Emily Buder

Quantum computers aren’t the next generation of supercomputers — they’re something else entirely. Before we can even begin to talk about their potential applications, we need to understand the fundamental physics that drives the theory of quantum computing.

At the heart of every galaxy lies one of the most mysterious objects in the universe: a supermassive black hole. Millions to billions of times the mass of our sun, these giants power astrophysical jets, one of the most energetic processes known to physics.

With constructor theory, Chiara Marletto is working toward a meta-theory more fundamental than even our most foundational physics — deeper than general relativity, subtler than quantum mechanics.

Lucía Pérez-Díaz explores the mysteries of plate tectonics.

Volcanic eruptions are intimately connected with life. Scientists are using the current eruptions in Iceland to understand the possible history of life on Mars.

Rediet Abebe uses the tools of theoretical computer science to understand pressing social problems — and try to fix them.

The zoologist Arik Kershenbaum of the University of Cambridge discusses convergent evolution, animal communications and why life throughout the universe may have certain common features.

Po-Shen Loh believes math education needs an overhaul. And he knows a thing or two about it—he’s resurrected the United States International Mathematical Olympiad team, leading it to four first-place rankings in the last six years as the team’s head coach.

To understand what epidemiological models can tell us, it helps to first understand what they can’t.