Lifeboat Foundation

Coherence times in quantum computing have increased by orders of magnitude since the early 2000s. If this exponential progress continues, coherence times measured in seconds or even minutes could be achieved in the near future.

When discussing the latest quantum computers, most people tend to focus on the number of quantum bits (or qubits) in a system. However, while qubit counts are a very important factor, another key metric is coherence time, which measures how long a qubit can hold information.

In order to generate complex mathematical calculations, a qubit needs to hold information for as long as possible. That requires physical qubits to remain highly isolated from the surrounding environment. When a qubit is disrupted by external stimuli – such as background noise from vibrations, temperature changes or stray electromagnetic fields – information about the state of that qubit “leaks out” in a process known as decoherence. This can ruin the ability to exploit any quantum effects. Longer coherence times enable more quantum gates to be utilised before this occurs, resulting in more complex calculations.

COVID-19 Research: Chinese researchers from the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS)-China led by Professor Dr Wei Congwen, have found the role of an HDL (high-density lipoprotein) receptor in the facilitation of entry of the SARS CoV-2 into human host cells.

The SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells through binding of the viral spike protein (SARS-2-S) to the cell-surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Simulations that model molecular interactions have identified an enzyme that could be targeted to reverse a natural aging process called cellular senescence. The findings were validated with laboratory experiments on skin cells and skin equivalent tissues, and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

“Our research opens the door for a new generation that perceives aging as a reversible biological phenomenon,” says Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho of the Department of Bio and Brain engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), who led the research with colleagues from KAIST and Amorepacific Corporation in Korea.

Cells respond to a variety of factors, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and shortening of the telomeres capping the ends of chromosomes, by entering a stable and persistent exit from the cell cycle. This process, called cellular senescence, is important, as it prevents damaged cells from proliferating and turning into cancer cells. But it is also a natural process that contributes to aging and age-related diseases. Recent research has shown that cellular senescence can be reversed. But the laboratory approaches used thus far also impair tissue regeneration or have the potential to trigger malignant transformations.

https://www.BetaGlucanShop.com — Natural killer cells (NK cells) are the most aggressive cells of your immune system and kills through apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. These innate immune cells are key players against viral infections and cancer growth.

Natural killer cells help prevent metastasis by killing abnormal cells and tumour cells. Metastasis is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Beta glucans are used in immunotherapy as they may help (depending on type) the immune system distinguish between healthy and abnormal cells like cancer cells, and thus direct the immune cells to engage cancer cells.

Continue reading “Innate immune system: Natural killer cells and cancer” »

Energy producing kite.

This google owned company built a giant energy-producing kite.

Credit: Youtube/ Makani

The sustainable propulsion system enables flights at over 300 km/h (186 mph) for 5 minutes and climbing ability for the first time.

The test has not been approved by the FDA.

How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed? New blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s is not approved by the FDA.

A powerful telescope in Australia gives a glimpse of three million galaxies in record time.

The annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America highlighted how artificial intelligence is being used to augment medical imaging.

RSNA 2020, the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, showcases the latest research advances and product developments in all areas of radiology. Here’s a selection of studies presented at this year’s all-virtual event, all of which demonstrate the increasingly prevalent role played by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in diagnostic imaging applications.

Deep-learning model helps detect TB

Continue reading “RSNA 2020: AI highlights from an all-virtual annual meeting” »