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Physicists have created the world’s heaviest Schrödinger’s cat, bringing the bizarre behavior of the quantum world to larger scales than ever before.

The trick, performed by vibrating 100 million billion atoms inside a sand-grain-sized sapphire crystal, created the world’s heaviest quantum superposition as the crystal simultaneously oscillated in two different directions. Despite weighing just 16 micrograms (16 millionths of a gram), the crystal is trillions of times heftier than the molecules put into previous large-scale quantum states, and is visible to the naked eye. 

Taking its name from Erwin Schrödinger’s famous thought experiment, the new Schrödinger’s cat crystal could be used to design more robust quantum computers and reveal clues behind why quantum effects are not seen in the real world, according to the researchers. Their findings were published April 20 in the journal Science (opens in new tab) . 

Related: Scientists find a loophole in Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle

“Of course, in the lab we can’t realize … an experiment with an actual cat weighing several kilograms,” lead author Yiwen Chu, a physics professor at the Laboratory for Solid State Physics at ETH Zurich, said in a statement. But “by putting the two oscillation states of the crystal in a superposition, we have effectively created a Schrödinger cat weighing 16 micrograms.”RELATED STORIES—Largest objects ever get cooled down to their ‘quantum limit’

—Does reality exist when we’re not looking?

—Weird quantum boomerang predicted 60 years ago spotted for the first time

In Schrödinger’s thought experiment, the weird rules of the quantum world are envisioned by imagining a cat placed inside an opaque box with a poison vial whose release mechanism is controlled by radioactive decay — a completely random quantum process. Until the box is opened and the cat is observed, Schrödinger said, the rules of quantum mechanics mean that the unfortunate feline should exist in a superposition of states, simultaneously dead and alive.

As most quantum effects typically decohere and disappear at macroscopic scales, Schrödinger’s analogy was meant to demonstrate the fundamental differences between our world and the world of the very small. Yet no hard limit exists between the two realms, enabling physicists to begin cajoling complex, near-macroscopic-scale objects into showing freaky quantum behavior.

To achieve this, the physicists connected the vibrating part of the sapphire crystal to a superconducting circuit, shaking it in such a way that it began to vibrate in a superposition of two directions at once. 

Then, to confirm that they had indeed created a quantum cat, the researchers measured the spatial separation of the crystal’s two vibrating states. Though the vibrations were subatomic in scale (vibrating over a distance of a billionth of a billionth of a meter), they were clearly distinguishable from random thermal and quantum vibrations — the cat was real.

In the future, Chu would like to increase the mass of the Schrödinger’s cat crystal even more, creating macroscopic quantum objects that could be used to more robustly store information in quantum computers, look for gravitational waves and dark matter, and figure out how quantum effects disappear at the scale of real cats.

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Sports

FSU LB moves to rehab facility after shot in head

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October 9, 2025

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FSU LB moves to rehab facility after shot in head

  • Andrea AdelsonOct 9, 2025, 01:56 PM ET

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    • ACC reporter.
    • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
    • Graduate of the University of Florida.

Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was released from the hospital Thursday, nearly six weeks after he was shot in the back of the head while driving his aunt home.

In a statement, Florida State said Pritchard is alert, responsive and able to communicate. He is being moved from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next stage in his recovery.

On a video posted to Instagram Stories by quarterback Tommy Castellanos, the entire FSU team cheered Pritchard as he was wheeled on a stretcher out of the hospital for the trip to Jacksonville.

“We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues,” the school said in a statement.

Pritchard was shot Aug. 31 in what the authorities have described as a case of mistaken identity. He was dropping his aunt and a child off following a family party in Havana, Florida, about 16 miles from Tallahassee, near the Georgia state line.

Four people were arrested last month in connection with the shooting.

“I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son,” said Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father. “There have been a lot of ups and downs over these last 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked Florida State coach Mike Norvell for checking in every day and being a constant presence in the hospital.

“His players and staff have continued to make us feel part of the team,” Earl Pritchard said. “I can’t fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked the hospital and Florida State sports medicine staffs as well as the staff at Seminole High in Sanford, Florida, where Ethan played, for the support.

“I also want to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the FDLE for their hard work and dedication to pursuing justice for Ethan,” Earl Pritchard said. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support for so many people, and I’m so appreciative for every single one of you.

“Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will continue to fight and he will do so with the full support of our FSU and Seminole County families and all who have been impacted by his story.”

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Science

‘FlyingToolbox’ Drone System Achieves Sub-Centimeter Accuracy in Mid-Air Tool Exchange

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October 9, 2025

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Researchers from Westlake University have developed the ‘FlyingToolbox,’ a drone system that exchanges tools mid-air with sub-centimeter precision. Using vision tracking, electromagnets, and AI airflow correction, it achieved 0.8 cm accuracy even under strong downwash. The innovation could transform aerial maintenance, construction, and rescue operations.

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Environment

EcoFlow TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations at new lows from $104, Leviton 48A EV chargers, Greenworks, more

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October 9, 2025

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EcoFlow TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations at new lows from 4, Leviton 48A EV chargers, Greenworks, more


Amazon’s Prime Day event may have formally ended, but that doesn’t mean all the savings have ended with it. EcoFlow has extended its ongoing Prime Day Sale through to next week, with its TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh and TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Stations (and bundles) headlining today’s Green Deals at new low prices starting from $104. We also spotted Leviton’s 48A Level 2 EV Charging Stations – both smart and standard models – starting from $514, as well as Greenworks’ latest Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer at $320. There’s also three one-day-only Birdfy smart birdhouse/bird feeder deals, and some of the best ongoing Prime Day Sales waiting for you below – with plenty more to browse through in our Prime Day Green Deals hub.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow’s extended Prime Day savings take up to 60% off TRAIL compact power stations at new lows from $104

As part of its extended Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow is continuing to offer the best rates yet on its new TRAIL series of power stations, with extra sitewide savings too. You can pick up the TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh Portable Power Station at $103.55 shipped, after using the code 25PDFAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off, while the TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station is down at $141.55 shipped, after using the same code. What’s more, you’ll be getting a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger too (valued at $26), with the prices here also beating out Amazon by up to $7. These new charging solutions launched back at the top of August carrying $200 and $250 MSRPs, which we saw brought down to $113 and $151 with launch savings, dropping further to these rates for the earlier phase of the brand’s Prime Day Sale. You’re getting an extended period to pick them up at the best rates we have tracked, with a total $96 and $108 in savings off the going rates on top of the additional $26 in free gear. Head below to also check out their bundle options.

We’ve been seeing many of our favorite backup power brands releasing similar-sized devices to rival the ones from Anker SOLIX, which might have kicked off the trend with its popular PowerCore Reserve/C200 DC/C300 DC stations. EcoFlow’s smaller TRAIL 200 DC power station is a 4-pound unit with a 60,000mAh LiFePO4 battery, with the 300 DC model bumping things up to a 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacity. These stations deliver up to 220W and 300W output through their four or five port options. The 200 DC sports two 12W USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and a 100W USB-C port, while the 300 DC has the same USB-A ports but two 140W USB-C ports and a 120W car outlet.

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EcoFlow’s TRAIL power stations have a bunch of protections built right in against overvoltage, overloading, short circuiting, and much more – with both also being given built-in woven handles to make carrying them easier when not stashed inside a bag. Recharging from a standard AC outlet provides 200W or 280W speeds, with the 300 DC model being the one boasting a 110W maximum solar input via an appropriate panel.

***Note: Remember to use the sitewide code 25PDFAFF at checkout to score these prices below!

EcoFlow’s TRAIL power station deals:

Be sure to check out EcoFlow’s extended full Prime Day Sale lineup here while it lasts, with the brand also recently having released its newest DELTA 3 Max and Ultra power stations with up to $2,000 in savings and some FREE gear that start from $759. We also have the ongoing exclusive low price from Wellbots on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra Home Backup Power Station with a FREE 400W solar panel at $3,799.

man charging EV with Leviton 48A EV charger

Bring home Leviton’s 48A level 2 EV chargers with or without smart controls starting from $514

Amazon is offering the Leviton 48A Hardwired Level 2 Smart EV Charger at $599.20 shipped, with this being from carried-over Prime Day savings. Normally fetching $749 at full price, discounts have almost entirely kept costs above $629 over the year, with a single fall further to the $527 low back during July’s Prime Day event. While the savings last here, you’re looking at a 20% markdown from the going rate that cuts $150 off the tag for the second-lowest price we have tracked. Of course, if you want to save a bit more and don’t mind losing the in-app smart controls, you can pick up the standard EV charger variant at $514.28 shipped, down from $643.

If you want to learn more about these EV charging stations, be sure to check out our original coverage of these post-Prime Day deals here.

man using greenworks pro 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer to clean front porch stairs

Get a more adaptive cleaning experience with Greenworks’ Pro 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer at $320

Amazon is now offering the newest Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer at $319.99 shipped. Normally fetching $450 at full price, discounts over the year have largely kept costs above $330, save for a few drops to the $292 low until Prime Day cut the tag to $305. If you missed out on the two-day-only Prime rate, you can get it for just $15 higher in price while these savings last. You’re still getting a solid $130 markdown here, which lands it at the third-lowest price we have tracked and equips you with the latest and most powerful of the brand’s electric pressure washers.

If you want to learn more about this pressure washer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Birdfy Nest Polygon smart solar birdhouse strapped to tree

Birdfy’s Nest Polygon smart solar birdhouse is back at $200 low + more from $290 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Birdfy Nest Polygon Smart Solar Birdhouse with camera back at $199.99 shipped, as well as two bird feeder discounts, also only lasting through the rest of the day (more on those below the fold). While it carries a $300 MSRP direct from the brand (currently priced $20 higher), we’ve been seeing it more often keeping between $240 and $260 elsewhere, with discounts regularly falling between $220 and $210 over the year. This low price first appeared in July and repeated once in September, and now it’s back again to give you a $40 to $60 markdown off the going rate for the best price we have tracked. It’s also beating out Amazon’s pricing by $20 right now too.

If you want to learn more about this birdhouse, or see the two bird feeder offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these one-day-only deals here.

ecoflow early prime day power station sale
lectric one e-bike
anker solix early prime day power station sale

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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