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A quantum network node at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.Credit: Marieke de Lorijn for QuTech
‘Quantum internet’ demo in three cities
Three research teams were each able to create quantum-entangled states over several kilometres of existing optical fibres in real urban areas. Entanglement is when two or more objects are linked so that they contain the same information even when they are far apart. The experiments, says physicist Tracy Northup, are “the most advanced demonstrations so far” of a prototype ‘quantum internet’, which could exchange information with almost unbreakable encryption. “The step has now really been made out of the lab and into the field,” says physicist Ronald Hanson. “It doesn’t mean it’s commercially useful yet, but it’s a big step.”
Reference: Nature paper 1 & paper 2 & arXiv preprint
Next-gen obesity drug packs double punch
Animal experiments have shown that combining a gut-hormone mimic such as semaglutide with another molecule is safe and leads to similar weight loss compared with semaglutide alone. The added molecule targets a brain-cell receptor that was linked to obesity in 2015. Fusing the molecule to a gut-hormone-mimicking peptide sidesteps the harmful side effects that usually come from blocking this receptor. The combination let the mice that had reached a weight-loss plateau with semaglutide reduce their weight further. “Very high marks for the novelty” of the research, says endocrinologist Daniel Drucker. “Let’s hope that we’ll see some proof of concept in the clinic.”
Lizard-inspired buildings crumble safely
A building inspired by how some lizards shed defined tail segments to escape predators could save lives by isolating collapsing sections when it’s damaged. Current designs redistribute local failures to the rest of a structure through greater connectivity — but this can backfire when collapsed parts pull down the rest. Researchers built a two-story building to show that partial-strength connections between load-bearing columns can stop a collapse from propagating through the entire structure. The design uses common construction methods and materials, and would even meet existing building codes.
Features & opinion
Don’t get scammed by predatory publishers
In the latest Nature Careers advice column, a microbial ecologist writes to say they received a flattering invitation from an unknown publisher. Should they consider it? Two scientists offer advice on how to check whether a publication is legitimate.
Do you have a work dilemma you’d like some help with? E-mail naturecareerseditor@nature.com
Forests are for people too
Rich countries’ fixation on forests as climate offsets has resulted in the needs of people who depend on forests being ignored, argues a Nature editorial. More than 60% of the forested areas of developing countries provide carbon credits to high-income countries, with little impact on the economic well-being of forest communities. A new review shows that the forestry social science literature is dominated by these climate-mitigation interests. Scientists should consider research that aims to benefit all forest stakeholders, the editorial says.
Reference: International Union of Forest Research Organizations review
Can you lose your native language?
Linguists are re-examining the idea that people are shaped by a single, ‘native’ language. “There is no age at which a language, even a native tongue, is so firmly cemented into the brain that it can’t be dislodged or altered by a new one,” notes linguist Julie Sedivy. Language attrition can be the result of several tongues vying for attention and can be tied up with the emotional values attached to a language. “I was physically unable to speak German,” a Jewish woman who emigrated before the Second World War told linguist Monika Schmid, who found that émigrés who had experienced more of the Nazi regime had a weaker relationship to their native German.
