ???final journey??? into warmer waters north of Antarctica. Satellite imagery reveals the iceberg is steadily shrinking, its towering cliffs???once rising 1,312ft (400m), taller than London???s Shard???are melting and disintegrating. Once covering an area of 3,900 sq km, it has reduced to 3,500 sq km, roughly the size of Cornwall. Large slabs of ice are constantly breaking away, tumbling into the surrounding ocean. A23a could splinter into massive fragments at any moment. These floating cities of ice could linger for years, unpredictably drifting around South Georgia and posing ongoing risks to the island's wildlife. The potential ecological impact is significant, as South Georgia is a haven for wildlife. The island supports some of the world???s most valuable king penguin colonies and is home to millions of fur and elephant seals. By capturing images of A23a, the RAF provides critical data to scientists, sailors, and conservationists worldwide, who are closely monitoring the iceberg's movements. As the iceberg looms closer, experts remain hopeful it may bypass the island. However, preparations are underway to mitigate potential damage to this fragile ecosystem. Where: South Georgia, SEA, United Kingdom When: 22 Jan 2025 Credit: UK MOD Crown copyright/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**

Environment

A giant iceberg is headed for the island of South Georgia

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FRANCE. Paris. Magnum office. 2009. Left to right: Magnum photographers Bruce GILDEN, Carl DE KEYZER, Patrick ZACHMANN.

Health

What nine sleep researchers do to get their best night's rest

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Is this the world’s toughest word search? We dare you to try it

Space

Is this the world’s toughest word search? We dare you to try it

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Guy Bell/Shutterstock (14956387c) A Large Elephant Bird Egg, Madagascar, Pre-17th Century, Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000 - part of the Science Fiction and Fantasy sale - Preview of highlights of Christie's Classic Week sales including items spanning antiquity to the 21st century. The auctions running until 12 December. Highlights of Christie's Classic Week sales., King Street, London, UK - 29 Nov 2024

Life

One of the largest eggs ever laid

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Brain Twister #12: Factorial factory

Brain Twister #12: Factorial factory

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BrainTwister #11: Club shuffling

BrainTwister #11: Club shuffling

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BrainTwister #10: Chairs in pairs

BrainTwister #10: Chairs in pairs

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BrainTwister #9: Rectangulator

BrainTwister #9: Rectangulator

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BrainTwister #8: Two cubes

BrainTwister #8: Two cubes

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BrainTwister #7: Home primes

BrainTwister #7: Home primes

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