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May 16, 2023

Quantum Computing Algorithm Breakthrough Brings Practical Use Closer to Reality

Posted by in categories: chemistry, computing, information science, quantum physics

Out of all common refrains in the world of computing, the phrase “if only software would catch up with hardware” would probably rank pretty high. And yet, software does sometimes catch up with hardware. In fact, it seems that this time, software can go as far as unlocking quantum computations for classical computers. That’s according to researchers with the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing, Japan, who have published work on an algorithm that significantly accelerates a specific quantum computing workload. More significantly, the workload itself — called time evolution operators — has applications in condensed matter physics and quantum chemistry, two fields that can unlock new worlds within our own.

Normally, an improved algorithm wouldn’t be completely out of the ordinary; updates are everywhere, after all. Every app update, software update, or firmware upgrade is essentially bringing revised code that either solves problems or improves performance (hopefully). And improved algorithms are nice, as anyone with a graphics card from either AMD or NVIDIA can attest. But let’s face it: We’re used to being disappointed with performance updates.

May 16, 2023

‘Lost’ microbial genes found in dental plaque of ancient humans

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Scientists have reconstructed the oral microbiomes from dozens of ancient humans, revealing previously undiscovered genes.


Scientists reconstructed the oral microbiomes from dozens of ancient humans, revealing extinct genes.

May 16, 2023

One of us! Engineers fool fish school into accepting robotic koi

Posted by in categories: food, robotics/AI

One fish, swimming alone, encountering a robotic fish impersonator will be wary and tend to avoid the robot, but a group of real fish are more likely to accept the robot as one of their own, and sometimes even abandon other real fish to follow the robot.

Those are the findings of engineers from Peking University and China Agricultural University who created a realistic koi fish robot, and placed one or two in a tank with real fish to see how they would respond.

May 16, 2023

Where Healthcare Meets Tech: Three Crucial Areas Of Discussion

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, finance, robotics/AI

We’re currently working with companies that develop software and tools that make surgery smarter and safer while they empower surgeons and providers to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency and increase profitability with data-driven surgery using AI, automation and operating room analytics. This is where analytic components such as data lakes and warehouses are already making a difference in healthcare. We’ve seen them capable of powering millions of facts and patient records at a time. Tied to expertise, these tools allow data-informed decisions for measurable improvements in clinical, financial and operational aspects.

For instance, we’ve helped design and develop surgical applications to improve operating room efficiency, tele-surgery, data lake construction and surgical analytics. Clients come back with feedback on our skills and technical experience, feeling supported by the flexibility and technical boost we give their teams.

Collaboration between technology outsourcing companies and healthcare providers can result in considerable optimization, including improved patient care and maximized processes. Tech providers can strive for the perfect collaborative balance with the above key conversations while boosting robust ecosystems, shared platforms and data.

May 16, 2023

Chip Charts Course for Quantum Computer Scaling

Posted by in categories: computing, quantum physics

This startup’s tech outperforms cryo-CMOS devices in speed and efficiency.

May 16, 2023

An important step towards improved quantum computers

Posted by in categories: computing, quantum physics

Google shares an overview of the world’s first observation of non-Abelian braiding.

May 16, 2023

Bill Gates says he wishes his younger self knew ‘there is more to life than work’

Posted by in category: futurism

In a recent commencement address, Bill Gates said he used to watch for which staffers left early or stayed late during Microsoft’s early days.

May 16, 2023

Elon Discusses New Raptor 3 Static Fire Test — Starbase Weekly Update #62

Posted by in category: space travel

This week at Starbase Ship 25 goes through another round of cryo testing, work continues on Booster 11, Ship 29 and the new mega bay, and crews begin working on new pilings for the water deluge system, while over at Cape Canaveral SpaceX continues their rapid pace of launch and recovery operations.

May 16, 2023

Inspiration from astronomy may find new ways to tackle cancer

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Research published in Nature Communications today, has shown that techniques initially developed for astronomy and ecology can be used to study the microenvironment of solid tumors.

Led by Peter Mac’s 2020 Lea Medal winner Dr. Anna Trigos and Yuzhou Feng, the study looked at patient tumor samples from prostate, colon and breast cancers and identified novel cancer subtypes, new patterns associated with , and was able to predict which patients were likely to develop metastasis first.

These exciting results have generated significant interest from medical oncologists, pathologists and immunologists.

May 16, 2023

Immune cells of the brain are not all the same: New research could open novel therapeutic pathways

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience indicates that, contrary to common belief, the immune cells of the brain, known as microglia, are not all the same. Researchers found that a unique microglial subset with unique features and function is important for establishing proper cognitive functions in mice. Evidence for such microglial subsets exists also for the human brain, opening exciting new possibilities for novel therapies.

An led by researchers from University of Helsinki, Karolinska Institutet and University of Seville characterized ARG1+ , a subset of microglial cells, that produces the enzyme called arginase-1 (ARG1). Using advanced imaging techniques, the team found that ARG1+ microglia are abundant during development and less prevalent in adult animals. Strikingly, these ARG1+ microglia are located in specific areas important for cognitive functions such as learning, thinking and memory.

“Cognition and memory are crucial components of what makes us human, and microglia are necessary for proper brain development and function. Cognitive decline is a common feature of neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and depression,” says Dr. Vassilis Stratoulias, senior researcher at the University of Helsinki and lead author of the study.