The observer effect, which produces a different scattering pattern when a beam of light is observed compared to the unobserved beam, remains a deep mystery at the quantum level. How does the quantum somehow connect to our conscious measurements, and does it imprint our measurements in the curvature of spacetime as as Sir Roger Penrose has proposed? What’s going on in our heads may say something about quantum reality.
Researchers recently reported success in predicting sequences of cause and effect in a fluid flow, a task that had until now been impossible because of the computational burden. Using the techniques of tensor networks, which are fundamental for quantum computing, and process matrix formalism, the research finding holds promise for simulating fluid motion, and for conquering probabilities that can result in quantum circuit decoherence.
There is an intricate relationship between human activities and the natural world, highlighted by the effects of climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss while many new species of life are still being discovered. We illustrate the role of human observation in documenting natural heritage through the Wiki Loves Earth photography contest, underscoring the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, international collaboration, and sustainable practices in addressing environmental challenges.
Quantum technologies require measurements of quantum interactions, but is measuring accuracy possible if we can’t pinpoint the beginning and end in chains of cause and effect over time? Physicist Julian Barbour redefines time as an increasing complexity of interactions, when one arrow of time from the past splits at a “Janus point” into two arrows for the future. Could identifying the Janus point help to resolve the problem of circuit decoherence that has held back full-scale quantum computing?
Quantum biology is an emerging area of research that’s uncovering important features of the cellular signalling networks in living organisms. In networks of tryptophan, a protein-building amino acid, scientists have discovered a process called superradiance that amplifies and efficiently transmits information to and from cells. With implications for quantum information processing, treating Alzheimer’s and dementia, and uncovering more about the microtubules in our brains, quantum biology promises to yield some important clues about cognition in natural neural networks.