IBM’s Goal: 100,000-Qubit Quantum Computer
IBM recently set a new target in quantum computing: a 100,000-qubit machine that it plans to develop within a decade. Late last year, IBM broke the record for the largest quantum computing system with a processor containing 433 quantum bits, or qubits. Quantum computing is at the forefront of technological advancements, and an IBM of this magnitude shows the company’s commitment to continued innovation in the field.
AI Identifies New Antibiotic to Tackle Deadly Superbugs
Researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify new forms of antibiotics to treat a deadly superbug. After training an AI model, the researchers used it to analyse thousands of compounds, which only took around an hour and a half. They explored compounds that the model had not encountered before and found several hundred, including abaucin, which they tested in a laboratory. The scientists tested the molecule against A baumannii in mice and found that it suppressed the infection, offering hope for a future where AI can be used to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Nvidia’s Surge in Value thanks to AI
Nvidia’s stock value has risen by almost 30% following the announcement of its first-quarter financial results. Nvidia is benefiting from the demand for high-powered AI chips in an era of generative AI. It is poised to become only the fifth publicly-traded US company currently worth $1 trillion, joining the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Apple.
Paralyzed Man Walks Again Thanks to Brain and Spine Implants
A study in the journal Nature showed that researchers in Switzerland had discovered implants that helped provide a “digital bridge” between the patient’s brain and spinal cord, bypassing injured sections. The discovery enabled the patient, who had been paralyzed, to stand, walk, and ascend a steep ramp with the assistance of a walker. More than a year later, the patient retained these abilities and actually showed signs of neurological recovery, even walking with crutches when the implant was switched off.
Humanoid Robots are More Capable than Ever Before
Robots are becoming more and more sophisticated, with several startups developing humanoids for use in workplaces such as factories and warehouses. In contrast to a hapless struggle against a series of tasks a decade ago, these next-gen humanoids are more capable, agile, and far more efficient, with the Pentagon having already organized a watchable contest some years ago that saw these robots attempt to open doors and operate power tools.
Generating Electricity from Thin Air
Scientists are working on a device that can generate continuous electricity from the humidity in the air around us. The device offers a glimpse of a possible sustainable energy source, utilizing any material that electricity can be generated from. The device had been tested and showed good energy generation results during the study.
Unveiling AI-Powered Smart NPCs for Unreal Engine
Replica, an AI-powered start-up, has developed smart non-playable characters (NPCs) powered either by OpenAI or Replica’s library of over 120 ethical AI voices for use in games. The AI-powered NPCs can dynamically respond to the player’s in-game voice in real-time, allowing game developers to create new and exciting gaming experiences on a scale that was not possible before.
The Fluxonium Superconducting Qubit
Scientists have developed a qubit called “Fluxonium,” which is the most reliable qubit to date, almost always changing states as instructed. Notably, Fluxonium’s has about 1.48 milliseconds of coherence time, making it one of the longest lasting superconducting qubits.
How NASA Plans to Build on Mars
NASA is utilizing 3D printing to prepare for testing its resources on Mars. Beginning in June, a small crew will spend one year inside the Mars Dune Alpha, which was made of printed slurry. The structure offers a glimpse of how the full-scale structures that will house crew and their science experiments could be built. Utilizing this technology, NASA is planning to turn hostile planets such as Mars habitable.
How Humans and Neural Networks Learn Language
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have discovered that the brain waves of humans listening to a sound are very similar to the signal produced by a neural network analyzing the same sound. This is an exciting development in the field of AI, as researchers explore how to make neural networks work more like the human brain.
Conclusion
The current technological advancements in AI, quantum computing, robotics, and renewable energy are exciting and offer tremendous potential. With tech companies continuing to push the boundaries, progress is being made in creating practical solutions that will help overcome some of the world’s pressing challenges.
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