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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Small, room-temperature quantum computers that use light on the horizon after breakthrough, scientists say
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have demonstrated that a photonic qubit — a quantum bit powered by a particle of light — can detect and correct its own errors while running at room temperature. They say it is a foundational step toward scalable quantum processors. In a new study published June 4 in the journal Nature, researchers at Canadian quantum computing startup Xanadu created a so-called "Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill" (GKP) state directly on a silicon chip. GKP states are a type of quantum state that spreads information across multiple photons in a pattern that enables small errors to be spotted and corrected. This means that each qubit is capable of correcting itself, without needing to be bundled into large arrays of redundant qubits — a common requirement in today's error-correction methods. It marks the first time this type of error-resistant quantum state has been generated using a process compatible with conventional chip manufacturing, the scientists said. The breakthrough suggests that error-correcting quantum states could be produced with the same tools used to manufacture conventional computer chips — bringing reliable, room-temperature quantum hardware a step closer to reality. The qubit-cooling conundrum Quantum computers work very differently from the classical machines we use today. Classical computers store information in binary bits, represented as either 1s or 0s. Quantum systems, meanwhile, use qubits that can exist in a "superposition" of both states. This enables them to solve complex calculations in parallel, and they can one day perform far beyond the reach of conventional systems. But qubits are notoriously fragile. Even the smallest fluctuations in temperature, electromagnetic radiation or environmental noise can disrupt a qubit's state and corrupt its data. To guard against this, many quantum systems operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 273.15 degrees Celsius) using complex cooling systems to maintain "coherence" — the fragile quantum connection through which qubits perform calculations. Related: Coldest-ever qubits could lead to faster quantum computers While this cooling helps preserve quantum information, it also makes quantum computers bulky, expensive and impractical to scale. Xanadu's solution seeks to address this by using photons — particles of light that don't require deep cooling — to build qubits that run on silicon chips at room temperature. The team's GKP demonstration tackles another key challenge: quantum error correction. Most quantum systems today rely on groupings of multiple physical qubits that work together to detect and fix errors, known as a "logical qubit." Xanadu's photonic qubit sidesteps this by handling correction within each individual qubit, simplifying the hardware and paving the way for more scalable designs. "GKP states are, in a sense, the optimal photonic qubit, since they enable logic gates and error correction at room temperature and using relatively straightforward, deterministic operations," Zachary Vernon, CTO of hardware at Xanadu, said in a statement. RELATED STORIES —'Reliable quantum computing is here': Novel approach to error-correction can reduce errors in future systems up to 1,000 times, Microsoft scientists say —'Quantum hard drives' closer to reality after scientists resolve 10-year-old problem —World's 1st mechanical qubit uses no light or electronics. It could lead to ultra-precise gravity-sensing tech. "This demonstration is an important empirical milestone showing our recent successes in loss reduction and performance improvement across chip fabrication, component design and detector efficiency." The result builds on Xanadu's earlier development of Aurora, a modular quantum computing platform that connects multiple photonic chips using optical fiber. While Aurora addressed the challenge of scaling across a network, this new chip focuses on making each qubit more robust — a critical requirement for building fault-tolerant systems. Xanadu representatives said the next challenge was reducing optical loss, which happens when photons are scattered or absorbed as they travel through the chip's components.
Local Spain
4 days ago
- Business
- Local Spain
Immigrants in Spain earn a third less than local workers
Immigrant workers in Spain earn 29 percent less than natives, a new study has revealed. Led by the University of Oslo and published in Nature Journal, the report ' Immigrant-native pay gap driven by lack of access to high-paying jobs ' was carried out by researchers from more than a dozen universities around the world with Navarra's IESE Business School participating in Spain. The results show a significant salary gap between foreigners and Spaniards, with migrant workers in Spain earning 29.3 percent less than locals on average, the highest figure among countries included in the research. This difference is similar to that observed in Canada (27.5 percent) but far ahead of other European countries included in the study such as Norway, Germany and France (20.3, 19.6 and 18.9 percent, respectively) and far exceeds the figures recorded in the United States (10 percent) and Sweden (7 percent). In the nine countries analysed, immigrants earn on average 17.9 percent less than locals. The report concluded that around three-quarters of the wage gap is due to the 'segregation' of immigrant workers into lower-paid jobs, while the remaining 4.6 percent is due to wage disparities within the same job and company. In the latter case, referred to as 'within-job inequality' in the study, Spain also stands out with one of the highest percentages (7 percent), surpassed only by Canada (9.4 percent) and closely followed by France (6.7 percent). The study, which analysed data from 13.5 million people including employers and employees, reveals that, by region of origin of workers, the average wage gaps across countries studied were: Sub-Saharan Africa (26.1 percent), Middle East and North Africa (23.7 percent), Asia (20.1 percent), Latin America (18.5 percent) and Europe, North America and other Western countries (9.0 percent). The exception are non-EU digital nomads who need to earn €2,762 per month to be eligible for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, but they work for employers overseas. Fernando Pinto Hernández, Professor of Economics at Rey Juan Carlos University, stated in the Spanish press that 'the Spanish case is particularly worrying and highlights the existence of structural obstacles to labour integration, even for workers who have already entered the formal market.' This comes as experts forecast that in order to maintain the pensions system as a generation of Spanish workers begin to retire. However immigration has flared up as a sociocultural issue in Spain in recent times. The leader of Spain's far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal, last week downplayed reports that the party intends to deport 8 million foreigners, including second-generation migrants born in Spain
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Magic Mushrooms could lengthen your lifespan
A new study from Emory University suggests that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may extend your lifespan. Scientists at the university's department of medicine in Atlanta discovered that psilocybin increased cellular longevity and enhanced survival rates in aged mice. The study, published last week in the journal Nature, defined Psilocybin as the "naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by hallucinogenic mushrooms.' Researchers noted growing interest in psilocybin for treating psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, but this study offers the first experimental evidence that psilocin, its active form, boosts longevity in aged mice. The study suggests psilocybin may be a powerful anti-aging agent, with data showing it reduces oxidative stress, prevents DNA damage and helps preserve telomere length, which all help slow the aging process. The older white-haired mice even appeared younger after treatment, regrowing black hair. "Psilocybin appears to slow the 'wear and tear' that accompanies aging," co-author of the study, Louise Hecker of Emory University, told Fox News Digital. "Mice and cells are healthier and live significantly longer." While the study suggests this could also work for humans, much more testing is needed. Hecker told the outlet that researchers need to answer questions such as, "What are the optimal dosing protocols for humans? What is the optimal age for treatment initiation for optimal benefits?" "Is there an age, beyond which point, when treatment does not provide efficacy?' she continued. 'Are there potential harms or adverse effects associated with long-term treatment? What are the mechanisms of its action? All these questions need to be rigorously tested." Gabe Charambides, founder of the U.S.' first legal psilocybin retreat in Oregon, called the findings 'compelling' but stressed that human use requires stricter screening, preparation and safety than in mice. He added that those who may benefit most from psilocybin therapy are people feeling 'stuck' after major life events, such as childhood trauma, divorce, job loss or bereavement, or those seeking to improve their mental health. Charambides said his retreat guests have reported relief from physical issues such as chronic pain and migraines, though no biological testing is conducted. Ryan Moss of Filament Health, a Canadian clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company, previously stressed to Fox News Digital that the use of psychedelics should be administered in a safe, controlled setting. "Psychedelic experiences can sometimes feature anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia," Moss said. "Some patients using traditional psychedelics have reported experiencing adverse cardiovascular events during clinical trials." He recommends that clinical trial participants be well-prepared and closely monitored by trained professionals.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
The key to living longer could be tied to a surprising substance, study suggests
A new study suggests that psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, could extend lifespan. Researchers at the Emory University Department of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, discovered that psilocybin extended cellular lifespan and improved survival in aged mice. Psilocybin is the "naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by hallucinogenic mushrooms," as defined in the study. Psilocybin has recently received attention due to "considerable clinical evidence" for its potential in treating various psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, the researchers noted. The study, published in the journal Nature, uncovered the first experimental evidence that treatment with psilocin – the "active metabolite" in psilocybin – increases longevity in aged mice. This suggests that psilocybin may be a "potent geroprotective agent," the researchers wrote. Co-author Louise Hecker of Emory University said the data suggests psilocybin impacts "multiple hallmarks of aging." This includes reducing oxidative stress levels and preventing DNA damage, also known as preserving "telomere length." (Telomere are DNA-protein structures on the ends of chromosomes, which help to prevent cellular damage.) "Psilocybin appears to slow the 'wear and tear' that accompanies aging," Hecker said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Mice and cells are healthier and live significantly longer." The treatment led to "a dramatic impact on cellular life extensions" and increased the survival of mice, even when administered later in life, the researcher noted. The mice also appeared healthier, growing back black hair that was once white. "Most of what we know about psilocybin is clinical outcomes and what it does in the brain," Hecker commented. "These studies shed light on the fact that psilocybin has potent impacts on the entire body." As these are the first studies showing the impact of psilocybin on aging, Hecker noted that there is still "much more to learn" about the drug's potential. "What are the optimal dosing protocols for humans? What is the optimal age for treatment initiation for optimal benefits?" Hecker questioned. "Psilocybin appears to slow the 'wear and tear' that accompanies aging." "Is there an age, beyond which point, when treatment does not provide efficacy? Are there potential harms or adverse effects associated with long-term treatment? What are the mechanisms of its action? All these questions need to be rigorously tested." Additional studies are needed to answer these questions and confirm whether treatment impacts lifespan, Hecker noted. Gabe Charambides, founder of Odyssey – America's first legal psilocybin retreat, located in Oregon – said he considers these findings "compelling." "While most human psilocybin trials have focused on mental health outcomes — depression, anxiety, PTSD — this work highlights physiological shifts, including markers of cellular aging," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. While Charambides' retreat doesn't test for any biological changes, he said that many guests report relief from physical ailments like chronic pain and migraines. "Those self-reports suggest the mind–body effects the study hints at may translate to humans as well," he told Fox News Digital. Administration of psilocybin should differ "sharply" from mice to humans in terms of screening, preparation and safeguards, Charambides noted. Individuals who benefit the most from psilocybin therapy include those who "feel stuck" after significant life events – like childhood trauma, divorce, career upheaval or bereavement – or people who aim to improve their mental health, he added. Ryan Moss, chief science officer at Filament Health, a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company in Canada, has emphasized the importance of administering psychedelics in a safe setting. For more Health articles, visit "Psychedelic experiences can sometimes feature anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia," Moss previously told Fox News Digital. "Some patients using traditional psychedelics have reported experiencing adverse cardiovascular events during clinical trials." To mitigate these risks, Moss recommended that clinical trial participants receive thorough preparation and monitoring by trained professionals during sessions.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alarming new study prompts call to ban 4,200 chemicals 'of concern' found in common products
More than 4,000 chemicals used in plastics should be banned, according to the authors of a new report published in the prestigious journal Nature. Its lead author Professor Martin Wagner is concerned that most easily leach into food because they're not actually bound to the plastic. He spoke with Yahoo News on Thursday night, just after many of us had put our children to bed, sparking worry in at least one journalist. 'Pacifiers (dummies) are another good example, because they are the most direct and intimate contact you can have with plastics. By chewing on them, the chemicals would just leach into saliva and then be ingested by the baby,' he explained. 'But then you want them to sleep, right? It's a trade-off you have to make.' Wagner, a biologist with expertise in endocrine-disrupting chemicals at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted how people in modern societies like Australia are constantly coming into contact with plastic. Our lips touch the lids of plastic take-away coffee cups or water bottles in the morning, we put plastic headphones in our ears, we buy vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, and snacks all wrapped in it. Related: 🚨 Disturbing problem caused by placing five common items in dishwasher The study revealed there are more chemicals present in plastics than was previously thought. They identified a staggering 16,325 chemicals, of which 4,200 were deemed 'of concern' because they threaten human health or the environment. On average the researchers found 800 chemicals in each plastic item, but some contain as few as 20. The worst examples were polyethylenes which often contained thousands. New 'chemical cocktails' are constantly being created in plastics, and Wagner said responding to and investigating these additions is like playing the game whack-a-mole. For instance, after concerns were raised about the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in receipts and food packaging, most manufacturers shifted to using a similar compound, Bisphenol S (BPS), of which very little is known about its human health impacts. 'We call it regrettable substitutions… Just replacing BPA with BPS or BPF doesn't make a difference in terms of the health risks that these chemicals have,' Wagner said. Because of this behaviour by plastic manufacturers, the report calls for chemicals to be regulated not as individuals, but as groups. This would force them to remove all Bisphenols from plastics, not just BPA. 'That's of course economically much more costly, but it's more efficient in protecting public health,' Wagner said. Well-known additives used in plastics include colouring and UV resistance chemicals, but processing aids like foaming agents and lubricants are often used, so they don't stick during moulding, but residue often survives the manufacturing process and this can also leach into food and the environment. 'We have this broad universe of chemicals in plastics. There is so much complexity and so many chemicals in plastics that they are outpacing our ability to make sure they are safe,' Wagner said. 'This is compounded by industry in general not disclosing which chemicals are being used in plastics. So we have to reverse engineer and try to figure out which chemicals are actually in everyday plastic items, which is absurd to the public.' Increased temperature is known to increase the release of chemicals. So not leaving plastic in the sun, and keeping it out of the microwave is a 'common sense approach', according to Wagner. 'But of course, plastics will degrade over time, even if they're just sitting in the cupboard. So they're releasing micro and nanoplastics, but also chemicals in the process,' he said. From the time plastic is created from fossil fuels like oil and gas, it's harming the environment as a carbon pollutant. During the manufacturing process, it can harm worker health, and when it's used by consumers, it can poison them. Once plastic enters the environment, it just continues to break down into smaller and smaller pieces, which are commonly found in the soil, air and ocean. These fragments can then accumulate organic pollutants, heavy metals and bacteria. They are consumed by plants, fish and terrestrial animals and are absorbed into humans. Plastic has been found in breast milk, male genitalia, our blood and brains. 🐟 Detail in beach photo proves $17 billion issue 🚚 Simple bin mistake forces entire truckload of recycling to be dumped in landfill 🏡 Dangerous plastic discovery made 30cm under garden It's hard to avoid plastics. Silicone has been marketed as an alternative, but Wagner describes this as 'greenwashing' because it's also a plastic of which very little is known. Even when we buy canned food or drinks, the inside is lined with a thin layer of plastic. The same goes for many cardboard takeaway food containers, so when hot, fatty and oily food is placed inside, it can increase the leaching of chemicals. It can be difficult for consumers to make changes to their lifestyle, but Wagner said simple changes like no longer using plastic cutlery and other single-use items can reduce exposure. Plastic use is predicted to increase in the coming decades, so he argues it's necessary for regulators to urgently act. 'We need to increase transparency around chemical composition in plastics. I would argue the public deserves to know which chemicals they're involuntarily exposed to via all the plastic products we use,' Wagner said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
