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![Velocity-distribution data (3 views) for gas of rubidium atoms, confirming the discovery of a new phase of matter, the Bose–Einstein condensate. Left: just before the appearance of a Bose–Einstein condensate. Center: just after the appearance of the condensate. Right: after further evaporation, leaving a sample of nearly pure condensate.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fi6Ggmq7NQqEhsKeE74VPd-320-80.jpg)
Bose-Einstein condensate: The fifth state of matter
By Jesse Emspak last updated
A Bose-Einstein condensate is a strange form of matter in which extremely cold atoms demonstrate collective behavior and act like a single "super atom."
![An artist's illustration of a whirlpool.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9LrpJpULzXvzUEtLpMBELS-320-80.jpg)
Physicists make record-breaking 'quantum vortex' to study the mysteries of black holes
By Ben Turner published
Physicists created a 'quantum vortex,' which flows with 500 times less viscosity than water and could be used to study the space-time warping caused by black holes.
![A close-up image of a diamond's shimmering facets on a rainbow background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L7aYqcxgDhgqCJkm47ty4n-320-80.jpg)
Rare 'super-diamonds' may already exist on other planets, and could be made on Earth, study hints
By Stephanie Pappas published
A simulated form of carbon called BC8, or 'super-diamond', could be 30% tougher than normal diamonds, but synthesizing it on Earth won't be easy.
![The full view of the James Webb Space Telescope's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument reveals a 50 light-years-wide portion of the Milky Way’s dense center. An estimated 500,000 stars shine in this image of the Sagittarius C (Sgr C) region, along with some as-yet unidentified features.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y6C7mqSUN8XqrmmEGV79mM-320-80.jpg)
'Emergent gravity' could force us to rewrite the laws of physics
By Paul Sutter published
The idea of emergent gravity is still new and requires a lot of assumptions in its calculations to make it work. But if experimental evidence ever proves it real, we would need to totally rewrite the laws of physics.
![The number pi written out on a blackboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TubD4kEAtmc9NDfa43Jw3-320-80.jpg)
Pi calculated to 105 trillion digits, smashing world record
By Harry Baker published
A U.S. computer storage company has calculated the irrational number pi to 105 trillion digits, breaking the previous world record. The calculations took 75 days to complete and used up 1 million gigabytes of data.
![A piece of debris thought to belong to MH370 on display in 2019.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zkf4oLYaJRxSK6iJmbqBfT-320-80.jpg)
Flight MH370 vanished 10 years ago. Will it ever be found?
By Charitha Pattiaratchi published
Malaysia airlines flight 370 disappeared somewhere in the Indian ocean a decade ago. Now, Malaysia's transport minister wants to renew the search for the missing airplane.
![Illustrated GIF of planets orbiting the sun.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SxAWGcZdwPwVFVmNybbAzJ-320-80.gif)
Can you solve NASA's Pi Day 2024 riddle?
By Meredith Garofalo published
Hungry for Pi? Check out NASA's Pi Day challenge and put your wits to the test solving problems just like NASA scientists and engineers.
![An illustration of the mathematical symbol pi etched into a piece of pi on a green background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5KPdF9Dn56gLFnc6dDfLrf-320-80.jpg)
12 surprising facts about pi to chew on this Pi Day
By Tia Ghose published
On Pi Day (March 14) we celebrate perhaps the most iconic irrational number on Earth. From its ancient origins to the unanswered questions, here are some of the most surprising facts about pi.
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