New superconductor claims could lead to progress even if they’re wrong


E8X75D Image concept of magnetic levitating above a high-temperature superconductor, cooled with liquid nitrogen.

Kiyoshi Takahase Segundo/Alamy

IN A video seen by hundreds of thousands on social media, a skinny, gray puck floats on one edge atop a magnet. It by no means absolutely levitates and so isn’t fairly the smoking gun it must be. Its creators say the puck is a revolutionary new materials, one that might remodel science and know-how. Others are sceptical that it truly is what they are saying it’s. Both approach, the puck has generated an intense wave of curiosity and that, in of itself, may very well be helpful.

Superconductors, supplies that completely conduct electrical energy with out dropping any power to resistance, had been first found greater than a …