Daily briefing: Physics Nobel for quantum tunnelling on a macroscopic scale

"Physicists John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis have won the Nobel Prize in Physics for demonstrating quantum physics on the macroscopic scale. The trio created an experiment in which quantum tunnelling could be observed in a special circuit made with two superconductors separated by a thin barrier, known as a Josephson junction. "Observing quantum phenomena in a 'dirty' macroscopic circuit still seems surprising to me today," says experimental physicist Nathalie de Leon."

"A group of US researchers, physicians and public-health specialists, many of them volunteers, have launched a project to review the scientific literature to guide the immunization recommendations that professional societies issue to clinicians. The Vaccine Integrity Project's review follows changes to the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which issues vaccine recommendations for the US population. Earlier this year, US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr fired the entire panel and hand-picked 12 new members."

John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis received the Nobel Prize in Physics for experiments that demonstrated quantum tunnelling in macroscopic superconducting circuits built with Josephson junctions. The experiment showed quantum phenomena in circuits formed from two superconductors separated by a thin barrier and has driven large efforts toward superconducting qubits. A group of US researchers, physicians and public-health specialists launched the Vaccine Integrity Project to review immunization literature and guide clinical recommendations after changes to the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Volunteer clinicians emphasize the importance of an independent, unbiased review of vaccination data. Neurons can pass messages through tiny tubes, indicating alternative cellular communication pathways.

Read at Nature