Scientists seek out what’s new — discovery is at the core of science, and scientific journals and news organizations often focus on the latest breakthroughs. But getting to an innovation is usually a long game. In this issue, we note the 100th anniversary of the framework of quantum mechanics, the theory that describes how physics at very small scales behaves very differently from the classical world we live in. The quantum world is more like a fun house with seriously warped mirrors: Quantum effects can connect two objects at great distances, or make it possible for a hypothetical cat to be both alive and dead at the same time. Over the last century, that quantum revolution has led to many innovations, including semiconductor technologies, MRIs, lasers and the atomic clocks that make GPS navigation possible. Sign up for our newsletter We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday. #long #short #science