STOCKHOLM — In a shocking twist for the laws of physics — and common sense — three scientists have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for proving that the universe is, in fact, “just straight-up weird as hell.”
John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis were recognized for discovering that quantum tunneling — the act of matter essentially saying “nah” to physical barriers — can happen at scales visible to the human eye, such as an electrical circuit. The finding has been described by experts as “basically a ghost walking through a wall, but with math.”
“This changes everything,” said Nobel Committee member Ulf Danielsson. “For a century, we’ve told students, ‘Don’t worry, quantum stuff doesn’t apply to you.’ Turns out it absolutely does. We owe several generations of engineers an apology.”
At a press conference, Clarke said he was “completely stunned” to learn the research had won a Nobel Prize. “We just wanted to see what would happen if electrons got bored,” he explained. “Next thing you know, we’re inventing the foundation of quantum computing and, apparently, the smartphone.”
The committee praised the team for showing that “bizarre quantum behavior can be demonstrated in an object big enough to hold,” adding that it “finally gives physicists something to awkwardly pass around at parties besides their social anxiety.”
Quantum tunneling — the process by which a particle phases through a barrier rather than going over or around it — has long been confined to the microscopic realm. Clarke and his colleagues proved it could occur in macroscopic systems, meaning, theoretically, “your car could someday drive through your garage door if it feels like it.”
The discovery has led to a renaissance in practical applications for quantum mechanics, including computing, encryption, and, according to one optimistic researcher, “maybe teleporting leftovers.”
Anthony Leggett, a 2003 Nobel laureate, compared the discovery to Schrödinger’s cat — a famous thought experiment that showed a cat could be both dead and alive. “Now it’s like, the cat can just walk through the box wall and go get a snack,” Leggett said.
Meanwhile, physicists worldwide are struggling to explain the findings to their families.
“Every Thanksgiving,” sighed Devoret, “my uncle asks if this means he can tunnel through traffic. And every year, I tell him, ‘No, but maybe your Wi-Fi can.’”
In a statement, the Nobel Committee confirmed that 2025 — the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics — was not chosen intentionally. “Pure coincidence,” said Danielsson. “But also, nothing in quantum mechanics is truly coincidental, so… who knows?”
The laureates will share 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million USD) — though, given the principles of quantum entanglement, it’s unclear which of them actually gets it until observed.