Startalk Radio – Cosmic Queries – Quantum Computing with Michio Kaku

Intro

In this episode of Startalk Radio, host Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the fascinating world of quantum computing with renowned physicist Michio Kaku. They discuss the potential of quantum computers, the race for quantum supremacy, and the impact this technology could have on various industries and our understanding of the universe.

Main Takeaways

The Evolution of Quantum Computing

• Quantum computing is the third stage in the evolution of computers, where computing is done on atoms.
• Quantum computers have the potential to outpace regular computers by a factor of a million.

The Race for Quantum Supremacy

• There is a race between China, IBM, Google, and Microsoft to be the first to bring a commercialized quantum computer to the market.
• The CIA, commercial banks, aerospace, and energy industries are all interested in quantum computing.

The Power of Quantum Computing

• Quantum computing has the potential to change everything.
• Quantum computers can crack any known digital code, making top secrets vulnerable.
• Quantum computing can lead to advancements in various fields such as cars, rockets, food, energy, and understanding of the universe.

The Key to Quantum Mechanics

• Qubits differ from bits as they can spin in all directions simultaneously, making them infinitely more powerful than traditional digital computers.
• Quantum mechanics is the key to understanding atoms, flowers, enzymes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, which is beyond the reach of digital computers.

Predicting Solar Events and Protecting Civilization

• Quantum computing can be used to predict solar events and protect against property damage.
• The sun has a magnetic field that can cause solar events that may shut down civilization as we know it.
• Evidence of solar events in the past can be found in tree rings and Arctic ice cores.
• We need a backup plan to restart civilization without electricity.

The Quest for Quantum Supremacy

• Quantum supremacy is when a quantum computer can beat a digital computer on a certain task.
• The next step is to make an all-purpose quantum computer that can out-race a general computer on all possible tasks.
• The race for quantum computing supremacy is ongoing, with Chinese and IBM as some of the leaders.
• Whoever wins the race will dominate the world economy.

Modeling the Human Brain and Understanding Dark Matter

• Quantum computers can model molecules, which is useful in solving problems in medicine, global warming, and food production.
• Quantum computing can map our brain with perfect precision.
• The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each connected to 10,000 other neurons.
• Quantum computers can model infinite states of an atom, unlike digital computers that compute on a finite number of objects.
• Quantum computers have the power to model the human brain, but mapping every neuron is the challenge.
• Volunteers are needed to help slice and dice the human brain to map all the connections.
• Our universe may have come from a bubble that expanded from nothing, according to Michio Kaku.
• Strings have to vibrate because of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
• Our universe is the lowest vibrating octave of the string, while higher octaves correspond to dark matter.
• If we find dark matter in a laboratory, it could prove the correctness of string theory.

Summary

The Power of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing represents the next stage in the evolution of computers, with the potential to outpace traditional computers by a million times. It has caught the attention of various industries, including intelligence agencies, banks, aerospace, and energy companies, due to its ability to crack any known digital code. Quantum computing has the power to revolutionize fields such as transportation, energy, and our understanding of the universe.

Unleashing the Potential of Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the key to understanding the intricate workings of atoms, flowers, enzymes, and even complex diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Traditional digital computers are limited in their ability to comprehend these phenomena, while quantum computers, with their qubits that can spin in all directions simultaneously, possess infinite power. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, we can unlock groundbreaking advancements in medicine, environmental protection, and food production.

Predicting Solar Events and Ensuring Civilization’s Survival

Quantum computing can play a crucial role in predicting and protecting against potentially catastrophic solar events. The sun’s magnetic field has the power to cause solar events that could disrupt our civilization. By using quantum computers, we can analyze historical data from tree rings and Arctic ice cores to gain insights into past solar events and develop strategies to mitigate their impact. Additionally, it is essential to have backup plans in place to restart civilization without electricity in case of a widespread blackout.

The Race for Quantum Supremacy and Dominance

The race for quantum supremacy is in full swing, with countries and tech giants vying to be the first to develop a commercialized quantum computer. Quantum supremacy refers to a quantum computer’s ability to outperform a digital computer on specific tasks. The winner of this race will have a significant advantage in dominating the world economy. Chinese and IBM are currently at the forefront of this competition, pushing the boundaries of quantum computing and paving the way for a new era of technological advancement.

Mapping the Human Brain and Exploring Dark Matter

Quantum computers offer the potential to map the human brain with unparalleled precision. With billions of neurons and trillions of connections, understanding the human brain is a monumental task. By utilizing quantum computing, we can model the intricate connections and gain insights into consciousness and neural processes. Furthermore, quantum computers can help us unravel the mysteries of dark matter, with the vibrations of strings providing a theoretical framework for understanding the universe’s hidden components.

Conclusion

Quantum computing holds immense promise in revolutionizing various industries and expanding our understanding of the universe. With the race for quantum supremacy ongoing, it is an exciting time for technological advancements. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, predicting solar events, and exploring the complexities of the human brain and dark matter, we can unlock new frontiers of knowledge and shape the future of civilization.