Nov 5, 2026 · 3 min listen · Last updated November 5, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, November 5th. The morning read — ten things in science worth the eight minutes. Let's get into it. First, from ScienceAlert. A Quantum Computer Could Crack Major Internet Encryption in Just 3 Days, Study Suggests.
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Daily Science Brief · November 5th
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A Quantum Computer Could Crack Major Internet Encryption in Just 3 Days, Study Suggests
A new study suggests that quantum computers could crack RSA-2048 encryption, which secures much of our online activity, in just over three days. Researchers from Alice & Bob, a quantum computing firm, estimate that using a specific type of qubit called a "cat qubit," they would need around 22,593 of them to break this encryption. This is a significant reduction from previous estimates, indicating rapid advancements in quantum technology.
While this sounds alarming, it's important to note that no one currently has a quantum computer with this capability. The largest existing setup has just over 6,100 qubits, and there are still many technical hurdles to overcome, such as stability and error rates. The researchers also highlighted that cracking Bitcoin's encryption would require a bit more qubit power, but again, this is theoretical for now.
The timeline for when these machines might become a reality is still uncertain, but the early 2030s could see significant progress. For now, RSA-2048 remains secure, but the research underscores the need for future-proofing our digital security as quantum computing evolves.
Earth atmosphere emulators could enable faster and more accurate weather predictions
If you partitioned the entire Earth, from just below the surface to the top of the atmosphere, into 1-kilometer-square chunks, there would be billions of them. Now run each of those cells through a series of complex physics equations, and you can see how the entire Earth system interacts and evolves in detail, one step at a time.
NASA navigation experiment shows promise for planetary landings
NASA has successfully demonstrated technology designed to help spacecraft autonomously navigate to safe landing sites on the moon and on other planets. An Alta-X drone equipped with the agency's Safe and Precise Landing—Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) guidance, navigation and control payload completed simulated lunar descent and landing maneuvers Aug. 27. The flight took place at Rogers Dry Lake near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
A carefully timed pair of light pulses can amplify the motion of atomic layers in a quantum material
The principle "Work smarter, not harder!" apparently also applies to controlling quantum materials with light. Many of their fascinating properties depend on how the atoms are arranged in the crystal. Ultrashort laser pulses can be used to alter these structures in a targeted way—the light first excites electrons, whose changed energy and dynamics exert forces on the atomic nuclei and can thereby set the atoms in motion. Such processes unfold within femtoseconds, a millionth of a billionth of a second.
Scientists reveal how cosignaling receptors dually regulate T cell activation via phase separation
Previous studies have shown that upon antigen stimulation, the T cell receptor (TCR) undergoes phase separation with the kinase Lck to mediate rapid T cell activation. However, the manner in which costimulating receptors regulate this process has remained unclear.
Centuries-old cemetery helps scientists link climate shocks to Industrial Revolution disease
Researchers have found a fascinating link between climate changes and the rise of diseases during England's Industrial Revolution, which spanned from about 1760 to 1840. While we often think of pollution and poor living conditions as the main culprits for health issues like rickets in children, this study suggests that shifts in climate played a significant role too.
The team examined a centuries-old cemetery and analyzed burial records, revealing that extreme weather events and changing temperatures contributed to the spread of diseases. This adds a new layer to our understanding of how environmental factors, alongside urbanization and socioeconomic challenges, impacted health during this transformative period.
By highlighting climate as a key factor, the findings encourage a broader perspective on public health and historical events. It’s a reminder that our environment can deeply influence our well-being, often in ways we might not immediately consider.