SCIScienceDailySUN 18 OCT 2026 / 8:37 AM CDT

Physicists create a bizarre new quantum state called a fractional fermi sea

Physicists have uncovered a strange new form of quantum behavior in which particles organize themselves in ways that challenge established theories. Even more surprising, the particles maintain a remarkable hidden order despite being driven into an extremely energetic state.

In a study published in Physical Review Letters , researchers from the group led by Hanns-Christoph Nägerl, working with theoretical physicist Alvise Bastianello of the CNRS and Université Paris-Dauphine, describe how to engineer an exotic quantum state known as a "fractional Fermi sea."

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Fuel leak spreads more than two miles along River Taff

Public Health Wales advises people living nearby to shut their doors and windows due to the smell.

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Magic mushroom ingredient takes the fight out of aggressive fish

A psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms appears to have an unexpected effect: calming highly aggressive fish. Researchers discovered that low doses of psilocybin significantly reduced aggressive attacks in mangrove rivulus fish without disrupting their normal social interactions. The findings suggest psilocybin may selectively calm escalating aggression rather than simply suppressing all behavior.

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Scientists who discovered a third form of magnetism win major physics prize

Physicists have uncovered a hidden third form of magnetism that challenges more than 100 years of established physics. Called altermagnetism, the discovery could transform future computing and electronics while opening an entirely new frontier in quantum research.

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Avian flu and costs among reasons for loss of captive birds at Castle Espie

Difficulties in transporting animals since Brexit has contributed to the decline in the number of captive birds.

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Physicists create a bizarre new quantum state called a fractional fermi sea

More on this deskAll SCI

Fuel leak spreads more than two miles along River Taff

Magic mushroom ingredient takes the fight out of aggressive fish

Scientists who discovered a third form of magnetism win major physics prize

Avian flu and costs among reasons for loss of captive birds at Castle Espie