Buckle up everybody because today we are diving headfirst
into the world of quantum computing.
Oh yeah, this is gonna be a wild one.
We're talking computers so powerful
they make our current tech look like well.
Like cave drawings.
Ha ha, pretty much.
We're using that awesome Star Talk episode
with Michio Kaku and Tiffany Haddish
as our guide for this deep dive.
They make a great team by the way.
I love how they explain things.
Well yeah, it's like you never thought you'd hear
a physicist and a comedian breaking down quantum physics
and making it so fun.
And relatable too.
Absolutely and you know,
they bring up some seriously mind bending stuff.
Like parallel universes.
Oh yeah, the multiverse.
Turns out that's not just science fiction.
Nope, it's rooted in some real science.
Okay, so let's back up for a sec.
We all know that quantum physics
governs the microscopic world, right?
Tiny particles and all that.
Right, but here's the thing.
It's not just tea about the microscopic.
Oh, this is where it gets good.
Yeah, Kaku emphasizes that quantum physics
is behind how everyday objects behave too.
So like the chair I'm sitting on.
Exactly, it's all thanks to quantum physics.
Wow, so it's not just some abstract theory,
it's the foundation of our physical world.
Exactly, it's like the rule book
for how reality works at the most fundamental level.
Okay, so how does this tie back to computers?
Well think about the computer you're using right now.
Or phone or whatever.
Right, all those devices use transistors.
Basically tiny switches that are either on or off
to process information.
Like a light switch.
Yeah, kind of, but quantum computers
use quantum transistors.
Ooh, quantum transistors.
And those can be in multiple states at once.
Hold on, multiple states, so not just on or off?
Nope, thinking of it like a dimmer switch
with infinite settings.
Whoa, so it can be a little on, kinda on, really on.
It's more like it can be on, off,
and everything in between all at the same time.
My brain hurts.
I know, right.
But that's where the incredible power comes from.
Okay, so we've got these quantum transistors
that can be in multiple states at once.
Which leads to exponentially more processing power.
Okay, so how much more powerful are we talking?
Kaku suggests that Silicon Valley, as we know it,
could become obsolete.
Obsolete, like gone.
Replaced by atomic computers.
Wow, atomic computers, so like my phone
will be a museum piece.
It's possible.
The materials we use for computing
could change completely.
So that brings us to this idea of quantum supremacy.
Ah, yes.
The point where quantum computers surpass
traditional computers for specific tasks.
And we're already there.
We are.
It's not just a theoretical concept anymore.
That's kinda mind blowing when you think about it.
It really is.
So how do these quantum computers
actually achieve this supremacy?
Well, Kaku uses a great analogy.
Think of a mouse in a maze.
Okay, I'm picturing it.
A regular computer has to try each path one by one
until it finds the exit.
Like trial and error.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Quantum computer can explore all paths simultaneously,
like it has millions of mice working in parallel.
Whoa, talk about a shortcut.
Right, that's the power of quantum computation.
It's like having a massive parallel processing system,
all in one.
Okay, so we've covered the basics of quantum physics,
how quantum computers work,
and even touched on this idea of quantum supremacy.
And how it's already here.
Right.
So now I'm curious about this whole multiverse thing.
Ah, yes, the idea of multiple realities
existing at the same time.
It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie.
It does, but it's a concept rooted in quantum physics.
Seriously?
Yeah, and Tiffany Haddish even shares a funny anecdote
about feeling like different parts of her
are in different places.
Maybe she's experiencing the multiverse.
Uh-huh, who knows?
But it's a great example of how they make
these abstract ideas relatable.
It is, okay, so if the multiverse is rooted
in quantum physics, what about this whole
Schrodinger's cat thing?
Isn't that connected too?
Absolutely, it illustrates the concept of superposition,
where a particle can exist in multiple states at once.
Like that cat that's both dead and alive
until you open the box.
Exactly, it's only when we observe it
that it chooses one state.
So before we open the box, the cat is both alive and dead.
In a sense, yes, it's existing in all possible states
simultaneously.
Whoa, that is seriously messing with my head.
I know, right?
It challenges our everyday intuition.
It definitely does.
So how does that tie into the Heisenberg
uncertainty principle?
Isn't that all about not being able to know
both the position and momentum of a particle?
Exactly, it's basically saying that you can't know
everything about a particle with perfect accuracy.
It's all about probabilities, not certainties.
Okay, so quantum mechanics is all about probabilities
and uncertainty.
And mind-bending possibilities, like quantum entanglement.
Oh yeah, that's another one that always trips me out.
Two particles linked no matter how far apart they are.
Like they have some kind of telepathic connection.
Right, and they can influence each other instantly.
Which seems to defy Einstein's theory of relativity.
Yeah, nothing can travel faster than light, right?
Right, but here's the thing with entanglement.
While information seems to travel instantly,
it's not usable information.
So no faster than light communication?
Not quite, it's more like a random correlation
that we can't control.
Okay, so entanglement might not be a way
to send messages faster than light.
But it's still a pretty wild phenomenon.
And it's being used to develop new technologies,
like super secure communication systems.
So there are practical applications
for this mind-bending stuff.
Absolutely, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
That's what's so exciting.
We're just starting to scratch the surface
of what's possible with quantum computing.
And it's already impacting so many different fields.
Like medicine.
Absolutely.
Oh.
Dr. Kaku talks about how quantum computers
can revolutionize drug discovery
by simulating the behavior of molecules
with incredible precision.
So we could develop treatments for diseases
that are currently incurable.
It's definitely a possibility.
Wow, and what about energy?
Could quantum computing help us solve the climate crisis?
Detentionally.
It could lead to breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies
like more efficient solar panels,
or even new ways to capture and store energy.
And space travel.
Oh yeah.
Kaku talks about how quantum computers
could help us design more efficient propulsion systems
and navigate through space more effectively.
So interstellar travel might not be so far-fetched
after all.
The possibilities are endless.
So when will this all be available to the average person?
Are we talking years, decades, centuries?
Well, Kaku suggests that we'll likely access quantum computers
through the internet similar to how your phone connects
to servers today.
So it'll be like having a supercomputer in our pockets.
Essentially.
Imagine the things you could do with that kind of power
at your fingertips.
It's mind-boggling.
But with all this power comes potential risks, right?
Absolutely.
We need to be mindful of the ethical implications
of such powerful technology.
Like what happens if quantum computers become powerful enough
to break our current encryption methods?
That's a huge concern.
All our online data could be vulnerable.
It's a bit scary to think about.
It is.
And that's why we need to have these conversations now
while this technology is still developing.
We need to make sure we're using it for good, not for harm.
Exactly.
And that's what makes this deep dive so important.
We need to understand both the incredible potential
and the potential risks of quantum computing.
So we can make informed decisions
about its development and use.
Exactly.
This is a technology that could shape the future of humanity.
So we need to be prepared.
OK, so we've covered a lot of ground
in this first part of our quantum journey,
from the mind-bending basics to the potential risks
and ethical considerations.
But we've also seen how quantum computing is already
making a real difference in the world.
And we're just getting started.
Stay tuned for part two,
where we'll explore even more mind-blowing possibilities
like negative energy and wormholes.
I can't wait.
It's going to be epic.
OK, so in part one, we talked about all sorts
of crazy quantum stuff.
Parallel universes, quantum supremacy.
Oh, yeah.
And that cat that's both dead and alive.
Schrodinger's cat.
Classic.
But now I want to delve into some of the more, I don't know,
out there concept.
Like negative energy?
Yeah.
Dr. Kaku really piqued my curiosity with that one.
It does sound like something straight out of science fiction.
Right.
Like warp dryads and stuff.
Well, it's not quite that simple.
But Dr. Kaku emphasizes that negative energy is a real thing.
Wait, seriously?
Yeah.
Scientists have actually created tiny amounts of it in labs.
No way.
So it's not just some theoretical concept.
Nope.
It's a real phenomenon.
OK, so what exactly is negative energy?
And how does it tie into quantum computing?
Well, think of it like this.
Normal energy, the kind we use every day,
has a positive value.
It attracts things like gravity.
OK, that makes sense.
Negative energy, on the other hand, has a negative value.
So it repels things.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Like anti-gravity.
Whoa.
OK.
Now my brain is officially starting to hurt.
I know.
It's a lot to wrap your head around.
But here's where it gets really interesting.
OK, I'm listening.
Dr. Kaku suggests that negative energy could be the key
to stabilizing wormholes.
Hold on, wormholes.
Like those theoretical tunnels through space time?
The very same.
Are you telling me that we could potentially
travel through wormholes?
It's not as far-fetched as it sounds.
Einstein's theory of general relativity
predicts that wormholes can exist.
But the problem is they're incredibly unstable.
So like you try to go through one
and it collapses before you get to the other side?
Exactly.
It's like trying to walk through a doorway that
keeps disappearing.
That's a bummer.
So how does negative energy help?
Well, theoretically, if you could surround a wormhole
with enough negative energy, you could prevent it
from collapsing.
So it'd be like holding the doorway open.
Exactly.
You create a stable passage through space time.
OK, this is blowing my mind.
So we're talking about actually traveling to other stars,
other galaxies.
Potentially.
But like I said, we're still in the very early stages
of understanding negative energy in wormholes.
It's still pretty amazing to think about, though.
It really is.
And it highlights just how much we still
don't know about the universe.
And how much potential lies within the quantum realm.
Exactly.
It's like we've just scratched the surface of what's possible.
OK, so we've got wormholes, negative energy.
What other mind-blowing possibilities
are we looking at?
Well, we've already touched on artificial intelligence.
Right.
And how quantum computing could take AI to a whole new level.
Imagine AI systems that can learn at an unprecedented rate
and solve problems that are currently
impossible for us to even comprehend.
That's both exciting and a little terrifying.
I agree.
It's like opening Pandora's box.
We need to be extremely careful with how we develop and use
this technology.
Because the potential for misuse is huge.
Absolutely.
Dr. Kaku even mentions the possibility
of quantum computers creating autonomous weapons systems.
You mean like robots that can make life or death decisions
without human intervention?
Exactly.
It's a sobering thought.
And it underscores the need for ethical guidelines
and regulations for quantum computing.
We need to make sure that this technology is used for good,
not for evil.
Absolutely.
And that's a conversation that needs to happen now, not later.
Right.
Because the future is being shaped as we speak.
And it's up to all of us to make sure
that we're shaping it in a responsible and ethical way.
OK.
So we've talked about the potential benefits
and risks of quantum computing.
But how is it actually being used in the real world right now?
Well, that's a great question.
And it's the perfect segue into our next topic.
Let's move beyond the theoretical
and explore some of the tangible applications
of quantum computing in fields like medicine,
material science, and, of course, artificial intelligence.
Wow.
It's amazing to think about all the ground we've
covered in this deep dive.
Yeah, from the weirdness of quantum physics
to the possibility of things like wormholes and negative
energy.
And those are just the theoretical possibilities.
What about what's happening right now with this technology?
It's already having a big impact in so many areas.
Like in medicine.
Oh, yeah, especially with drug development.
That's the one that really got me thinking.
Yeah.
Dr. Okaku talked about how quantum computers can simulate
how molecules work.
Like really precisely, too.
Exactly.
And that means we can develop new drugs way faster
and with better results.
So instead of spending years and tons of money in the lab,
we can run simulations on a quantum computer
and see what works best.
So it's like a virtual lab.
Yeah.
And not only is it faster, it's also more accurate.
So we could create drugs that are more effective
and have fewer side effects.
Exactly.
And maybe even personalized medicine tailored
to your specific genes.
Now that would be revolutionary.
It would.
And it's not just drugs.
Think about material science.
Oh, yeah, like building stuff.
Imagine designing new materials atom by atom.
So we could create like super strong but lightweight materials
for spacecraft.
Exactly.
Or super efficient solar panels for clean energy.
The possibilities are endless.
And what about artificial intelligence?
Now that's where things get really interesting.
Yeah.
What happens when you combine the power of quantum computing
with AI?
We're talking about AI that can learn super fast and solve
problems we can't even imagine.
Like AI that can design those new drugs we were just talking
about.
Or optimize traffic flow in cities
or even predict natural disasters.
That's pretty amazing but also a little scary.
Yeah.
It's a lot of power and we need to be careful with it.
We definitely need those ethical guidelines we talked about.
Absolutely.
This technology has the potential to change the world.
And we need to make sure it's for the better.
So what can we do?
How can we make sure quantum computing is used for good?
Well, knowledge is power.
The more people understand this technology, the better.
So we need to educate ourselves and others
about the potential and the risks.
Right.
And we need to support research into the ethical implications
of quantum computing.
And push for regulations that prioritize safety
and transparency.
Exactly.
We're at a crossroads with this technology.
And we need to make the right choices.
This has been an incredible deep dive.
Yeah.
We've gone from the tiny world of quantum particles
to the vast possibilities of the future.
It's clear that we're on the verge of something truly
revolutionary.
A quantum revolution.
And it's up to all of us to shape that revolution
and make sure it benefits humanity.
So keep learning.
Keep asking questions and keep exploring.
Because the future is quantum and it's
waiting for us to discover it.
And that's a wrap for our deep dive into quantum computing.
Thanks for joining us.