Latest news with #Sardinian
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bizarre Quantum Universe
In 2022 three scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physics for proving something astonishing: the universe is not locally real. In other words, particles don't have fixed properties until they are measured. Although it seems to counter everything we perceive, the discovery was established by some of the most rigorous experiments ever conducted, and it aligns with a prediction Albert Einstein and his colleagues made almost 100 years ago: that particles strangely influence one another, even across vast distances. Today quantum strangeness is no longer confined to theory. Researchers are entangling objects large enough to see, quantum computers are on the cusp of solving problems no classical machine can touch, and speculative ideas such as vacuum decay and alternative realities are serious science. The quantum era has arrived. Bizarre quantum dynamics underpin our view of reality: Time travels forward for us, but in the quantum world, it may flow in two directions. Gravity itself may follow quantum rules. Quantum mechanics supports the possibility of alternative universes, but even if they exist, we can't access them (and probably shouldn't anyway). Some physicists argue that quantum rules dictate that everything in the universe is preordained, making free will an illusion, so we might as well accept our current reality. These insights are fueling tremendous scientific innovation. The strongest force in nature, which binds together quarks inside protons and neutrons, may be dictated by quantum interactions. Scientists have found that electrons swarm in a soup of quantum entanglement in a recently discovered class of materials called strange metals. An experiment housed deep underground in a Sardinian mine is designed to determine the weight of empty space—yes, it weighs something—and thereby isolate particles predicted by quantum field theory. To better understand the most inexplicable behavior of quantum particles, physicists have created lattices out of light waves that simulate solid materials. [Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter] If many universes exist, the stars and planets that were able to form in ours could be the best evidence for them. But even how matter exists in the first place is a mystery to physicists. The universe seems stable, but an unlikely shift in the Higgs field, a quantum field that pervades all of space, could trigger a bubble that passes through the universe, annihilating all matter. Perhaps the most tangible application of quantum discovery is in computing. The key to quantum computing is the qubit, and it promises to make electronic machines obsolete. In a type of computing arms race, researchers are trying to build systems that can withstand the might of future quantum-armed hackers. Despite the hype and parade of press announcements from big tech, however, so far no company has achieved 'quantum advantage'—that is, a quantum computer able to solve a problem no classical computer can. For corporeal creatures such as humans, grappling with a universe that might not be singular, time that moves in many directions, and matter that both does and does not exist is mind-bending, to say the least. Two giants in early quantum theory, Werner Heisenberg and John Bell, speculated that because we perceive as we do, the mind, in a sense, defines quantum interactions. Its implications are cosmic, but the quantum realm is definitively a human one.
Scientific American
2 days ago
- General
- Scientific American
Bizarre Quantum Universe
In 2022 three scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physics for proving something astonishing: the universe is not locally real. In other words, particles don't have fixed properties until they are measured. Although it seems to counter everything we perceive, the discovery was established by some of the most rigorous experiments ever conducted, and it aligns with a prediction Albert Einstein and his colleagues made almost 100 years ago: that particles strangely influence one another, even across vast distances. Today quantum strangeness is no longer confined to theory. Researchers are entangling objects large enough to see, quantum computers are on the cusp of solving problems no classical machine can touch, and speculative ideas such as vacuum decay and alternative realities are serious science. The quantum era has arrived. Bizarre quantum dynamics underpin our view of reality: Time travels forward for us, but in the quantum world, it may flow in two directions. Gravity itself may follow quantum rules. Quantum mechanics supports the possibility of alternative universes, but even if they exist, we can't access them (and probably shouldn't anyway). Some physicists argue that quantum rules dictate that everything in the universe is preordained, making free will an illusion, so we might as well accept our current reality. These insights are fueling tremendous scientific innovation. The strongest force in nature, which binds together quarks inside protons and neutrons, may be dictated by quantum interactions. Scientists have found that electrons swarm in a soup of quantum entanglement in a recently discovered class of materials called strange metals. An experiment housed deep underground in a Sardinian mine is designed to determine the weight of empty space —yes, it weighs something—and thereby isolate particles predicted by quantum field theory. To better understand the most inexplicable behavior of quantum particles, physicists have created lattices out of light waves that simulate solid materials. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. If many universes exist, the stars and planets that were able to form in ours could be the best evidence for them. But even how matter exists in the first place is a mystery to physicists. The universe seems stable, but an unlikely shift in the Higgs field, a quantum field that pervades all of space, could trigger a bubble that passes through the universe, annihilating all matter. Perhaps the most tangible application of quantum discovery is in computing. The key to quantum computing is the qubit, and it promises to make electronic machines obsolete. In a type of computing arms race, researchers are trying to build systems that can withstand the might of future quantum-armed hackers. Despite the hype and parade of press announcements from big tech, however, so far no company has achieved 'quantum advantage' —that is, a quantum computer able to solve a problem no classical computer can. For corporeal creatures such as humans, grappling with a universe that might not be singular, time that moves in many directions, and matter that both does and does not exist is mind-bending, to say the least. Two giants in early quantum theory, Werner Heisenberg and John Bell, speculated that because we perceive as we do, the mind, in a sense, defines quantum interactions. Its implications are cosmic, but the quantum realm is definitively a human one.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Blue Zones-inspired soup that could 'make you live to 100'
This dish is a staple recipe among some of the world's longest-living people A chef has shared a simple soup recipe that could 'make you live to 100.' Packed with flavour and nutrients, this dish is a staple among some of the world 's longest-living people. According to experts, minestrone soup is an ideal Blue Zones-inspired meal we should all eat more of. Blue Zones are areas of the world with the highest number of centenarians and lowest rates of chronic diseases. The first identified Blue Zone was Sardinia in Italy. Part of the staying power of Sardinians is thought to be their diet. On its website, Blue Zones LLC explains that their diet is packed with whole foods such as whole grains, beans and vegetables. It says: 'The classic Sardinian diet consists of whole-grain bread, beans, garden vegetables, fruits, and, in some parts of the island, mastic oil. 'Sardinians also traditionally eat pecorino cheese made from grass-fed sheep, whose cheese is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Meat is largely reserved for Sundays and special occasions.' Dan Buettner, who founded Blue Zones LLC, included minestrone soup in his recipe book as a key example of Sardinian cuisine because it is rich in beans, lentils, and vegetables and 'keeps your inflammation in check and your immune system strong.' With this in mind, a content creator shared her simple recipe for a minestrone soup on YouTube. Ayeh Manfre, who is known for her channel Cooking With Ayeh, said this soup will 'make you live to 100'. For the recipe, you will need: Olive oil Onion Carrot Celery Bay leaves Garlic Tomato paste Potato Dried lentils Vegetable stock Parmesan rind Cannellini beans Pastina (small pasta) Spinach In the video, she said: 'This is my Italian minestrone soup and it'll make you live to 100. Start by sautéing an onion, carrots and celery with salt and some bay leaves. 'Add garlic, tomato paste and fry them down. Add a [cubed] potato, some dried lentils, veggie stock and a parmesan rind for extra flavour. 'Add a can of cannellini beans and the key to making the ultimate minestra is to blend two cups which makes it nice and creamy. Add your favourite pastina and some spinach right at the end.' Ayeh drizzled on some olive oil at the end.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Forbes
The 10 Best Hidden Places In Europe For 2025
Colorful houses in the town of Bosa, founded in 1112 along the Temo River on the west coast of the Italian island of Sardinia One in a small hill in the west coast of Sardinia, the other located on Lake Como, Bosa and Nesso are two 'secret' picturesque Italian villages that are at the top of the list of places in Europe ranked as 'Best Hidden Gems' by European Best Destinations. In a year when the best-known destinations of Europe brace for another season of massive overtourism, the new list offers a 'slower', more soulful kind of travel with unspoiled alternatives away from the typical tourist trails (and travails). 'With picturesque villages, gorgeous hill towns, seaside resorts, medieval hamlets among vineyards and lakes, Europe abounds with 'secret' destinations for those looking to be away from the crowds,' says EBD. 'While Europe's most iconic cities attract millions each year, the continent's true magic often lies far from the crowds. Tucked between mountains, along forgotten coastlines, and nestled in valleys untouched by time, these destinations offer something rare: authenticity.' The new ranking is an invitation to wander from the pastel-hued streets of Bosa in Sardinia to the thermal bliss of Saturnia's natural springs in Tuscany and from the timeless beauty of Halki, a car-free Greek island where life moves to the rhythm of the sea, to the rose-colored alleys of Albarracín in Spain. The EBD's list, based on votes by more than one million travelers from 172 countries encourages you to embark on a journey 'to these lesser-known locales and discover the diverse and captivating experiences that await beyond Europe's well-trodden paths.' The access to some of them is not always as easy as going to Paris, for example, but it's precisely their remoteness that has preserved them — raw, real, and waiting to be explored. Am aerial view of Bosa town on Sardinia island, Italy, with the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Temo river Renowned for its colorful houses and the medieval Malaspina Castle, Bosa is situated about two-thirds of the way up the west coast of Sardinia, on a small hill about three kilometers inland on the north bank of the Temo River. 'Stroll through the historic center, explore the castle, and relax on the nearby Bosa Marina beach,' EBD recommends. Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Sardinian dishes like "porceddu" (roast suckling pig) and "seadas" (cheese-filled pastries drizzled with honey). Don't miss a glass of the local wine, Malvasia di Bosa. How to get there: Book flights to Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO). From there, Bosa is approximately a one-hour drive of about 55 kilometers via SP49 and SP105. Aerial view of Nesso, a picturesque village sitting on the banks of Lake Como, Italy The picturesque village of Nesso, located on Lake Como, is famous for being split in half — literally — by its natural gorge and waterfall, the "Orrido di Nesso." On the western branch of Lake Como, it's known for its authentic charm and historic stone-paved alleys. The ancient Roman bridge, Ponte della Civera, offers stunning views. Local Cuisine: Enjoy lake fish specialties including 'missoltini' (sun-dried shad) and 'risotto al pesce persico' (risotto with perch). How to get there: Book flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Nesso is about a 90-minute drive (75 kilometersm) via the A9 and SP583 roads. Volcanic crater Caldeirao in Corvo Island near Flores, Azores, Portugal The volcanic solitude of Corvo Island, the smallest of the Azores islands, is an invitation to peace and reflection. The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic composed of nine major islands and an islet cluster, including Corvo. The islands are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas. Corvo boasts the stunning Caldeirão, a large volcanic crater with lakes and islets. The island's only village, Vila do Corvo, offers a glimpse into traditional Azorean life. Local Cuisine: Try 'caldo de peixe' (fish soup) and 'biscoitos de orelha' (traditional biscuits). How to get there: Book flights to João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. From there, take a regional flight to Corvo Airport (CVU). The island is small, and most attractions are accessible on foot or by local transport. The Medieval terracotte Village of Albarracin In Aragon, Spain Often cited as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, Albarracín is located in the hills of east-central Spain, above a curve of the Guadalaviar River. Towering medieval walls, the Murallas de Albarracín, dominate the adjacent hillside. The ruins of an alcázar, or Moorish castle, rise on a clifftop in the old town. The 16th-century Catedral del Salvador features a bell tower built on the remains of a Romanesque temple and surrounded by narrow, winding streets, pink-hued buildings and ancient city walls. Local Cuisine: Delight in 'ternasco' (roast lamb) and 'migas' (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and garlic). How to get there: Book flights to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Albarracín is approximately a three-hour, 280-kilometer drive via the A-2 and A-23 highways. Small village Blagaj on Buna with its spring and waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina Blagaj is an historic village and protected heritage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled amid the southeastern region of the Mostar basin in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. Blagaj is home to one of the 'Best Kept Secret Places in Europe', the Blagaj Tekija, a 16th-century Dervish monastery perched dramatically by a turquoise spring of the Buna River. The serene setting is perfect for contemplation (and photography). Local Cuisine: Enjoy 'čevapi' (grilled minced meat) and 'burek' (meat-filled pastry). How to get there: Book flights to Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ). Blagaj is about a two-hour drive (130 kilometers) via the M17 highway. The medieval Catalan village of Rupit in the subregion of the Collsacabra, Spain Rupit is a charming medieval village in Catalonia that evokes the essence of medieval Europe with its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and the iconic hanging wooden bridge over the Rupit River. Explore the Church of Sant Miquel, dating back to the 12th century, and hike to the nearby Salt de Sallent waterfall for breathtaking views. Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Catalan dishes such as 'escudella' (meat and vegetable stew) and 'butifarra' (Catalan sausage). How to get there: Book your flights to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Rupit is approximately a 90-minute drive. Colorful houses and fishing boats in the charming small Greek island of Halki (Chalki) Halki is a small, rustic, hilly island in the Dodecanese, just six kilometers west of Rhodes and known for its crystal-clear waters and neoclassical architecture. It's admired for its secluded beaches, including Kania and Potamos, some only accessible on foot. Ferries arrive from Rhodes Town and Piraeus at the port in charming Nimborio, which has seafront tavernas and open-air bars, plus upscale vacation villas. Hiking trails lead past whitewashed chapels such as the Church of Agios Nikolaos, with its impressive bell tower, the Castle of the Knights of St. John and the abandoned village of Chorio. Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and 'astakomakaronada' (lobster with pasta). How to get there: Book flights to Rhodes International Airport (RHO). From there, take a ferry from Kamiros Skala port to Halki, which takes about an hour. Colorful harbor houses and boats in Tenby, Wales Tenby is a postcard-perfect harbor town in southwest Wales, known for its medieval, 13th-century walls, pastel-colored houses, beautiful beaches and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Its stretches of sandy shoreline include Castle Beach with the ruins of Tenby Castle on a headland overlooking the harbor. Explore the Tudor Merchant's House and take a boat trip to Caldey Island. Local Cuisine: Try Welsh specialties like 'cawl' (lamb stew) and 'bara brith' (fruit loaf). How to get there: Book flights to Cardiff Airport (CWL). Tenby is approximately a two-hour, 150-kilometer drive via the M4 and A48 roads. Aerial view taken of natural spa of Saturnia during a sunny autumn day in Tuscany Saturnia, one of the Best Hidden Gems in Italy, is a spa town in Tuscany in north-central Italy that has been inhabited since ancient times. Famous for its natural hot springs, particularly the Cascate del Mulino, the thermal waters cascade over limestone terraces. During your stay, visit the medieval town center and the nearby archaeological sites. Local Cuisine: Enjoy Tuscan dishes like 'pici' (thick, hand-rolled pasta) and 'acquacotta' (vegetable soup). How to get there: Book flights to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Saturnia is approximately a two-hour drive (150 kilometers) via the A12 and SS1 roads. The picture-perfect village of Vik in southern Iceland, fields of lupins in bloom around the town church Vik is a small village on Iceland's south coast known for its black sand beaches, particularly Reynisfjara, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. With its dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches 'Vik reminds us that sometimes, the edge of the world is the beginning of something extraordinary,' notes EBD. Visit the Vik Myrdal Church perched on a hill and explore the nearby Dyrhólaey promontory for panoramic views. Local Cuisine: Try Icelandic specialties like 'plokkfiskur' (fish stew) and 'skyr' (dairy product). How to get there: Book flights to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Vik is approximately a 2 1/2-hour, 180-kilometer drive via Route 1. For your first stop, try here for all the best places in Europe to visit.
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour's Napoli Serie A title decider dramatically switched amid spareggio fears
Scudetto deciders are brought forward after scheduling headache for Serie A Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland duo Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour's date with Napoli Serie A title destiny has been moved to a Friday night after Italian league officials decided to stagger the final round of fixtures across three days. Napoli sit one point clear of nearest challengers Internazionale going into the final day of the season. Both Scudetto contenders dropped points last Sunday when defending champions Inter drew 2-2 at home to Lazio, while Napoli and Parma drew 0-0 at Stadio Ennio Tardini. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That set of results still favours Napoli, though, who know that a win in their final match will seal only their fourth top-flight Italian crown. Napoli currently lead Inter by a point in the title race. | Getty Images Napoli can also call upon home advantage, with the last match taking place at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona when Cagliari come to town. The Sardinian side have little to play for other than pride, having secured their place in Serie A last weekend. Inter, meanwhile, head to Como, who are also safe. Serie A organisers have decided to move the two showpiece games to a Friday night due to the chance of a 'spareggio' - a play-off match should Napoli and Inter finish level on points. This would happen if Napoli were to lose to Cagliari and Inter draw at Como. The Italian top flight uses head-to-head to separate teams rather than goal difference, but because both Napoli-Inter matches have finished 1-1 this season, there is no outcome. Therefore, the 'spareggio' would kick in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Champions League final issue Complicating matters further is that Inter are in the Champions League final on May 31 against Paris Saint-Germain. The authorities want to ensure wriggle room for scheduling if the two title contenders finish level, so playing the matches on a Friday allows them to organise a potential play-off for the middle of next week should that situation arise. The game would be played at a one-off venue, most likely the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. It cannot be played after the Champions League final due to an international window starting on June 2. Napoli, of course, will be hoping to get the job done against Cagliari. Antonio Conte's men have been at the summit right from the beginning, inspired by McTominay, who has been a revelation since signing from Manchester United last summer for a fee of £25 million. His Scotland teammate and Rangers academy graduate Gilmour has also impressed in his maiden season in Italy. Billy Gilmour and Napoli drew 0-0 at Parma last time out. | Getty Images There are two Serie A fixtures scheduled for Saturday, when Lewis Ferguson's Bologna take on Genoa at home (7.45pm), while at the same time AC Milan host already-relegated Monza. Bologna have already qualified for the Europa League after winning the Coppa Italia earlier this month, and cannot reach the Champions League berths. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On Sunday, another Scot in Liam Henderson will be aiming to help Empoli avoid the drop. The Tuscan side sit 18th in the final relegation spot and take on Verona at home, who are three points clear of them. Lecce, on the same number of points, are in 17th are away at Lazio, while Parma - two points ahead of them - are in 16th and travel to Atalanta. Former Celtic and Hibs midfielder Henderson is out of contract at the end of the season and could play his final match for Empoli.
