NUNZIUM

News That Matters

14/02/2023 ---- 17/02/2023

PAST MONHT

month -1

HOMEPAGE

go_today

NEXT MONTH

month +1
17.02.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

New methods are emerging to harness the full potential of quantum computing

Quantum computing is a relatively new field that seeks to harness quantum mechanics' strange properties to perform computations beyond the reach of classical computers. It is a type of computer that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. Unlike classical computers, which use bits that can be either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can be in a state of 0, 1, or both at the same time (known as a superposition). Qubits allow quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers. One of the main reasons why quantum computing is so important is that it has the potential to revolutionize computing and solve some of the world's most complex problems. For example, quantum computers are particularly good at solving specific optimization problems difficult for classical computers, which could have applications in logistics, finance, and transportation. Quantum computers are also well-suited to simulating the behaviour of other quantum systems, which is difficult for classical computers. This could have applications in fields like materials science, where researchers are interested in simulating the behaviour of complex molecules and materials. In addition, quantum computers could accelerate the training of machine learning algorithms, leading to more powerful AI systems. And while they can break many of the encryption methods currently used to secure online communications, they can also create new encryption methods that are even more secure.

Despite these exciting possibilities, quantum computing is still in the early stages of development, and many issues must be overcome before it can reach its full potential. The main technical challenges of quantum computers today include the need for error correction to improve the reliability of computations, the development of more powerful quantum hardware, the ability to control and scale up the number of qubits, and the ability to implement fault-tolerant quantum operations. For these reasons researchers worldwide are working to build more robust and reliable quantum computers, and the field is advancing rapidly. On February 8, a team from the University of Sussex led by Prof Winfried Hensinger published a method to transfer quantum information between computer chips at record speeds and accuracy. According to Prof Winfried Hensinger, who led the research at Sussex University, the new development paves the way for systems that can solve complex real-world problems that the best computers we have today are incapable of.

While physicist Richard Feynman first proposed the idea of a quantum computer in the 1980s, it was in the late 1990s that the first functional quantum computers were built. The first quantum computer was created by a team of researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1998. This early quantum computer could only perform simple calculations and was mainly used for proof-of-concept experiments rather than practical applications. However, it demonstrated that quantum computing was a viable field of research, and subsequent developments in the area have led to the creation of more powerful and sophisticated quantum computers. While quantum computers are still in their early stages of development and many technical challenges remain, they represent a promising new direction in computing that has the potential to revolutionize many fields. As such, they are an area of intense research and investment, with companies and governments worldwide working to develop and deploy quantum computers in the years to come.

READ MORE
14.02.2023
THEME: WORLD

Historic decision of the European Union imposes phase-out of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035

Diesel and gasoline cars are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, the transportation sector, which includes cars, trucks, and other vehicles, accounted for approximately 28% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Of this 28%, passenger cars and light-duty trucks (which include gasoline and diesel vehicles) were responsible for about 60%. The primary factor contributing to the release of greenhouse gases from gasoline and diesel vehicles is the combustion of fossil fuels in their engines. When gasoline or diesel is burned, carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is released into the atmosphere. Other factors that contribute to vehicle emissions include fuel production and transportation, vehicle manufacturing, and vehicle maintenance. For these reasons, efforts are being made to develop and promote alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Today February 14, the European Union is the first political entity to take a strong position by introducing a controlled phase-out of all gasoline and diesel vehicles. Despite the right-wing parties' opposition, the final ok by the Parliament was reached with 340 votes in favour, 279 against and 21 abstentions. The new legislation is part of the Fit for 55 packages. It establishes a concrete path towards zeroing CO2 emissions: the objectives are to reduce cars' emissions by 55% in 2030 and 100% in 2035 compared to 2021 levels. After that, the new cars and vans will no longer have to produce any CO2 emissions. The decision comes as a fundamental step in order not to further aggravate the crisis linked to climate change which, by 2035, could lead to devastating consequences on a global level. Parties that opposed the decision are already proposing amendments, such as a request to postpone the phase-out deadline by a few years. Such a minor adjustment will be possible in the next few months, after which the decision will be final.

Many politicians still consider the agreement dangerous and harmful for the automotive and other sectors of the economy. The arguments revolve around both the investments needed by the automotive industries to adapt as well as the implicit dependence by third countries supplies that this strategic choice imposes. In particular, minerals such as cobalt and lithium are mainly sourced from extra-EU countries. The EU imports a significant amount of lithium and cobalt, critical raw materials used to produce batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. According to the European Commission, most of the world's cobalt production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Lithium is mainly produced in South America, particularly in Chile. In 2020, the EU imported approximately 48,000 metric tons of cobalt and 26,000 metric tons of lithium, according to the European Commission. These imports represent a significant portion of the EU's total demand for these materials. The EU currently has limited domestic production capacity for these critical raw materials. The EU is working to develop a sustainable and responsible supply chain to reduce its dependence on imports, including promoting the development of domestic production capacity, supporting the recycling and reuse of these materials, and working with partner countries to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.

READ MORE

PAST MONTH

month -1

HOMEPAGE

go_today

NEXT MONTH

month +1