WonderSTEM

Sharper than lightning: Oxford’s one-in-6. 7-million quantum breakthrough

Physicists at the University of Oxford have set a new global benchmark for the accuracy of controlling a single quantum bit, achieving the lowest-ever error rate for a quantum logic operation -- just 0.000015%, or one error in 6.7 million operations. This record-breaking result represents nearly an order of magnitude improvement over the previous benchmark, set by the same research group a decade ago.

To put the result in perspective: a person is more likely to be struck by lightning in a given year (1 in 1.2 million) than for one of Oxford's quantum logic gates to make a mistake.

The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, are a major advance towards having robust and useful quantum computers.

"As far as we are aware, this is the most accurate qubit operation ever recorded anywhere in the world," said Professor David Lucas, co-author…

How outdated phones can power smart cities and save the seas

Researchers at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science introduce a novel approach to reducing electronic waste and advancing sustainable data processing: turning old smartphones into tiny data centers.

Each year, more than 1.2 billion smartphones are produced globally. The production of electronic devices is not only energy-intensive but also consumes valuable natural resources. Additionally, the manufacturing and delivery processes release a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, devices are aging faster than ever — users replace their still-functional phones on average every 2 to 3 years. At best, old devices are recycled; at worst, they end up in landfills.

Although the most sustainable solution would be to change consumer behavior and consider more carefully whether every new model truly requires replacing the old one, this is easier said than done. Rapid technological development quickly renders…

Creativity boosts standardized literacy and numeracy test scores: Australia

A groundbreaking study shows that creativity plays an essential role in academic success, suggesting that students who think outside the box are more likely to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments.

When 'Elephant' toothpaste erupts from the science lab, history deals up Pokémon playing cards, and math class bakes a batch of chocolate brownies, it might seem like chaos.

Yet, a groundbreaking study from University of South Australia researchers, shows that creativity plays an essential role in academic success, suggesting that students who think outside the box are more likely to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments.

It's an important finding, particularly when the most recent National Assessment Program -- Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) data shows that one in three Australian students are behind in their numeracy or literacy skills.

Adolescents who sleep longer perform better at cognitive tasks

Adolescents who sleep for longer -- and from an earlier bedtime -- than their peers tend to have improved brain function and perform better at cognitive tests, researchers from the UK and China have shown.

But the study of adolescents in the US also showed that even those with better sleeping habits were not reaching the amount of sleep recommended for their age group.

Sleep plays an important role in helping our bodies function. It is thought that while we are asleep, toxins that have built up in our brains are cleared out, and brain connections are consolidated and pruned, enhancing memory, learning, and problem-solving skills. Sleep has also been shown to boost our immune systems and improve our mental health.

During adolescence, our sleep patterns change. We tend to start going to bed later and sleeping less, which affects our…