New Scientist's weekly rundown

Hello – it’s time again for the best stories in science and technology this week, brought to you by New Scientist. We’ve got big physics, spy technology and some very welcome news on treating migraines, so get stuck in.

Radical photon idea could rewrite standard model of particle physics

What happens when a photon gets options? Big things, apparently – as increasing the number of quantum spin states a photon can have, from its currently understood two to a potentially infinite number, demonstrates. Physicists have now found a way to test if this is indeed the case, and the results could transform our understanding of the standard model of particle physics.

The FBI is getting new technology to see through walls

Seeing through walls is not just for superheroes anymore – now law enforcement is getting in on the act. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is purchasing a radar system that can detect people behind a wall, and indicate whether they are moving around or lying down.

Migraine drug that treats headache also eases symptoms like dizziness

I don’t personally get migraines (thankfully) but I know a number of people who do, and it is a really horrible experience of encroaching nasty symptoms. Now it turns out that the drug ubrogepant, which is already used to treat the debilitating headache aspect of migraines, can also treat the early warning signs such as sensitivity to light or dizziness.

More from New Scientist

• I really love the idea of an anti-spice condiment

• Our magazine cover story this week takes a look at experiments that could finally tell us whether gravity is quantum

• Next week in London we are hosting our second Emerging Technologies Summit – do come along.

Thanks for reading and do remember to share this newsletter with your network by hitting the repost button.

Jacob Aron, News Editor