A One-Atom Computer & The Genetics of Mathematical Ability (Patreon)

Non-Dusting Surfaces

Researchers from the University of Texas have imprinted surfaces with nanometer-sized pyramids and found it to drastically increase the amount of dust that just slips off. They produced the method to prevent dust from sticking to devices in outer space, where no one’s around to dust them, but the discovery might also reduce the need for cleaning agents for solar panels and windows. Paper here, press release here, and a short video here.

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Mathematical Ability May Be Partly Genetic

A study of more than 1000 Chinese children in elementary school found that mathematical and reasoning skills were strongly linked to several genetic variants. Paper here, press release here.

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Researchers Propose a One-Atom Computer

A group from Tulane University in Louisiana has shown that, at least theoretically, even a single atom can be used to perform calculations. They envision this would be done by shining light onto the atom, with the calculation result then extracted from the outgoing light. Paper here, press release here.