We changed the tilt of Earth's axis and didn't notice

Sabine Hossenfelder15 minutes read

Physicists from the University of Southern California have demonstrated that quantum computers outperform conventional computers. Quantum advantage was shown in a study using a 27 qubit quantum computer from IBM, showcasing superior scalability despite potential noise interference.

Insights

  • Quantum computers exhibit faster problem-solving capabilities compared to conventional computers, showcasing a phenomenon known as "quantum advantage," as demonstrated by Google in 2019.
  • Researchers have made strides in replicating and verifying superconductor breakthroughs, specifically with lutetium hydride, indicating potential for room-temperature superconductivity and further advancements in the field.

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Recent questions

  • What is quantum advantage?

    Quantum computers solve problems faster than conventional ones.

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Summary

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Homemade cookies: simple recipe for delicious treats.

  • The recipe requires 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of butter.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F before starting the baking process.
  • Mix the flour, sugar, and butter together until a dough forms.
  • Roll out the dough and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  • Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
  • Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

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Advancements in Quantum Computing and Superconductors

  • Physicists from the University of Southern California have shown that quantum computers don't slow down as much as conventional computers when problems get more difficult.
  • Quantum computers can solve certain problems faster than conventional computers, known as "quantum advantage," demonstrated by Google in 2019.
  • In a new study, a 27 qubit quantum computer from IBM was used to play the "bitstring guessing game," solving it with only one guess.
  • The quantum computer creates an initial state containing all possible answers, compares them to the bit string without looking, and then reveals the correct answer magically.
  • The study shows that quantum solutions scale better than conventional algorithms for a small number of bits, although noise may affect larger numbers.
  • Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago partially reproduced a supposed superconductor breakthrough announced by the University of Rochester in March.
  • The superconductor compound, lutetium hydride, compressed at 10 kilobars of pressure, showed a change in color and electric resistance, becoming superconductive at room temperature.
  • Several groups in China failed to reproduce the superconductor findings, but a new paper reports a sharp drop in electric resistivity compatible with superconductivity.
  • A microchip developed by researchers from Melbourne mimics the human eye, capturing, processing, and storing visual information like synapses in the brain.
  • The thin layer of doped indium oxide in the chip changes conductance based on light signals, potentially aiding in the development of bionic eyes.
  • A study by UK researchers found that "smart drugs" like Ritalin or Adderall don't enhance cognitive performance, despite increasing motivation in participants.
  • NASA released visualizations showing carbon dioxide emissions over the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighting sources and patterns.
  • Paris aims to launch a flying taxi service using electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles before the 2024 Olympics, offering exclusive short flights at a slightly higher cost than Uber.
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