What Is Quantum Computing? --- Science Blog Post

Vocabulary:

• Quantum Mechanics: A theory of the mechanics of atoms, molecules, or other physical systems that are subject to the uncertainty principle
• Quantum: The smallest quantity of radiant light, equal to Planck’s constant times the frequency of the associated radiation
• Quantum Bits (Qubits): The fundamental units of information in a quantum computer, capable of existing in two states, 0 or 1, simultaneously or at a different time

For More Vocabulary, Visit: http://www.dictionary.com/

As technology advances, we are constantly looking for new ways to revolutionize different industries - especially the computer industry.  Scientists have been using the principles of quantum mechanics to invent a new kind of high tech computer: The Quantum Computer.

Information is stored as bits in a normal computer.  In a quantum computer, the information is stored as quantum bits. Quantum bits are sometimes also referred to as qubit.

But, keep in mind that a quantum bit is very different from a physical particle.  It can be made of any fundamental particle, such as a photon, electron, of nucleus, and has two different properties at the same time (like existing in two places at the same time)!!!!

You might be wondering why this even helps with computers.  Well, a normal computer must go through many different possibilities of 0 and 1 for a single calculation.  A quantum computer, because it can exist in all the states simultaneously, only has to do one calculation to calculate a large number of possibilities.  This ultimately makes it much faster.

The biggest challenge is developing a way to harness and control these particles.  To control them, you have to trap and direct them.  When the particles interact, though, they lose their information.  Scientists and engineers are still in the process of finding effective ways to trap and guide the particles.  

A quantum computer’s most important application is the ability to factorize very large numbers into two prime numbers relatively quickly.  Actually, almost all encryption for internet computing for any computer is based off of this.  But, it also has other scientific uses, like calculating positions of individual atoms in larges molecules like viruses and polymers.  Because of the way the atoms interact with eachother, they claim that you cannot accurately calculate anything when more than 10 atoms are present.  

In terms of buying commercial quantum computers, you can if you have about $10 million USD.  And, because of how new this technology is, these computers have limited computer power and it is not exactly clear what the computer is doing.  

It will also probably take a while before we can downsize quantum computers to desktop and laptop sizes.  The first ones will most likely fill up an entire room! While there is much, much more research to be done, progress is slowly beginning to be made.  

For More Information, visit: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/mar/06/quantum-computing-explained-particle-mechanics

How Your Mom Makes You Happier --- Science Blog Post

In honor of Mother's Day (May 8, 2016) I decided to post a scientific study which explains how having a maternal figure in your life makes you happier.
 
She Calms Us Down:
A study that happened in 2010 explains that hearing your mom's voice helps relieve stress because it releases oxytocin.  Oxytocin is a hormone that makes you feel good.  This makes talking to your mom very similar to receiving a hug from her.

She Impacts Our Brain Development:
According to research, your mother's nurturing and loving behavior may result in a larger hippocampus.  The hippocampus is the area of your brain which is in charge of learning, memory, and stress responses.

She Makes Us Laugh:
Cortisol is the stress hormone, and studies prove that laughing helps reduce it, possible even reducing deceases.  Laughter is the best medicine, after all! And, if anyone knows how to make you laugh, it is your mother.

Your Bond With Her Could Result In Better Romantic Relationships:
Again, a 2010 study shows that having a good relationship with your mother could positively influence your future relationships, while having a bad relationship with her could negatively influence them.

She Is The First Person To Love Us:
After analyzing a mother's brain after giving birth, it can be concluded that becoming a parent looks a lot like falling in love.  To put in other words, a similar social bonding process occurs.

Hopefully, you have a deeper understanding about how and why having a mom (maternal figure) makes us happier.  And, Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's in the world!


For more information, visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/moms-happiness_us_572cff28e4b016f37895dbc8

Zika Virus --- Science Blog Post

    The Zika Virus is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes biting the human skin.  The symptoms, such as fever, rash, itchy eyes, and red eyes, last for anywhere between several days to a weeks after being bitten. It is very rare for people to die from this decease.  Actually, many people don't even realize that they have the Zika virus.

    This decease may not necessarily be harmful to you (there is still much research being done), Zika is very dangerous to have during pregnancy.  It can cause several birth defects called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.  Microcephaly is a birth defect where the baby's head is born smaller than it should be.  This could potentially lead to the baby being born with a smaller, undeveloped brain.   

    Zika is becoming a worldwide crisis, and we need to take proper precautions in order to prevent it from spreading.  Right now, Zika is in America, Central America, South America, The Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.  The first reported case of Zika actually came from Brazil.    

    

For More Information: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/