Month: April 2025

How measuring can shape reality

PhD student Harsh Rathee explores an experiment from Imperial’s Quantum Measurement Lab, which captures the peculiar nature of the quantum world.

Quantum physics is captivating yet perplexing, contrasting sharply with our everyday experiences. The allure and mystery surrounding the term “quantum” has unfortunately led to misconceptions in the general public. Hollywood has capitalised on this mystery, portraying quantum physics as the basis for instantaneous teleportation, time travel, and multiple dimensions.

While some of these explanations contain a kernel of truth, they often rely on a leap of faith to explain groundbreaking scientific advancements. However, it is important to note that the real-world progress in quantum technology is far from dull.

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Living with fire: adapting to changing wildfires risks in the Brazilian Amazon

Illustration of the diversity of land management and associated use of fires within the Brazilian Amazon (Illustration from Manini Bansal)

PhD student Michel Valette explain how multi-scalar and inter-disciplinary research could support adaptation to emerging wildfire risks and the development of integrated fire management policies.

In January 2025, the Los Angeles wildfires captured the media spotlight, partly due to the widespread destruction in urban areas, the risks to human life, and the astronomical costs associated with the wildfires. The Los Angeles wildfires add to a growing list of wildfires that have made headlines in recent years, such as the 2023 Canadian wildfires, the 2022 European wildfires, and the 2019–2020 Black Summer in Australia.

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