quantum annealing

Can Dwave Quantum Computers help save finance and prevent future financial meltdowns from flawed models

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Dwave Systems and 1QB Information Technologies Inc. (1QBit), a quantum software firm, and financial industry experts today announced the launch of Quantum for Quants (quantumforquants.org), an online community designed specifically for quantitative analysts and other experts focused on complex problems in finance. Launched at the Global Derivatives Trading and Risk Management conference in Budapest, the …

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Genetically Modified Mosquito May Become Weapon Against Zika Virus

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Genetically modified mosquitoes that would help fight the Zika virus are getting urgent attention from U.S. regulators as global health officials raise alarms about the pathogen’s spread. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the final stages of reviewing an application from Intrexon Corp.’s Oxitec unit to conduct a field trial in the Florida …

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Star dimming for 100 years with irregular dips in brightness consistent with Dyson swarm construction and orbiting of partial Dyson Swarm

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The star KIC8462852 (TYC 3162-665-1) is apparently a perfectly normal star, with no spectral peculiarities, appearing in the original Cygnus/Lyra field studied with the Kepler spacecraft. But then, the Planet Hunters project discovered in the Kepler light curve that KIC8462852 displays a unique series of aperiodic dips in brightness. There is a collection of ≈500,000 …

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Researchers see promising results in treating age-related decline in muscle mass and power

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A proof-of-concept, phase 2 trial by an international research team has found promising results for a myostatin antibody in treating the decline in muscle mass and power associated with aging. “Myostatin is a natural protein produced within the body that inhibits muscle growth,” said Stuart Warden, a member of the research team who is also …

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Dwave Quantum annealing compared to other algorithms and their approach versus cleaner qubits

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Scott Aaronson discusses the recent Dwave – Google Quantum conputer work. In computer science, normally we care about asymptotic speedup: We care about, “What is your running time as a function of the size of the problem? Does it grow linearly? Does it grow quadratically?” The constant that’s in front — Does it take 5N …

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US Air Force denies plans for new F-16s and says it is F-35s all the way

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The US Air Force has denied any plans to purchase another tranche of Lockheed Martin F-16 or Boeing F-15 combat jets following reports it could seek bids for up to 72 new aircraft. According to comments attributed to a senior US Air Combat Command official at an international fighter conference in London last week, the …

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Israeli team SpacIL plans 2017 robotic lunar mission as leading Google LunarX Prize contender

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A team from Israel called SpaceIL has signed a contract to launch its robotic lunar lander toward the moon aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the second half of 2017. SpaceIL is therefore a strong contender to win the $20 million top prize in the Google Lunar X Prize (GLXP), contest organizers said. The …

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Aerial photos of likely new Type 001A 60,000 ton Chinese aircraft carrier

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A new navel hull, first noted under construction in imagery captured on 10 March, is in an advanced state of assembly at Dalian shipyard. China was reported to be ready to launch its first domestically built aircraft carrier, known as the Type 001A, on Dec. 26 according to Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao. IHS Jane’s …

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Taiwan military intelligence confirms China building two new aircraft carriers

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China is building two aircraft carriers that will be the same size as its sole carrier, a 60,000-tonne refurbished Soviet-era ship, according to a new Taiwanese Defence Ministry report on the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier program, which is a state secret, although Chinese state media …

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China shows large amphibious hovercrafts and a new 50 ton seaplane will support South China Sea operations

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A new Chinese-built seaplane could help seal Beijing’s control over its claims in the South China Sea (SCS), say military specialists on China. The Jiaolong (Water Dragon) AG600, under construction by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA), will be China’s largest operational seaplane. The aircraft is powered by four turboprop WJ-6 engines and has a …

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Star Trek Axanar has an indiegogo fundraiser and a 3-4 minute teaser with a new Vulcan scene

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Axanar is the first fully-professional, independent Star Trek film. While some may call it a “fan film” as we are not licensed by CBS, Axanar has professionals working in front and behind the camera, with a fully-professional crew–many of whom have worked on Star Trek itself–who ensure Axanar will be the quality of Star Trek …

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