Subscribe now

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

IC 443 (also known as the Jellyfish Nebula), a galactic supernova remnant in the constellation Gemini

(Image: NASA)

ET, phone… each other? If aliens really are conversing, we are not picking up what they are saying. Now one researcher claims to have a way of tuning in to alien cellphone chatter.

On Earth, the signal used to send information via cellphones has evolved from a single carrier wave to a “spread spectrum” method of transmission. It’s more efficient, because chunks of information are essentially carried on multiple low-powered carrier waves, and more secure because the waves continually change frequency so…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop