Few theories are weirder than quantum mechanics, which governs the microcosmos of atoms and particles. It allows particles to be in “superpositions” of many possible states, such as being in several different places at once. But this is only when nobody’s looking. The second you observe it, the particle randomly picks a location – breaking the superposition.

This seems to give rise to contradictory facts. Imagine a scientist, Lisa, inside a lab measuring the location of a particle. Her colleague, Nikhil, outside the lab, would measure Lisa as being in a superposition of seeing the particle here and spotting the particle there. But simultaneously, Lisa would be convinced that she knows where the particle is. The two scientists would therefore have different facts about where the particle is.

But how can nature be like this? It totally clashes with our experience that there is an objective reality. And why is it random? In the newest episode of our Great Mysteries of Physics podcast, we discuss the latest thinking on quantum mechanics with two physicists and a philosopher. And if you’re wondering why you haven’t seen any colleagues or other macroscopic objects in superposition yet, rest assured that it might soon happen – with a bit of improvement in experimental technique.

Meanwhile, we hear why a planned review into sex education in English schools could put young people at risk. And rising homelessness in both Ireland and England highlight problems with the private rental sector.

Miriam Frankel

Science Editor

Bricolage/Shutterstock

Great Mysteries of Physics: does objective reality exist?

Miriam Frankel, The Conversation

Some physicists don’t believe that quantum mechanics is a perfect description of objective reality.

Juice Verve/Shutterstock

Sex education review: controversial proposals risk failing young people

Sophie King-Hill, University of Birmingham; Abby Gilsenan, University of Birmingham; Willem Stander, University of Birmingham

Sex education is vitally important.

Housing protestors in Dublin city centre, September 2018. Benoit Daoust/Shutterstock

How the private rental sector created a homelessness crisis in Ireland and England

Padraic Kenna, University of Galway; Mark Jordan, University of Southampton

Homelessness crises in both Ireland and England highlight problems with the private rental sector.

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