Anjali Tamta
I’m a science and technology writer passionate about making complex ideas clear and engaging. At STC News, I cover breakthroughs in innovation, research, and emerging tech. With a background in STEM and a love for storytelling, I aim to connect readers with the ideas shaping our future — one well-researched article at a time.
Quantum Computing Reaches New Heights: Transmon Qubit Coherence Shatters the Millisecond Barrier
Researchers at Aalto University have shattered quantum computing’s previous limits, achieving over one millisecond of coherence in a transmon qubit—nearly doubling the best prior results. This leap means quantum computers can perform more operations with fewer errors, moving us closer to reliable, large-scale machines. The team’s transparent, reproducible methods set a global standard, strengthening Finland’s position as a quantum leader and accelerating practical quantum computing worldwide.
Microsoft Ends Use of China-Based Engineers in US Military Cloud Projects—A Detailed Look
Microsoft has stopped using China-based engineers to support U.S. military cloud systems after a ProPublica report revealed oversight gaps in its “digital escort” model, sparking government action and national security concerns. The move underscores the need for transparency and strong oversight in cloud computing, especially for government contracts. All organizations should review who can access their data and demand clear answers from service providers to protect against cybersecurity risks.
Startup Sells Hacked Data to Debt Collectors — Your Info Could Be Next
A U.S. startup is openly selling personal data stolen from over 50 million hacked computers—including passwords, addresses, and browsing history—directly to debt collectors and others for as little as $50. Privacy experts say the practice is both unethical and likely illegal, and once your data is compromised, it can be nearly impossible to recover.
This Black Hole Shouldn’t Exist – And Physics Might Be Broken Because of It
Astronomers have detected the largest black hole merger ever, GW231123, forming a black hole up to 225 solar masses from two “forbidden” black holes in the mass gap—a range where black holes aren’t supposed to exist. This challenges our understanding of star death and black hole formation, suggesting new growth mechanisms like hierarchical mergers. The discovery, made with gravitational-wave observatories, opens a new chapter in our quest to understand the universe’s most mysterious objects.
SpaceX Scrubs Launch With 11 Seconds to Go: What Happened and What It Means
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of two O3b mPOWER internet satellites was scrubbed at T-minus 11 seconds on July 21, 2025, with the exact cause undisclosed. The rocket and payload are healthy, and the next attempt is set for July 22. Scrubs are routine in spaceflight, emphasizing safety and precision. O3b mPOWER aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved regions, highlighting the growing importance of satellite connectivity for global digital access.
Can Comet Kill Chrome? Inside Perplexity’s Bold New AI Browser
Comet, Perplexity’s new AI browser, reimagines web surfing by embedding a smart assistant directly into your browser—automating tasks, summarizing information, and answering questions instantly. Built for curious users and professionals, it challenges Chrome by focusing on privacy, personalization, and automation. While Comet is still invite-only and desktop-focused, it offers a compelling vision of the future: browsers as proactive, intelligent partners, not just windows to the web.
Aluminum-20: How Physicists Discovered a New Isotope That Breaks the Rules
Physicists have discovered aluminum-20, the lightest and most unstable aluminum isotope ever observed. In high-energy experiments at GSI in Germany, researchers found it decays by emitting three protons—a rare process that challenges existing nuclear theories. This breakthrough, published in Physical Review Letters, helps scientists better understand the forces that hold atoms together and what happens at the outer limits of nuclear existence.
New Supernova and Cosmic Survey Data Reveal: Dark Energy May Not Be Constant
The latest data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) suggests that dark energy—the force accelerating the universe’s expansion—may not be constant but could be changing over time. This challenges the current standard model of cosmology and could require new physics to explain the cosmos. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the hints are stronger than ever, marking a thrilling moment in our quest to understand the universe.
New Light Phenomenon Found in Common Gypsum: A Scientific Breakthrough Explained for Everyone
Scientists have discovered that common gypsum—a mineral found in chalk and drywall—can guide and shape light in ways previously only seen in rare, expensive crystals. This breakthrough could lead to new, affordable optical devices by putting everyday gypsum to work in fields like computing and sensing. The research, led by the University of Manchester and University of Oviedo, shows that even the most familiar materials can still deliver scientific surprises.
Earth Is Spinning Faster Than Ever—What Does This Mean for You, Science, and the World?
Earth is spinning faster than ever, with days in 2025 predicted to be up to 1.5 milliseconds shorter than usual—an invisible but historic change for science and global timekeeping. While daily life remains unchanged, the acceleration could soon force timekeepers to subtract a second from atomic clocks for the first time in history, affecting technology and navigation worldwide.
