Saturday, March 21, 2026

Australian scientists at CSIRO have developed the world's first proof-of-concept quantum battery that charges faster as it gets larger, demonstrating a counterintuitive quantum effect that could transform energy storage in the future.^[1]

Scientists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider have discovered a new subatomic particle called Ξcc⁺ (Xi‑cc‑plus), a heavy proton-like particle containing two charm quarks and one down quark—the first particle discovered using the upgraded LHCb detector.^[2]

The European Space Agency has re-established communication with its Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft after losing contact for over a month, with the solar-observing satellite now stable in safe mode as engineers conduct health checks.^[3]

An international research team has created a global sorghum 'pangenome'—a comprehensive genetic map of the climate-resilient crop—to accelerate the discovery of traits that help crops thrive under heat, drought, and unpredictable growing conditions.^[4]

NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft is undergoing engine testing at Armstrong Flight Research Center in preparation for its second test flight, as the experimental jet aims to break the sound barrier without producing thunderous sonic booms.^[5]

NASA's Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft have rolled out to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, with the agency targeting an April 1 launch that would send four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.^[6]

A new Cornell University study found that spending even five minutes in natural outdoor environments helps lower stress and anxiety, suggesting that organizational policies encouraging workplace nature breaks could provide a low-cost intervention to improve well-being.^[7]

European Union leaders met in Brussels and called for de-escalation and maximum restraint in the Middle East conflict, pressing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran enters its 21st day.^[8]

The Republic of the Congo will hold its presidential election on March 22, with incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso, 82, seeking re-election after his ruling party confirmed its support for the veteran leader who has governed for most of the past four decades.^[9]