Artificial intelligence was developed to mimic – and even potentially surpass – human intelligence. And in some ways, it already has. But can it replace humans altogether or is it best used working alongside humanity?
Building Quantum Computers Using 2D Materials
Quantum computing promises to revolutionize how we solve problems. The advantages that come from using quantum mechanics to solve hard problems are colossal. But we are still a long way from demonstrating solving a functionally useful problem. The main reason is that to solve these problems we require a lot of qubits, as for complex problems the quantum algorithms often require error correction. Which dramatically increases the number of qubits required, from tens to thousands, or even more. Thus, we need to find techniques to scale the production of qubits in a compact and reliable manner. In this latest work from a team at MIT, two-dimensional materials were used to construct superconducting qubits.
They use a combination of NbSi2 and hBN to form a Josephson junction and perform tests on the Qubit’s performance compared to traditional fabricated superconducting qubits. They demonstrate that the performance is very similar despite having a significantly smaller size. This is a promising demonstration of fabricating with 2D materials.
World’s Largest Fusion Device Breaks Energy Record
The world’s largest fusion energy machine has more than doubled its own world record for energy production. We asked a scientist what this milestone means for the future.
Forbes Blockchain 50: The Billion Dollar Companies Using Blockchain Technology | Forbes
Since our inaugural roundup of the Blockchain 50, published in 2019, the billion-dollar companies (minimum, by sales or market value) on our annual list have moved beyond test projects and now rely on “distributed ledger” technology to do serious work. A lot of the action is in the back office, verifying insurance claims or facilitating real estate deals. It has also become vital to supply chains, whether checking the provenance of conflict minerals like cobalt or tracking auto parts for Renault. Nearly half of the Blockchain 50 are based outside the United States; 14% are Chinese. New this year: venture capital firms, which as a group invested more than $32 billion in the sector in 2021.
Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether grab all the headlines, especially after booming last year and then losing more than $1 trillion in value since November. But in many ways, speculative cryptocurrencies are the least intriguing blockchain application. The most lasting impact will come as more and more multinationals integrate blockchains into their daily operations, unleashing untold efficiencies.
What are NFTs? | The Economist
In the past year a new trend in the crypto world has boomed: NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. They started as a way for digital artists to have ownership over their work but have transformed into a dizzying new multi-billion-dollar marketplace. Are they worth the hype?
Why Some See Web 3.0 as the Future of the Internet | WSJ
Some see Web 3.0 as the next generation of the internet, a decentralized version of the web-based on the blockchain. Here are the key principles behind it, and why skeptics are unconvinced it could scale globally.
The Sky Is the Limit:’ How NFTs Are Revolutionizing the Art Market | Niche Markets | WSJ
Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have gone in the last year from a relatively obscure blockchain technology to a market valued at around $44 billion. WSJ explores how NFTs are transforming the art market and tells the story of who is behind the buzz.
Major breakthrough on nuclear fusion energy – BBC News
European scientists say they have made a major breakthrough in their quest to develop practical nuclear fusion – the energy process that powers the stars.
The UK-based JET laboratory has smashed its own world record for the amount of energy it can extract by squeezing together two forms of hydrogen.
If nuclear fusion can be successfully recreated on Earth it holds out the potential of virtually unlimited supplies of low-carbon, low-radiation energy.
The experiments produced 59 megajoules of energy over five seconds, more than double what was achieved in similar tests back in 1997.
Revisiting Thorium Energy – The Future of Nuclear Power?
Will thorium reactors be the future of renewable energy? While nuclear power raises fear among many of us, it’s considered one of our better options for a reliable, carbon-free renewable energy future. Alongside small modular reactors, molten salt reactors (MSRs) that use Thorium as a fuel, are considered cheaper, cleaner and safer options to the traditional nuclear reactors. With experimental tests scheduled for a Thorium-reactor in China and US companies developing projects that should be spinning up in the next few years, let’s revisit my previous video, Thorium explained, and molten-salt reactors, and when we’ll be able to see their impact. Could Thorium reactors build a cheaper and safer future for nuclear power?
Utility Tokens vs. Security Tokens; The Differences and Uses
Utility Tokens Versus Security Tokens; The Differences and Uses The lines between blockchain terminologies can get a little blurry, even for crypto enthusiasts. Most people do not understand the meaning and difference between the two most common types of crypto tokens: utility tokens and security tokens.