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Close-up portrait of a man reaching for something in a laboratory.

Searching for Dark Matter with a Tabletop ‘Quantum Compass’

The physicist Alex Sushkov has developed one of the most targeted magnetic resonance experiments to date with the aim of detecting a hypothetical dark matter particle called the axion.


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Erich Jarvis on Theories About the Origin of Vocal Learning

January 30, 2018

Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis discusses how the brain circuitry for vocal learning in songbirds and humans evolved from systems for controlling body movements and why so few species have this ability.

Ed Boyden on the Promise of Expansion Microscopy

January 18, 2018

Ed Boyden explains how expansion microscopy could illuminate deep mysteries about how the brain works and improve cancer diagnosis, among other advances.

Richard Schwartz: In Praise of Simple Problems

January 9, 2018

Mathematician Richard Schwartz talks about why he’s attracted to the hidden depths of simple problems.

Corina Tarnita: First Understand Nature’s Rules

December 20, 2017

Corina Tarnita argues that to fully appreciate nature, you must first understand its rules.

Minhyong Kim: Connecting Number Theory to Physics

December 20, 2017

Minhyong Kim wanted to make sure he had concrete results in number theory before he admitted that his ideas were inspired by physics.

Federico Ardila: A Mathematician Who Dances to the Joys and Sorrows of Discovery

November 15, 2017

Federico Ardila on the joys and challenges of teaching math and helping students find their mathematical voice.

Michael Assis: The Atomic Theory of Origami

October 31, 2017

Michael Assis demonstrates how defects can be used to tune the properties of Miura-ori origami.

Nigel Goldenfeld: Seeing Emergent Physics Behind Evolution

August 31, 2017

Nigel Goldenfeld explains how condensed matter physics provides insights into the collective state of early life on Earth.