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Apr 6, 2022

The side effects of quantum error correction and how to cope with them

Posted by in categories: habitats, quantum physics

It is well established that quantum error correction can improve the performance of quantum sensors. But new theory work cautions that unexpectedly, the approach can also give rise to inaccurate and misleading results—and shows how to rectify these shortcomings.

Quantum systems can interact with one another and with their surroundings in ways that are fundamentally different from those of their classical counterparts. In a quantum sensor, the particularities of these interactions are exploited to obtain characteristic information about the environment of the quantum system—for instance, the strength of a magnetic and electric field in which it is immersed. Crucially, when such a device suitably harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics, then its sensitivity can surpass what is possible, even in principle, with conventional, classical technologies.

Unfortunately, quantum sensors are exquisitely sensitive not only to the physical quantities of interest, but also to noise. One way to suppress these unwanted contributions is to apply schemes collectively known as quantum error correction (QEC). This approach is attracting considerable and increasing attention, as it might enable practical high-precision quantum sensors in a wider range of applications than is possible today. But the benefits of error-corrected quantum sensing come with major potential side effects, as a team led by Florentin Reiter, an Ambizione fellow of the Swiss National Science Foundation working in the group of Jonathan Home at the Institute for Quantum Electronics, has now found. Writing in Physical Review Letters, they report theoretical work in which they show that in realistic settings QEC can distort the output of quantum sensors and might even lead to unphysical results.

Apr 6, 2022

Could a computer ever learn the same way people and animals do?

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

Whether a computer could ever pass for a living thing is one of the key challenges for researchers in the field of Artificial Intelligence. There have been vast advancements in AI since Alan Turing first created what is now called the Turing Test—whether a machine could exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. However, machines still struggle with one of the fundamental skills that is second nature for humans and other life forms: lifelong learning. That is, learning and adapting while we’re doing a task without forgetting previous tasks, or intuitively transferring knowledge gleaned from one task to a different area.

Now, with the support of the DARPA Lifelong Learning Machines (L2M) program, USC Viterbi researchers have collaborated with colleagues at institutions from around the U.S. and the world on a new resource for the future of AI learning, defining how artificial systems can successfully think, act and adapt in the real world, in the same way that living creatures do.

The paper, co-authored by Dean’s Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Alice Parker and Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Francisco Valero-Cuevas and their research teams, was published in Nature Machine Intelligence, in collaboration with Professor Dhireesha Kudithipudi at the University of Texas at San Antonio, along with 22 other universities.

Apr 6, 2022

Peter Diamandis on When You’ll Stop Aging

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, education, finance, life extension, Peter Diamandis

ABOUT PETER DIAMANDIS

Peter is the founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, and has started over 20 companies in the areas of longevity, space, venture capital and education. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including his latest, Life Force, which he published early in 2020 with Tony Robbins.

Peter joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss transformational changes needed in education, how the pandemic accelerated global trends, and the astonishing medical and health technologies he believes will be widely available, sooner than you think.

Apr 6, 2022

Quantum Memristor Design Could Be Brains Behind Quantum AI

Posted by in categories: quantum physics, robotics/AI

Quantum memristor may link artificial intelligence and quantum computing, according to University of Vienna researchers.

Apr 6, 2022

A Stunning Black Hole Simulation Made in Unreal Engine & Niagara

Posted by in categories: cosmology, information science

This effect looks extremely realistic thanks to the correct equations behind it.

Apr 6, 2022

Amazon Secures Up to 83 Launches from Arianespace, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance for Project Kuiper

Posted by in categories: internet, satellites

Amazon calls it “the largest commercial procurement of launch vehicles in history.” Amazon’s SpaceX-rivaling internet service Project Kuiper has made a major leap towards becoming operational and catching up with SpaceX’s Starlink, which is already populating our skies.


Amazon selects Arianespace, Blue Origin, and ULA as heavy-lift launch partners to deploy the majority of its Project Kuiper satellite constellation.

Apr 6, 2022

Taiwan’s New Solar Panel ‘Sun Rock’ Will Deliver 1 Million kWh Per Year

Posted by in categories: government, solar power, sustainability

Get in, we’re going to the threshold. Solar power is undoubtfully one of the most preferred renewable energy sources of the day. As the need for energy rises with the improving technology and the rising population, companies try to come up with the most efficient solutions that promise to meet the energy demand of the world.


Taiwan’s forthcoming Sun Rock could supply excess energy to the power grid

Taiwan’s government-owned power company, called Taipower, commissioned Sun Rock, with plans to use it as a visitor facility, in addition to a storage and maintenance center for renewable energy devices. But the most obvious and impressive feature of the forthcoming project is the facade, which will be almost totally smothered in solar panels (don’t worry, there will also be vents and windows to promote the natural exchange of light and air). But 1 million kWh is a lot — the U.S. government has found that an average household uses roughly 11,000 kWh annually, which will rise (because of course it will) before the Sun Rock is finished.

Continue reading “Taiwan’s New Solar Panel ‘Sun Rock’ Will Deliver 1 Million kWh Per Year” »

Apr 6, 2022

30-year-old Crypto Billionaire Wants to Give Away 99 Percent of His Wealth

Posted by in category: futurism

He doesn’t want a yacht but wishes to maximize altruism.30-year-old, Sam Bankman-Fried, is a textbook example of a modern-day tech billionaire who got rich overnight. He thinks sleeping is a waste of time, plays video games during meetings, and is also vegan. But instead of buying the luxuries of the world, Bankman-Fried wants to give away his wealth so others may benefit, Bloomberg reported.


Tech billionaire follows the philosophy of effective altruism to maximize good for most people. He wants to earn more money so that he can give it away.

Apr 6, 2022

Hyundai outlines its hydrogen aviation plans, including regional eSTOLs

Posted by in categories: economics, sustainability, transportation

And they could enter service by 2030.The automotive world is transforming to meet the needs of the future.


Hyundai has already made it very clear that it’s making a serious play at next-gen electric aviation, establishing its own eVTOL subsidiary Supernal late last year and promising to flex its automotive-grade manufacturing muscle to get air taxis built in bulk. Now, the company has made a presentation at the Vertical Flight Society’s H2 Aero workshop to confirm that it’s also bringing its hydrogen expertise into the aviation world.

Hyundai/Kia and Toyota, of course, have been the two main hydrogen fuel cell stalwarts in the automotive industry. Batteries make more sense for most passenger car applications globally, but Japan and Korea are committed to building a “hydrogen economy” powering much more than personal transport, so these companies in particular have persisted with building and selling relatively small numbers of fuel cell-electric cars like the Nexo and Mirai.

Continue reading “Hyundai outlines its hydrogen aviation plans, including regional eSTOLs” »

Apr 6, 2022

Nuclear bombs and missiles market to reach $126 billion by 2030

Posted by in categories: existential risks, geopolitics, military, treaties

The nuclear bombs and missiles market is set to witness growth in this decade as market capitalization will reach $126 billion, Allied Market Research said in a recent report.

Back in 1994, Ukraine had signed on to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and declared itself a non-nuclear state. Even after the annexation of Crimea, the country remained committed to its non-nuclear status and found itself at a disadvantage with Russia threatening to attack its borders. Given that the Ukrainian conflict has continued unabated for over a month now, it is likely that countries will move toward nuclear weapons adversaries. Although a nuclear war would be catastrophic for one and all, the weapon serves as a good deterrence measure during periods of uncertainty.