Quanta Magazine | Science and Math News

A quantum bicyclist in front of a classical unicyclist

Chanelle Nibbelink for Quanta Magazine

Latest Articles

‘Quantum Memory’ Proves Exponentially Powerful

Researchers are exploring new ways that quantum computers will be able to reveal the secrets of complex quantum systems.

Big Advance on Simple-Sounding Math Problem Was a Century in the Making

A new proof about prime numbers illuminates the subtle relationship between addition and multiplication — and raises hopes for progress on the famous abc conjecture.

Even a Single Bacterial Cell Can Sense the Seasons Changing

Though they live only a few hours before dividing, bacteria can anticipate the approach of cold weather and prepare for it. The discovery suggests that seasonal tracking is fundamental to life.

The ‘Beautiful Confusion’ of the First Billion Years Comes Into View

Astronomers are reveling in the James Webb Space Telescope’s discoveries about the formative epoch of cosmic history.

Q&A

The Computer Scientist Who Builds Big Pictures From Small Details

To better understand machine learning algorithms, Lenka Zdeborová treats them like physical materials.

People standing on ladders to view symbols obscured by a brick wall

When Data Is Missing, Scientists Guess. Then Guess Again.

Across the social and biological sciences, statisticians use a technique that leverages randomness to deal with the unknown.

The Hidden World of Electrostatic Ecology

Invisibly to us, insects and other tiny creatures use static electricity to travel, avoid predators, collect pollen and more. New experiments explore how evolution may have influenced this phenomenon.

The Unraveling of Space-Time

This special issue of Quanta Magazine explores the ultimate scientific quest: the search for the fundamental nature of reality.

Featured Videos

See all videos

Space-Time: The Biggest Problem in Physics

Emily Buder/Quanta Magazine

Special Features

Multimedia


The Thought Experiments That Fray the Fabric of Space-Time

These three imagined scenarios lead many physicists to doubt that space-time is fundamental.

The Joy of Why


An IV bag full of math
00:00 / 42:52

Cancer treatment has come a long way in recent decades. But finding the best course of treatment for each case of this diverse, dynamic disease remains a challenge. In this episode, co-host Steven Strogatz speaks with computational biologist Franziska Michor about how math, statistical models and machine learning may be critical to the next generation of cancer care.

About Quanta Magazine

Illuminating basic science and math research through public service journalism.

More about us

Quanta Magazine is committed to in-depth, accurate journalism that serves the public interest. Each article braids the complexities of science with the malleable art of storytelling and is meticulously reported, edited and fact-checked. Launched and funded by the Simons Foundation, Quanta is editorially independent — our articles do not reflect or represent the views of the foundation.

More about us

Get highlights of the most important news delivered to your email inbox