M-theory on $S^1\vee S^1$ as Type 0A.
Zihni Kaan Baykara, Emilian Dudas, Cumrun Vafa
https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.13468
M-theory on $S^1\vee S^1$ as Type 0A
We propose an exotic geometric M-theory dual for the weak coupling Type 0A string: compactification on a sub-Planckian $S^1\vee S^1$ (two circles connected at a point), where strong quantum effects lead to fields living on distinct resolutions of that space. Moreover we argue that tachyon condensation of the 0A theory corresponds to shrinking of one of the two circles leading to the IIA supersymmetric string. We use this and other dualities to provide an F-theoretic description of the axio-dilaton and the tachyonic field of Type 0B and argue for the existence of a strong coupling critical point of the potential using the resulting duality symmetry $Γ_0(2)\subset SL(2,\mathbb{Z})$. The existence of this critical point can also be argued using conventional M-theory dualities. If this critical point is unique it is an unstable dS vacuum. Using this we propose a strong coupling conformal fixed point for a non-supersymmetric gauge theory in four dimensions living on coincident $D3^+-D3^-$branes of 0B.
A Matrix Theory Construction of the IIA/IIB Wall, by Ethan Torres
https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.02199
A Matrix Theory Construction of the IIA/IIB Wall
In this note, we give a non-perturbative construction of a lightlike domain wall separating IIA and IIB string theories in 10D in the framework of discrete light-cone quantization (DLCQ). In this setting, generalizations of the BFSS conjecture relate the 10D flat space limit to matrix string theories (MSTs) for IIA and IIB. The former is equivalent to the large-$N$ limit of 2D Super Yang-Mills theory, while the latter is the large-$N$ limit of 3D ABJM theory with $\pm 1$ Chern-Simons levels. Our construction requires the string coupling to vanish at the location of the wall, and we show that BPS IIA $D0$-branes become non-BPS IIB $D0$-branes as they cross the it, as anticipated in \cite{Heckman:2025wqd}.
What IIB looks IIA string: String Cobordisms via Non-Compact CFTs.
By Edoardo Anastasi, Miguel Montero, Angel M. Uranga, Chuying Wang
https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.00225
What IIB looks IIA string: String Cobordisms via Non-Compact CFTs
The Swampland Cobordism Conjecture predicts the existence of end-of-the-world branes for every consistent Quantum Gravity theory, and domain walls connecting the Landscape. A perturbative string worldsheet description of these objects is only expected to exist when certain worldsheet invariants are vanishing or coincide across the domain wall. In this paper, we observe that many of these worldsheet obstructions can be evaded by allowing non-compact string worldsheets as part of the bordism. Using these ideas, we provide a worldsheet QFT (flowing to a critical CFT under RG flow) that connects the worldsheets of 0A and 0B string theory, as well as those of IIA and IIB string theories. The non-compact character of these interpolations means that the description of the actual domain walls develop strongly coupled regions described by a linear dilaton background, where the worldsheet description breaks down. As a result, the IIA/IIB domain wall requires a strongly coupled region, in agreement with effective field theory considerations. Our constructions are heavily inspired by supercritical string theory, but are logically independent from it. We also analyze the fate of IIA/IIB NS5 branes as they cross the domain wall between these two theories.
El miércoles 4 de MARZO, a las 18:00, en el salón de Actos de la Biblioteca Marqués de Valdecilla, Noviciado 3, Madrid, tendrá lugar la sesión científica Tres eclipses asombrarán a España en 2026, 2027 y 2028: qué son y cómo disfrutarlos, que impartirá el Dr. D. Rafael Bachiller García.
Nanocientíficas en 60 segundos.
Concurso orientado a alumnado de Secundaria de toda España (incluyendo CEPA y FP).
https://www.icmm.csic.es/en/nanocientificas-en-60-segundosNanocientíficas en 60 segundos - IV edición (2026) | ICMM
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RT:
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bit.ly/familias-autismo
Queremos conocer las necesidades de las personas con autismo (de todas las edades) y sus familias en España, para poder impulsar cambios reales en apoyos y servicios.
Mil maneras cuánticas de destruir el universo.
Conferencia de Ángel Uranga (Instituto de Física Teórica UAM-CSIC).
Semana de la ciencia.
https://youtu.be/3CtcgN4mNZI?si=8BThwQr7QfSkorGU
1000 maneras cuánticas de destruir el universo
Ponencia sobre el papel de los neutrinos en el estudio del Universo, a cargo de Juan José Hernández Rey (IFIC-CSIC). Asistencia gratuita previa inscripción. Fecha: Lunes, 26 de enero de 2026 a las 19:00h en la Fundación Ramón Areces (C/ Vitruvio, 5, Madrid).
Olimpiada Científica Turina para estudiantes de 4° de ESO de la Comunidad de Madrid.
¡Anima a tus estudiantes a participar!
https://turinadiario.blogspot.com/2026/01/v-olimpiada-cientifica-turina-para.htmlPhymaths podcast # 65 || Dr. Jacob McNamara.
Quantum gravity and the swampland, the cobordism conjecture, holography, and non invertible symmetries.
https://youtu.be/wKLF9f5xync?si=wu_MH4p0PF8fFpg3
Phymaths podcast # 65 || Dr. Jacob McNamara
