Science: Trio Awarded Nobel Prize in Physics for Work in Quantum Mechanics
This past Tuesday, scientists Dr. John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in Sweden for showing that two properties of quantum mechanics could be observed in a system large enough to see with the naked eye. In 1984 and 1985, the Nobel laureates discovered a phenomenon known as quantum mechanical tunneling in an electrical circuit, according to the Nobel Prize organization. Clarke told “CNN” that they “had not realized in any way that this might be the basis of a Nobel Prize” and that their research had laid the foundation for quantum computing and other technology, such as the cell phone.
Two people were killed and three people were seriously injured in an attack on a Manchester synagogue last Thursday. The attack, which police called an act of terrorism, occurred during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. “The New York Times” reports that the attacker was identified as Jihad al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, who used a car and a knife to carry out the attack. Officers on the scene responded by fatally shooting al-Shamie. According to “PBS,” UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned the violence, vowing to combat rising antisemitism.
Jane Goodall, a famous British primatologist known for her work with chimpanzees, passed away last Wednesday at 91 years old. Goodall was in California on a speaking tour of the U.S. at the time of her passing, according to the Jane Goodall Institute. Widely regarded as a pioneer in her field, Goodall recorded six decades worth of research with chimpanzees in Tanzania. According to “NPR,” her work established the intelligence and neural capabilities of chimpanzees, including their ability to use tools and display complex social structures. Sir David Attenborough and Prince William of Wales paid tribute to Goodall, praising her as “a great champion of environmental protection” according to “BBC.”
Politics: United States Government Shutdown
The U.S. government shut down last Wednesday for the first time since 2018. According to “CNN,” the shutdown is a result of Democrats pushing for the extension of Obamacare subsidies as part of the funding bill. On the other hand, Republicans have asserted that the issue can wait until the end of 2025. “The New York Times” reports that since both parties are currently locked in a stalemate, Congress feels as though the situation lacks urgency as government shutdowns have little political and economic impact overall. President Trump has threatened mass layoffs for federal employees, “CNBC” reports. As of now, the Senate has failed multiple times to pass a bill that would end the shutdown. Negotiations will likely remain deadlocked as neither side yields.
Conflict: Israel and Palestine Agree to Proceed with Peace Deal
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan as of this Wednesday. Last Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged support for a plan to secure the release of the remaining hostages and end the war in Gaza. The U.S. offered a 20-point peace plan which would immediately end Israel’s war, boost aid to Gaza, and require Hamas to release remaining Israeli hostages, “NBC” reports. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the conflict is now “closer to peace than ever before.” However, certain elements of the peace plan remain unclear and may prove to be sticking points, according to “The New York Times.”
