Time for a new spin on quantum physics?

It’s that time of week again – here is your update on the best stories in science and technology from New Scientist. Get ready for some funky physics, compelling chemistry and much more.

New spin on quantum theory forces rethink of a fundamental physics law

When it comes to quantum physics, nothing is every quite what it seems. This mind-bending story suggest that a particle’s angular momentum – its spin around a point – can move independently of the particle itself. Physicists liken this to the way the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland can move its body to one place while its smile remains elsewhere.

Has the mystery of life’s 'handedness' finally been cracked?

Many molecules come in left or right-handed forms that are essentially mirror images of each other, a phenomenon known as chirality. A long-standing puzzle is why all living organisms have distinct patterns of chirality, and now we might have an answer.

Is youth mental health really worse today than it was decades ago?

Covid-19, climate change or smartphones – there are a number of theories for why young people’s mental health appears to be getting worse, and some researchers are now saying it “has entered a dangerous phase”. This piece takes a look at all the facts.

More from New Scientist

·????? There are some great stats in this story about the largest genome ever sequenced, which would stretch for 55 metres if arranged in a line

·????? Our magazine cover story this week takes a deep dive into the catastrophic state of our warming oceans

·????? Bletchley Park, the former home of legendary codebreaker Alan Turing, is planning to resurrect him as an AI chatbot. My colleague Matthew Sparkes explains all the reasons this is a bad idea

Thanks for reading and do remember to share this newsletter with your network by hitting the repost button.

Jacob Aron, News Editor

?