[6th October 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week
1. Stem cells reverse woman’s diabetes - Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes by using reprogrammed stem cells. A woman was successfully treated by receiving a transplant of these cells into her abdominal muscles. Following the transplant, she was able to maintain stable blood sugar levels without insulin for over a year. This is the first time such an approach has shown to be effective in reversing type 1 diabetes. While this is a promising development, more research is needed to confirm its long-term safety and efficacy in a larger group of people.
My Take: This is a groundbreaking discovery. My father, along with millions of others, suffers from diabetes. Unfortunately, due to genetics, I'm likely to join them soon. However, this news offers hope not only for me but also for countless individuals who endure daily injections. I sincerely hope that the cost of this treatment remains affordable. Perhaps the government could intervene to ensure accessibility for all.
2. Energy extracted from space, teleported to new location using quantum computer - Researchers at Purdue University have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by successfully teleporting and storing energy. This accomplishment is based on the concept of quantum entanglement, where the quantum states of particles are interconnected regardless of distance. By leveraging the inherent energy fluctuations in empty space, researchers were able to harness and manipulate this energy using qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computing. This discovery holds immense potential for future applications in energy storage and other fields.
My Take: Quantum mechanics is a complex field with much misunderstanding and speculation. While this breakthrough is certainly ambitious, it pushes the boundaries of current scientific understanding. As our knowledge of quantum science grows, I wouldn't be surprised if it enables incredible applications. Perhaps it could pave the way for true wireless charging or even power spaceships capable of interstellar travel.
My Take: Flexible processors, which have been demonstrated previously, are now powered by RISC-V, a promising architecture that could revolutionize the design of smart systems. The low cost and openness of RISC-V combined with the flexibility of these processors opens up new possibilities for innovative projects. I imagine a world where smart devices are more affordable, powerful, and customizable than ever before.
4. The Thought Experiments That Fray the Fabric of Space-Time - The article explores thought experiments that challenge the fundamental nature of space-time. It discusses three experiments suggesting that space-time may not be a fundamental concept. The first experiment demonstrates that there is a limit to the precision of measurements at the smallest scales. The second experiment reveals that physical properties cannot be measured with perfect accuracy. The third experiment indicates that the information capacity of space-time is limited. These findings suggest that space-time might be an approximation of a more underlying reality and could be replaced by more fundamental constituents in future theories.
My Take: These thought experiments are very intriguing. Questions like what happens in the realm where we cant measure are very interesting. I am sure folks in the previous eras might have had similar questions and assumptions which were broken later because they questioned it. Like I wonder if they thought the molecules were solid and how the assumption of there being vacuum in atoms were broken. The article poses intriguing questions, such as the possibility of black holes and the entire universe being two-dimensional holograms. I highly recommend reading it, although I find the excessive jazz and special effects on the page to be somewhat distracting.
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