These clocks, which measure time by using an ultra-stable laser to monitor the resonant frequency of atoms, are now precise enough that if they ran for the age of the universe, they would lose less than one second.
The discovery of the muon originally confounded physicists. Today international experiments are using the previously perplexing particle to gain a new understanding of our world.
Physicists are finding ways to contribute to projects related to epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, supporting healthcare systems, and studying public sentiment.
Physicist Cristiano Galbiati shifted focus from the search for dark matter to the shortage of ventilators for COVID-19 patients. The collaboration he began created an easy-to-manufacture ventilator in less than two months.
The group Science Responds harnesses physicists’ expertise in fields like data science, statistics and software development to support efforts to respond to COVID-19.