Graphene Defies Fundamental Law of Physics in Major Breakthrough

• Researchers published the most thorough study of cosmic expansion in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics on April 10, combining decades of research to derive the most precise Hubble constant yet while confirming that tension between early and late-universe measurements persists. • The study, launched at an International Space Science Institute Breakthrough Workshop in Bern, Switzerland in March 2025, expanded the cosmic distance ladder into a comprehensive survey called the Local Distance Network, achieving a goal considered 'potentially unreachable' a decade ago. • Study co-author Richard Anderson from the University of Göttingen stated that the Hubble tension reveals that 'something's missing' in the current understanding of basic physics on cosmological scales.

• Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers created superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) using transition metal silicides, compatible with silicon manufacturing processes. • The technique adapts standard electronics methods, marking a milestone for scalable quantum systems on April 14, 2026. • This bridges gaps in quantum computing hardware by enabling integration with existing semiconductor fabs.

• Preliminary data from the Simonyi Survey Telescope at NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory revealed over 11,000 new asteroids, including hundreds beyond Neptune and 33 near-Earth objects. • University of Washington scientists contributed to the ultrafast alerting system detecting up to seven million cosmic changes nightly. • Findings enhance solar system mapping and planetary defense efforts.

• U.S. Energy Secretary visited the DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics, the largest magnetic fusion research site in the United States, on April 14, 2026. • During the tour, Secretary Wright, along with executives Gil and Prochaska, engaged with DOE-funded scientists and engineers advancing fusion power plant technologies. • The visit highlights fusion as a promising energy breakthrough, with the secretary calling it 'what powers the stars and why I went to MIT.'

• Researchers at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) directly measured the proton capture reaction of arsenic-73 forming selenium-74, the lightest p-nucleus, using a rare isotope beam. • Led by Artemis Tsantiri, the study involved over 45 scientists from 20 U.S., Canadian, and European institutions, published in Physical Review Letters. • This first-of-its-kind experiment sharpens models of p-nuclei formation, proton-rich heavy isotopes that have puzzled astronomers.

• Texas A&M researchers developed a nasal spray therapy that reverses brain aging by healing inflammation and restoring memory function. • The treatment targets age-related cognitive decline, turning 'brain fog to brain focus' in preclinical models. • Announced on April 14, 2026, it reshapes future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

• Researchers have developed a compact CRISPR system capable of achieving up to 90% efficiency in targeted in-body gene editing applications. • The breakthrough addresses previous limitations of CRISPR technology, enabling more precise genetic modifications for therapeutic purposes. • This advancement could significantly improve treatment options for genetic disorders and certain cancers by allowing safer, more effective gene therapy interventions.

• Artificial intelligence has identified new materials significantly stronger than conventional metal alloys through machine learning analysis of material combinations. • MIT researchers used AI to discover a 3D printable aluminum alloy that demonstrates five times greater strength, with efficiency improving dramatically under specific conditions. • This AI-driven materials discovery could accelerate development of advanced materials for aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing applications.

• Scientists at INRS have identified a family of enzymes known as Ssn that can make targeted cuts in single-stranded DNA, a capability never before achieved. • This discovery fills a major gap in biotechnology by providing new tools for DNA manipulation and genetic engineering applications. • The breakthrough has significant implications for advancing biotechnology research and developing new therapeutic approaches.

• Arizona State University's Extreme Environments Lab tests semiconductor technologies under harsh conditions mimicking those in low Earth orbit, where temperatures swing from minus 85°F to over 250°F and radiation exposure exceeds 100 times natural Earth levels annually. • The lab supports the Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub, serving government and industry partners designing technologies for demanding applications including space stations, missile defense systems, and geothermal energy equipment. • This research capability extends to supporting radiation therapy, nuclear energy systems, and advanced scientific tools such as quantum computers, addressing critical reliability challenges for space-based microchips that cannot be serviced for a decade or more.

• Climate scientists have discovered that nitrous oxide, a key greenhouse gas, has a shorter atmospheric lifetime than previously modeled, decreasing more rapidly than expected. • This unexpected finding is significantly altering climate projections and forcing researchers to recalibrate their long-term climate models and predictions. • The discovery underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and reassessment of greenhouse gas behavior in the atmosphere, with implications for future climate policy and environmental planning.