Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the Nobel Prize awarded to John Clarke and his team for their groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics, particularly in the field of superconducting circuits and quantum tunneling, which has implications for the development of quantum computing and technology [5][9]. Group 1: Research and Findings - John Clarke and his team conducted experiments using "Josephson junction" superconducting circuits, demonstrating that charged particles behave like a single particle filling the entire circuit and exhibit quantum tunneling effects [5][6]. - Their research confirmed energy quantization, where the circuit only absorbs or releases specific amounts of energy, which is fundamental to the operation of modern quantum chips [5][8]. Group 2: Implications for Technology - The Nobel Committee highlighted that their research lays the foundation for future quantum technologies, including quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensors [9]. - The work of Clarke and his team is considered essential for the development of superconducting qubits, a primary hardware technology in quantum computing [9]. Group 3: Historical Context - The article provides a brief overview of recent Nobel Prize winners in physics, emphasizing the ongoing advancements in quantum mechanics and related fields [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in superconductivity research, particularly focusing on the recent breakthrough achieved by a team from Southern University of Science and Technology, which has successfully demonstrated superconductivity in nickel-based materials at ambient pressure, surpassing the "McMillan limit" of 40 Kelvin [9][10]. Group 1: Importance of Superconductivity - Superconductivity allows for "zero resistance" electrical flow, which can significantly reduce energy loss during transmission, with global transmission losses estimated at 5%-10% of total electricity generation annually [7]. - Traditional conductive materials like copper and aluminum incur energy losses due to resistance, leading to inefficiencies in power systems, especially as demand for computing power increases [7]. - The application of superconducting materials can lead to substantial energy savings and efficiency improvements in various technologies, such as MRI machines and urban power grids [7][8]. Group 2: Recent Breakthroughs in Superconductivity - The discovery of high-temperature superconductors, such as copper-based and iron-based materials, has expanded the potential applications of superconductivity by allowing operation at higher temperatures [9]. - The recent achievement of nickel-based superconductivity at ambient pressure marks a significant milestone, potentially paving the way for further advancements in superconducting materials and their applications [9][10]. - This breakthrough is seen as a critical step towards achieving "room temperature superconductivity," which would revolutionize energy transmission and storage [10]. Group 3: Applications and Future Prospects - Superconductivity has diverse applications, including magnetic levitation for trains and quantum computing, which could lead to unprecedented computational speeds [10][11]. - The development of superconducting cables, such as those used in Shenzhen, demonstrates the practical benefits of superconductivity, including reduced transmission losses and increased capacity [8]. - The ongoing research in superconductivity is expected to bridge the gap between fundamental science and industrial transformation, enhancing various sectors [11].