Author: James Carter

Physicists have demonstrated that quantum computers can crack a problem that is fundamentally impossible for classical systems — and the solution relies on a phenomenon Albert Einstein once dismissed as “spooky action at a distance.” Researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Hunter College of CUNY showed that quantum entanglement can substitute for physical labels when determining whether rearranging a set of particles requires an even or odd number of swaps. Classical systems cannot perform this task unless every particle is marked with a unique identifier. With four particles, four distinct labels are needed. But qubits — the quantum…

Scientists have analysed 140 million galaxies across six billion years of cosmic history in the most comprehensive study yet of the mysterious force accelerating the expansion of the universe. The Dark Energy Survey collaboration released results from its complete six-year dataset, producing constraints on how the universe behaves that are more than twice as strong as previous analyses. Dark energy accounts for approximately 70 per cent of the universe’s total content, yet remains one of the most poorly understood phenomena in physics. The findings largely support the standard model of cosmology, in which dark energy density remains constant over time.…

EasyJet is creating 130 jobs in the North East after announcing Newcastle as its newest UK base, with the first flights to Rome and Lisbon launching within months. The budget carrier confirmed the expansion will support around 1,200 jobs across the UK in total, while bringing two sought-after European destinations to the region for the first time in easyJet’s network. Lisbon is an entirely new route from Newcastle Airport, with officials confirming strong customer demand had driven the decision. Rome Fiumicino will provide a second Italian connection from the North East. Both services go on sale today, with one-way fares…

Londoners can travel for free on a new express bus service for the next seven days after Transport for London launched the SL11 Superloop this weekend. Pay as you go passengers using Oyster or contactless cards will not be charged during the promotional period, though they must still tap in when boarding. The SL11 connects North Greenwich and Abbey Wood, replacing the 472 bus which ran its final journey this weekend after serving the route for years. However, passengers will notice a significant change. As a Superloop service, the SL11 skips most of the stops previously served by the 472.…

South Africa’s most emphatic performance of the modern era was reduced to a footnote within minutes of the final whistle after Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with the eye area of Wales flanker Alex Mann. The incident, captured clearly by broadcast cameras, occurred in the 79th minute as both forward packs became embroiled in a scuffle following a passage of loose play. Etzebeth could be seen driving his thumb towards Mann’s eye — a movement detached from the momentum of the confrontation. Referee Mathieu Raynal issued a straight red card. What had been an 11-try, 73–0 demolition…

Yannick Agnel will stand trial on charges of rape and sexual assault after French prosecutors accused the double Olympic gold medallist of offences against a 13-year-old girl at locations including the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. The 33-year-old swimmer faces allegations that the acts took place across multiple sites — in Rio during the Olympics, in the French city of Mulhouse where he trained, and in Spain and Thailand, according to French judicial officials. The complainant is the daughter of Agnel’s former coach. She was 13 at the time of the alleged offences; he was 24. Agnel was first arrested…

Former world number one Lindsay Davenport has predicted Naomi Osaka will need to modify her on-court behaviour after the Japanese star’s vocal self-encouragement between opponent Sorana Cirstea’s serves sparked a furious row at the Australian Open. Davenport described the conduct as a violation of fundamental tennis etiquette, while Martina Navratilova told Tennis Channel that players cannot speak aloud between their opponent’s first and second serves. Navratilova suggested Osaka was likely unaware of the issue, saying she did not believe the 28-year-old acted deliberately. Jelena Djokovic, wife of Novak Djokovic, also weighed in on Instagram, questioning why match officials had not…

Water companies released raw sewage into England’s rivers and seas for a record 3.61 million hours in 2024, as campaigners warned that proposed government reforms fail to address the fundamental problems of a privatised system. The government has announced what it describes as the biggest overhaul of the water industry since privatisation, including unannounced inspections, regular MOT-style checks and mandatory water efficiency labels on household appliances. However, environmental groups said the measures did not confront the root causes of the crisis. Surfers Against Sewage chief executive Giles Bristow described the proposals as “frankly insulting,” arguing that as long as the…

The future living arrangements for Muick and Sandy, the corgis inherited from Queen Elizabeth II, remain uncertain as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor prepares to relocate to a property governed by decades-old rules on animal residents. The former Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson adopted the dogs following the late Queen’s death in 2022. When questions arose about the pets during the planned move, Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement confirming only that “the corgis will remain with the family.” Dogs on the Sandringham estate are assessed on a case-by-case basis, meaning any application to keep them at Marsh Farm would…

Ronnie O’Sullivan will resume his career at the German Masters next week, nearly two months after his last competitive match and following his withdrawal from the Masters on medical grounds. The 50-year-old, who turned professional in 1992, must first win a heldover qualifying match against Chinese player Long Zehuang before facing Ali Carter in the first round proper at Berlin’s Tempodrom venue. O’Sullivan had been scheduled to play Neil Robertson at Alexandra Palace earlier this month but pulled out citing illness. Sources indicated the Dubai-based player had been experiencing fatigue and did not feel physically capable of competing at elite…