Debugging a quantum processor
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck, together with partners from Sydney and Waterloo, have presented a new diagnostic method for quantum computers. It makes errors in individual quantum bits visible during logical calculation and evaluates them. The new method was demonstrated on an ion trap quantum processor in Innsbruck. It can be used to identify critical error sources —a key to developing more robust, fault-tolerant quantum processors.
Stressed soil: How drought is changing grassland
How will the future of our soils - and thus also water availability - be shaped by the effects of impending climate change? An international study led by Jesse Radolinski and Michael Bahn from the Department of Ecology at the University of Innsbruck shows how drought, warming and increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are changing existing hydrological processes in soils and challenging the resilience of ecosystems. The findings were published in the journal Science.
A molecular fountain of youth for the brain
What happens in the brain as we age? Might it be at all possible to rejuvenate nerve cells? Seeking answers to these questions, a research group led by Frank Edenhofer at the Department of Molecular Biology has succeeded for the first time in observing mini-brains age.
Why me? Depression in the brain scan
What distinguishes individuals who are susceptible to depression from others? And why do some respond better to treatment than others? An international data platform seeks to harness artificial intelligence to provide a better understanding of depression. Researchers from Innsbruck are participating in the project by analyzing brain scan data.
A supersolid made using photons
Manuele Landini from the University of Innsbruck was part of an international team led by researchers at CNR Nanotec in Lecce, Italy, that has demonstrated the emergence of a supersolid phase of matter in a photonic crystal polariton condensate. This pioneering work, published in Nature, introduces a new platform for exploring supersolidity beyond traditional ultracold atomic systems.
First OS for quantum networks created
An international research team including the group led by Tracy Northup has developed the first operating system designed for quantum networks: QNodeOS. The research, published in Nature, marks a major step forward in transforming quantum networking from a theoretical concept to a practical technology that could revolutionize the future of the internet.
Thousands of dwarf galaxies discovered
The European Space Agency ESA today published new data from its Euclid space telescope. These used for a galactic census undertaken by astronomer Francine Marleau and her team at the Department of Astro- and Particle Physics at the University of Innsbruck: In Euclid images the scientists identified and characterized 2,674 dwarf galaxies.
New type of quantum computer studies the dance of elementary particles
The study of elementary particles and forces is of central importance to our understanding of the universe. Now a team of physicists from the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo show how an unconventional type of quantum computer opens a new door to the world of elementary particles.
High-Resolution Estimates of Anemia in Children in Low- and Middle-income Countries
Children living in poverty often suffer from anemia, a condition linked to serious health risks. A research team led by statistical experts from the University of Innsbruck has now provided high-resolution estimates of anemia prevalence among children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Their model-based analysis draws on a dataset comprising around 750,000 observations from 37 countries.
Hot Schrödinger cat states created
Quantum states can only be prepared and observed under highly controlled conditions. A research team from Innsbruck, Austria, has now succeeded in creating so-called hot Schrödinger cat states in a superconducting microwave resonator. The study, recently published in Science Advances, shows that quantum phenomena can also be observed and used in less perfect, warmer conditions.
Celestial spectacle witnessed
A recent study reports the first direct observation of merging star clusters in the nuclear region of dwarf galaxies in Nature. The team was studying observations from the Hubble Space telescope, which were led by Francine Marleau from the University of Innsbruck. This detection confirms the feasibility of this formation route for nuclei in dwarf galaxies, which has long been debated.
Novel quantum architecture
Innsbruck physicists have presented a new architecture for improved quantum control of microwave resonators. In a recently published study, they show how a superconducting fluxonium qubit can be selectively coupled and decoupled with a microwave resonator and without additional components. This makes potentially longer storage times possible.
Research group investigates gene mutations responsible for rare diseases
Voltage-gated calcium channels are associated with numerous diseases. A new research group led by Nadine Ortner from the Institute of Pharmacy at the University of Innsbruck is now focusing on gene mutations that impair the function of a specific channel subtype known as CaV1.3. The five-person interdisciplinary team is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) with 1.64 million euros.
Observing one-dimensional anyons
Scientists led by Hanns-Christoph Nägerl have observed anyons - quasiparticles that differ from the familiar fermions and bosons - in a one-dimensional quantum system for the first time. The results, published in Nature, may contribute to a better understanding of quantum matter and its potential applications.
“String breaking” observed in 2D quantum simulator
An international team led by Innsbruck quantum physicist Peter Zoller, together with the US company QuEra Computing, has directly observed a gauge field theory similar to models from particle physics in a two-dimensional analog quantum simulator for the first time. The study, published in Nature, opens up new possibilities for research into fundamental physical phenomena.
Major Weather Research Initiative in the Alps
From 16 June to 25 July, an international team led by meteorologists from the University of Innsbruck is conducting extensive measurements in the Inn and Adige valleys, the Sarntal Alps, and the Bavarian Alpine foothills. The data will help deepen our understanding of air exchange processes over mountainous terrain and the links between local, regional, and global weather processes. As part of a year-long observational campaign data are also collected using research aircraft.