🤖 Computer Science

Why every quantum computer will need a powerful classical computer

Quantum computing, despite its limited practical applications so far, has led to startups focusing on areas beyond qubits. This highlights unresolved issues in the field. For instance, UK-based Riverlane is tackling the significant classical computations needed for quantum hardware, specifically the data processing required for quantum error correction. This indicates ongoing challenges that even major companies like Amazon, Google, IBM, and Intel have not yet solved.

Using artificial agents to nudge outgroup altruism and reduce ingroup favoritism in human-agent interaction

Two studies (N=880) explored reducing ingroup favoritism through prosocial outgroup altruism. Study 1 showed nonadaptive agents reinforced favoritism, while Study 2 found adaptive agents, perceived as fair and human-like, reduced it by maintaining good reputations with both groups. Reputation is key to improving intergroup cooperation through nudge agents.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Photons from quantum dot emitters violate Bell inequality in new study

A study in Nature Physics reveals a new method for generating quantum entanglement using a quantum dot, violating the Bell inequality. This low-power technique could advance scalable quantum technologies. Quantum entanglement, crucial for quantum computing, correlates qubits regardless of distance, verified by the Bell inequality. Dr. Shikai Liu from The Niels Bohr Institute led the research, inspired by his work with traditional entanglement sources.

Plastic recycling studies need reliable polymer data. This database is ready to inform them

Researchers created a database detailing the chemical composition and physical properties of 59 polymers from commercial vendors to support plastic recycling research. They discovered that many polymers had properties differing from manufacturers' specifications.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Gut Biomarkers Accurately Flag Autism Spectrum Disorder

New research shows that components of the gut microbiome can accurately differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from neurotypical children. These findings could lead to a noninvasive diagnostic test for ASD and new therapeutic targets, according to the study published in Nature Microbiology.

Pregnancy loss risk heightened by family history of endocrine diseases

A new study finds that women with close family members having endocrine diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, thyroid diseases, and PCOS, are at higher risk of pregnancy loss. Presented at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting, the study examined 366,539 women in Denmark from 1973 to 2022. Women with parents diagnosed with endocrine diseases had a 6% higher risk, and those with affected sisters had a 7% higher risk of pregnancy loss. The study underscores the importance of family history of endocrine diseases in assessing pregnancy loss risk.

U.K. publishes first guidelines for human embryo models grown from stem cells

New code of practice aims to provide clarity about the ethical and legal boundaries of a rapidly developing research field

🔭 Space & Astronomy

Ariane 6 Performs Spectacular First Flight, Ending Europe’s Rocket Drought

The Ariane 6 launch, scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed to 3 p.m. ET due to a resolved data acquisition system issue. The European Space Agency (ESA) prepared to launch the rocket from French Guiana to restore Europe’s access to Earth orbit after delays. The launch window began at 2 p.m. ET and was broadcast live on ESA’s online channel.

Huge neutrino detector sees first hints of particles from exploding stars

Physicists at Japan’s Super-Kamiokande observatory suggest they may be detecting a few neutrinos annually from collapsing massive stars across the Universe. Neutrinos, elusive subatomic particles, offer insights into supernovae's inner workings and potential new physics under extreme conditions. At Neutrino 2024 in Milan, Masayuki Harada revealed early signs of supernova neutrino detections amidst data collected from cosmic rays and solar processes. Masayuki Nakahata, a physicist involved, notes the observations are preliminary, based on 956 days of data.

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