Physics World Weekly Podcast

Ada Altieri, an associate professor specializing in theoretical ecology, and Silvia De Monte, a senior research scientist with expertise in evolutionary biology, dive into the intersection of physics and ecology. They discuss how statistical physics models can illuminate complex ecosystems, from predator-prey interactions to the intricate world of the human gut microbiome. The duo explores the challenges and potential of modeling these systems, highlighting their relevance in addressing gut disorders and predicting ecological tipping points.

Travis Humble, the Director of the Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, shares insights on pioneering quantum materials and technologies. He discusses the significance of collaborations among national labs, universities, and industries. Humble highlights advancements in quantum sensing and communication, including efforts towards a quantum internet. Key topics also include the integration of quantum computing with supercomputing to enhance scientific simulations. The future looks bright as Oak Ridge continues to drive innovation through its multidisciplinary approach.

This podcast features an interview with Sara Alderweireldt, who is a physicist working on the ATLAS experiment at CERN – the world-famous physics lab that straddles the Swiss-French border and is home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Based at the UK’s University of Edinburgh, Alderweireldt is in conversation with Physics World’s Margaret Harris and explains how physicists sift through the vast amount of information produced by ATLAS’ myriad detectors in search of new physics. They also chat about the ongoing high-luminosity upgrade to the LHC and its experiments – which will be finished in 2030 – and the challenges and rewards of working a very long term project.

According to a recent white paper from the UK’s National Association of Disabled Staff Networks, 22% of working-age people in the UK have a disability compared to less than 7% of people working in science. At the upper echelons of science, only 4% of senior academic positions are filled with people with disabilities and just 1% of research grant applications to UK Research and Innovation are from researchers who disclose being disabled. These disappointing statistics are reported in “Towards a fully inclusive environment for disabled people in STEMM” and this podcast features an interview with one of its authors – the physicist Francesca Doddato. Based at Lancaster University, Doddato tells Physics World’s Michael Banks about the challenges facing scientists with disabilities – and calls for decision makers to engage with the issues and to remove barriers.

Hannah Earley, a mathematician and physicist and co-founder of Vaire Computing, dives into the revolutionary world of reversible computing. She explains how this technology could dramatically slash energy consumption in AI applications. The discussion covers the evolution from theoretical concepts to tangible hardware, including innovative prototypes currently under development. Earley also touches on how specialized logic gates, like Toffoli and Fredkin, can enhance overall computing efficiency while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Tracy Northup, a Professor at the University of Innsbruck specializing in quantum interfaces, and Peter Zoller, an Emeritus professor and renowned expert in quantum information, reflect on a century of quantum physics. They discuss Werner Heisenberg's groundbreaking legacy and the significance of Helgoland in the evolution of quantum mechanics. The conversation explores the future of quantum technology, the interplay between AI and physics, and the necessity for in-person collaboration in scientific discourse, amidst emerging innovations and ethical considerations.

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast we explore the career opportunities open to physicists and engineers looking to work within healthcare – as medical physicists or clinical engineers. Physics World’s Tami Freeman is in conversation with two early-career physicists working in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). They are Rachel Allcock, a trainee clinical scientist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, and George Bruce, a clinical scientist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We also hear from Chris Watt, head of communications and public affairs at IPEM, about the new IPEM careers guide. This episode was created in collaboration with IPEM, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. IPEM owns the journal Physics in Medicine & Biology. This episode is supported by Radformation, which is redefining automation in radiation oncology with a full suite of tools designed to streamline clinical workflows and boost efficiency. At the centre of it all is AutoContour, a powerful AI-driven autocontouring solution trusted by centres worldwide.

Richard Bond, a leading theorist at the University of Toronto, and George Efstathiou, emeritus professor at Cambridge, share their groundbreaking work on the cosmic microwave background (CMB). They discuss how CMB observations offer a glimpse into the universe's infancy and reveal insights into dark matter, one of physics' biggest puzzles. Their collaboration showcases the fusion of theoretical and experimental astrophysics, underlining the significance of technological advancements like the COBE satellite in shaping our understanding of cosmic evolution.

Bob Coecke, chief scientist at Quantinuum, shares his groundbreaking approach to teaching quantum physics through diagrams, making it accessible to everyone. Joining him is Arjan Dhawan, a mathematics student who participated in a summer course aimed at teenagers. They discuss the urgency of understanding quantum concepts as technology evolves, the surprising success of students mastering complex ideas, and the benefits of visual learning in grasping challenging topics, all designed to engage a broader audience in the quantum revolution.

Margaret Harris, a knowledgeable colleague at Physics World, discusses the recent discovery of auroras on Mars by NASA's Perseverance Rover, shedding light on planetary atmospheres. She also contemplates the ultimate fate of the universe and the future of white dwarf stars. Matin Durrani shares intriguing insights about Werner Heisenberg's pivotal retreat to Helgoland in 1925, where he developed crucial quantum mechanics principles. The conversation rounds off with innovative uses of neutron science for authenticating antique coins, revealing fascinating intersections between physics and history.