Hybrid Quantum Computers combining topological qubits and conventional superconducting qubits

Quantum computers come in two forms, depending on how localized the information is. Researchers are looking into hybrid models that could combine the best of both systems. Two papers in Physical Review Letters describe possible interfaces for relaying information between the two quantum platforms. Quantum computers store information in “qubits,” which are quantum combinations of …

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One million cases of Atrial Fibrillation – Irregular Heart beat are avoidable

More than 2 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when the heart’s two upper chambers beat erratically, causing the chambers to pump blood rapidly, unevenly and inefficiently. Blood can pool and clot in the chambers, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. AF affects about 3 percent …

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Fukushima Daiichi Worker details and the radioactive water and overall levels of Cesium and Iodine

World nuclear news – Tokyo Electric Power Company has been criticized over yesterday’s exposure to workers operating in ankle-deep water, but continues to make progress towards stabilising the site two weeks after the natural disasters of 11 March. Nuclear Energy Institute – Tokyo Electric Power Co. is stepping up efforts to switch from sea water …

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Linkedin passes 100 million members and I was in the first 100,000 members

Linkedin just passed 100 million members. Linkedin is a social media network with a business/professional focus. I got a thank you email for being in the first 100,000 members. [Reid Hoffman Co-founder and Chairman]wanted to personally thank you (with a computer generated email) because you were one of LinkedIn’s first 100,000 members (member number 92922 …

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Oil and Gas Extraction Accidents and World Oil and Gas fatality estimates

Here is a Center for Disease Control description of the oil and gas extraction industry deaths Oil and gas extraction (i.e., removing oil and natural gas from the ground) is a growing industry in the United States, employing approximately 380,000 workers in 2006. In recent years, activity in this industry has increased substantially, from an …

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Polymer-dipped carbon nanotube catalysts better than platinum and 650 time cheaper

Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution equal the energy output and otherwise outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells, a team of Case Western Reserve University engineers has found. Platinum, which represents at least a quarter of the cost of fuel cells, currently sells for about $65,000 per kilogram. These researchers say …

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Forecast of 1.8 billion tons of steel per year in 2015 driven by Urbanization in China

James Harman, head of business development for AngloAmerican’s iron ore and coal divisions, forecasts world crude steel production would grow to about 1.8bn tons by 2015 from about 1.4bn last year, supporting a need for more iron ore. “Urbanization in China will drive demand for our key metals and minerals, with a greater focus on …

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