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[29th September 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

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 1. Google says it’s made a quantum computing breakthrough that reduces errors - Google researchers have made a breakthrough in quantum error correction, which could pave the way for useful quantum computers. The main challenge in quantum computing has been the high error rate of the hardware, which prevents them from executing long and useful algorithms. The new research demonstrates that it is possible to add components to reduce these errors, which was previously thought to be impossible due to engineering limitations. This bolsters the idea that error correction is a viable strategy for building a useful quantum computer. My Take : While these advancements may seem incremental, they are crucial for the development of quantum computers. However, it’s important to avoid overhyping their implications, as was the case with the early hype surrounding GenAI being AGI. Despite this, the progress made with GPTs represents a significant leap forward in the field of AI. Similarly, these rec

[22nd September 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

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1. The Genius Behind the Quantum Navigation Breakthrough - This is the World's First Unhackable Quantum GPS. Using the coldest atoms in the Universe, it may revolutionise the way we navigate. This Youtuber to got to go behind the scenes and see their device up close to try and understand just how important this breakthrough is. My Take : This video goes into more details about how quantum navigation works as well hits the home run in explaining why its really needed. I had also mentioned about Quantum Navigation in a previous post where IEEE had covered it. This video goes to explain more details of it and if you are a physics nerd, you would enjoy it.   2. Forget ChatGPT: why researchers now run small AIs on their laptops -  This article talks about the different small and locally runnable LLMs which various scientists are using for not just poetry but also for medicine. The locally runnable LLMs have the distinct advantage of preserving privacy, fine tuning using the open weig

[15th September 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

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 1. Our Memories Are Stored in Triplicate - This is an article about how the brain stores memories. It discusses what part of the brain is involved in memory storage and how different types of neurons are involved. The article also discusses how memories can change over time. Some important points are that memories are stored in multiple copies and that different copies are used for different purposes. Also, early-born neurons are involved in long-term memory and late-born neurons are involved in short-term memory. My Take : The research on the brain is fascinating, as it delves into the least understood part of our body. It reminded me of the 3-2-1 backup rule for data, emphasizing the importance of preserving memories. The most intriguing aspect is how memories can evolve over time, a phenomenon we all experience to some degree, particularly when reflecting on past experiences. 2. The Illustrated AlphaFold - This is an article about how AlphaFold3 works. It discusses the goals of t

[8th September 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

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1. A Single Gold Bar Is Worth $1 Million for the First Time in History - It discusses why the price has gone up and what this means for the future. The price of a single gold bar has recently reached $1 million for the first time ever. This is because gold is seen as a safe investment during times of economic uncertainty. The article predicts that the price of gold will keep going up. My Take : Gold has always been seen as a safe investment in India. We have seen the Gold Bond which were introduced by Government of India which has become too popular to be supported by GoI. E-Gold is a safe way to keep gold especially since for folks who are buying to for purely investment purpose and not holding black money in India. I hope that the space becomes more reliable and competitive. Though folks would say that Gold does not give the best returns always, which is true but the fact also is that it provides safety in terms of investment unlike stock market, at least till we are able to create

New scam with caller pretending to be from TRAI

 I've watched enough scam bait videos on YouTube to know that this is a common tactic used by scammers. They try to create a sense of urgency and fear to get you to give them money. It's important to remember that real government agencies or service providers will never ask for personal information or payments over the phone. If you're unsure, verify the information through official channels. Recently, I was the target of a particularly egregious robo-scam. A robotic voice, claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), informed me that my phone numbers were about to be blocked due to a violation. I was supposed to press a number to proceed. When I did I was connected to the scammer, who seemed completely unaware of my name, proceeded to mention another phone number that was allegedly registered against me. The audacity of this person was astounding. They not only accused me of wrongdoing but also demanded a payment to prevent my numbers fr

[1st September 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

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 1. With ‘Digital Twins,’ The Doctor Will See You Now - This article talks to a computer scientist, Amanda Randles, who is creating digital twins of people’s circulatory systems. It discusses what digital twins are and how they’re created. It also goes into the challenges and future possibilities of this kind of research. Some important points are that digital twins can help doctors diagnose and treat diseases more effectively, and that they are becoming more and more realistic. My Take : This is such an interesting development IMHO that it could end up predicting heart attacks to a degree that preventive care for it can actually be performed much before catastrophic situation arises. By making it a part of annual checkup, I think we can make preventive healthcare more effective. 2. What Is Analog Computing? - This is an article about analog computing. It discusses what analog computing is and gives examples of analog computers. Analog computers represent a physical system with mathe

[18th August 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

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source: Marklines.com  1. Samsung's Solid State Battery with 9 minute charging, 600 miles range for EVs and 20 year lifespan - Samsung is shaking up the EV battery game with their new solid-state design. Boasting a massive 600-mile range on a single charge and crazy-fast 9-minute charging, these batteries promise to revolutionize electric vehicles. Samsung also hints at a 20-year lifespan, putting range anxiety to rest. However, expect to see this tech first in pricier EVs, and remember, Chinese battery makers are hot on their heels with similar claims. My Take: The progress in the space of battery technology has been amazing and I now dont believe that Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies need to really leapfrog over things to be viable alternative to these kinds of technologies. I wonder if these techs could reach out cell phones as well to get rid of the daily charging required. I wonder if Samsung would first put these into these into their Galaxy lineup or will they wait for