Physics

Physicists report new evidence suggesting gravity is holographic, meaning it may allow the dimensions of space to collapse into fewer dimensions, as if the universe were encoded on a lower-dimensional surface. The finding, covered by Quanta Magazine, is striking but its implications for the nature of reality remain unknown, and researchers are still working out what a holographic universe would actually mean.

Thales, Bull and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are joining forces to develop software for quantum computers intended for the French armed forces, according to a report by French tech outlet Clubic. The collaboration links a major defence electronics group, a computing company and France's public research body around quantum technology for military use.

Researchers have reported a key early-universe measurement determined with record-breaking precision. The result refines scientists' understanding of conditions shortly after the Big Bang, though details of which quantity was measured and by which team were not provided. Such precision advances are closely watched in physics because they can confirm the standard cosmological model or expose gaps where new physics might be hiding.

Thales, Bull and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are working together on quantum computing software for the French military, according to a report covered by French tech media. The collaboration ties France's major industrial and research players to defence applications of quantum technology. Commenters are highlighting the strategic significance of quantum computing for national defence and France's push to keep pace in the global quantum race.

Brazil's CNPEM research centre is collaborating with CERN on superconducting magnet technology for a proposed 91km particle collider. The partnership would connect Brazilian scientists to the world's leading high-energy physics laboratory as CERN develops advanced magnets for a future circular collider larger than the LHC. Details of funding and scope remain limited, but the announcement signals growing international participation in next-generation collider research.

Sebastian Hassinger, host of The New Quantum Era podcast, argues that neutral-atom platforms currently hold the lead in the race to scale qubits, citing their combination of high connectivity, long coherence times and rapid experimental progress. His comments add to ongoing debate in the quantum computing community over which hardware approach — superconducting, trapped-ion or neutral atom — will reach practical advantage first.

Instruct3D has launched Additive Build Intelligence, a new software platform aimed at metal additive manufacturing. The platform is designed to bring data-driven intelligence to metal 3D printing build processes, helping manufacturers monitor and optimise production. Details on pricing, availability and early customers have not yet been reported, but the launch adds to a growing wave of software tools targeting industrial metal AM workflows.

Quanta Magazine reports that although biology itself may not rely on quantum effects, the mathematics used to describe biological systems closely resembles quantum formalism. Researchers are applying quantum-like mathematical frameworks to model biological processes, suggesting deep structural parallels between the two fields even where physical quantum effects are absent.

Security publication BankInfoSecurity is asking whether organizations' networks are prepared for the transition to post-quantum cryptography, the new encryption standards designed to withstand attacks from future quantum computers. The piece underscores growing pressure on enterprises and governments to inventory cryptographic systems and begin migrating before quantum-capable threats materialize.

Claude has reportedly computed a nine-loop scattering amplitude in physics, surpassing a long-standing record associated with Lance Dixon. The result concerns perturbative quantum field theory, where multi-loop amplitude calculations are notoriously difficult. Physicists are discussing whether an AI system genuinely produced a correct result at this complexity level, or whether the claim requires independent verification before it can be accepted by the community.

Digital certificate authority DigiCert has launched Quantum Central, a new initiative aimed at helping organisations prepare for post-quantum cryptography. The platform is intended to guide businesses through the transition to encryption methods resistant to attacks from future quantum computers. The announcement was reported by The Quantum Insider.

Reports describe a single photon that traveled roughly 2 billion light-years before reaching Earth, a journey that current physics supposedly says should not have been possible. The claim is circulating widely, but no specific observatory, source event, or research team has been named, so the finding's details and significance remain unverified.