Add BrightSurf on Google Email

What kills Schrödinger’s cat?

An underground experiment has tested a theory linking gravity to quantum decoherence, ruling out a pioneering model. The Gran Sasso National Laboratory provided an ideal environment to detect subtle fluctuations predicted by the theory, but no signal was detected, shedding light on the interplay between gravity and quantum mechanics.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

The Gravity from Entropy theory offers new clues for reconciling gravity with the second law of thermodynamics

A new study by Queen Mary University mathematician Professor Ginestra Bianconi proposes a perspective on the deep question of how the Universe can become increasingly structured while obeying the second law of thermodynamics. The Gravity from Entropy theory suggests that gravity and spacetime may have an intrinsic thermodynamic and inf...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review·DateJul 17, 2026

Exploring the origin of freely adjustable parameters in the fundamental equations of nature

A study by researchers at Kyushu University suggests that continuous parameters in quantum gravity may not be freely adjustable, but rather emerge from operators within the theory. The findings support Einstein's century-old claim about the fundamental laws of nature and have implications for our understanding of quantum gravity.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Does gravity follow the rules of quantum mechanics?

A team of researchers led by Kazuhiro Yamamoto has proposed a method to create a momentum-squeezed state in movable mirrors, which significantly broadens the quantum superposition of a mirror's position. This approach can amplify the signal of quantum entanglement generated by gravity, making it easier to detect.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2026

New theory reshapes quantum view of Big Bang

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new theory that suggests the universe's rapid early expansion could emerge naturally from a deeper, more complete theory of quantum gravity. This approach offers a unified picture that connects the earliest moments of the universe to modern cosmology.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2026

Freely levitating rotor spins out ultraprecise sensors for classical and quantum physics

A macroscopic device has been designed to reduce eddy-current damping, allowing for precise measurements of physical phenomena like gravity. The system uses a graphite disk and rare earth magnets, enabling ultra-precise sensors that can be used in classical and quantum physics research.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2025

Deep in the Mediterranean, in search of quantum gravity

A study published in JCAP has established upper limits on the strength of quantum gravity effects on neutrino oscillations, providing valuable insights into the long-sought theory. The results show no signs of decoherence, a phenomenon that could be a key indicator of quantum gravity's presence.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Primordial naked singularities: Nature’s quantum gravity laboratories pervading the universe?

Researchers suggest that gravitational collapse in the early universe could give rise to incredibly dense point-like objects, namely visible or naked singularities. This ultra-strong gravity condition provides a unique opportunity to probe new fundamental aspects of physics, including quantum gravity. The possibility of PNaSs accountin...

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateJan 9, 2025

Purdue physicists throw world’s smallest disco party

Physicists at Purdue University have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in levitated optomechanics by observing the Berry phase of electron spins in nano-sized diamonds. By levitating and spinning these tiny diamonds at incredibly high speeds, they were able to study the effects of fast rotation on spin qubits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2024

Precision instrument bolsters efforts to find elusive dark energy

Researchers have built the most precise experiment yet to look for gravitational anomalies caused by dark energy, using a lattice atom interferometer that can hold atoms in place for up to 70 seconds. While no deviation from predicted theory was found, the improved precision opens up possibilities for probing gravity at the quantum level.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

UTA scientists test for quantum nature of gravity

Researchers at UTA used ultra-high energy neutrino particles to search for signatures of quantum gravity, but found no evidence of expected quantum gravitational effects. This non-observation represents a powerful statement about the still-unknown physics operating at the interface of quantum physics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

Revealing the quantumness of gravity

Researchers propose an experiment to test the quantum nature of gravity without relying on entanglement. By using massive harmonic oscillators, they aim to reveal the quantumness of gravity in a way that was previously challenging due to the difficulty in creating heavy mass states.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Curved spacetime in a quantum simulator

Researchers have developed a quantum simulator to study curved spacetime, demonstrating phenomena such as gravitational lensing effects in atomic clouds. This new tool provides a deeper understanding of the connection between relativity and quantum theory.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

A step towards quantum gravity

Researchers build on Peter Bergmann and Arthur Komar's work using Hamilton-Jacobi techniques to resolve the ambiguity in time development, a key challenge in reconciling general relativity with quantum mechanics. This approach deserves more recognition for its potential to lead to an eventual theory of quantum gravity.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateAug 12, 2022

A quantum wave in two crystals

A team of scientists has successfully built a neutron interferometer using two separate crystals, a major breakthrough in quantum physics. This achievement opens up new possibilities for quantum measurements and research on quantum effects in a gravitational field.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Quantum information theory: Quantum complexity grows linearly for an exponentially long time

Researchers proved a conjecture on quantum complexity growth, contradicting the Brown-Susskind intuition that complexity increases linearly for astronomically long times and then remains maximum. Instead, complexity grows linearly with time until it saturates at an exponential point related to system size.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Sensor breakthrough announced in Nature paves way for groundbreaking map of world under Earth surface

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have successfully used a quantum gravity gradiometer to detect an object hidden below ground, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive underground mapping, with potential applications in ind...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

From burglar alarms to black hole detectors

Physicists propose an experiment using entangled quantum systems in free fall to detect movements and test if gravity is a quantum phenomenon. The system can also be used to detect space debris, tectonic movements, and burglars, with potential applications for early earthquake warnings and movement sensors.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJun 8, 2021

Weak equivalence principle violated in gravitational waves

Research reveals that quantum particles can break a key principle of classical physics when passing through gravitational waves, opening up new possibilities for advanced materials and devices. This finding has significant implications for the development of gravitational wave detectors and potential energy harvesting technologies.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateOct 28, 2020

Deconstructing Schrödinger's cat

Laloë's theory combines adding a random term to the Schrödinger equation with another concept from de Broglie and Bohm, relating quantum collapse to the universal gravitational field. This approach can be applied to both macroscopic objects like cats and atoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 14, 2020