Link to the Show / Show NotesThe beginnings of quantum computing
A quantum algorithm has been encoded on a chip for the first time. The approach is known as waveguide on chip. It was first proposed in 2001. Single photons of light are controlled and store information. Compared to an electron spin or a neutron spin, a photon doesn´t react with the environment and thus has very low noise. When used in computing, it increases the speed and power of the computer many times. The challenge has been in preserving the information encoded.
Shining light on dark matter
The matter in the universe which we know, such as stars and planets comprises just half of one per cent of all the matter. Five per cent is diffuse gas between the stars. Dark energy and dark matter consisting of different fundamental particles comprises the rest. Newtonian gravity and general relativity work at the scale of the solar system. But these concepts change or at least are brought into question on larger scales. So what is dark matter? Alex Murphy suggests a range of particles exist mirroring the basic particles we´re familiar with such as protons and neutrons. They´ve been named the super symmetric positron and the super symmetric electron.
Nullarbor meteorite
Scientists from Australia and Europe have discovered a bizarre type of melted meteorite in the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia. Head of the research Dr Phil Bland from Imperial College London talks about how they tracked the meteor falling through the atmosphere with a new camera network. The meteorite gives scientists clues about the origin of our solar system.
Georgian bones rewrite story of human evolution
David Lordkipanidze suggests that humans could have originated in Eurasia, not in Africa as previously thought. Fossilsed skeletons from the Dmanisi archaeology site in Georgia point to human ancestors leaving Africa 1.8 million years ago, far earlier tha was previously estimated. Before Dmanisi, the prevailing view was that early humans left Africa around 1 million years ago.
Algae to fuel aviation?
Can algae be a successful fuel source? For aircraft? Algae captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than releasing carbon trapped in fossil fuels. But considering fertilizer and other inputs, do the sums add up? Is there an overall saving? Naomi Fowler reports.
Phytophthera genome mapped
The genome of Phytophthera has been mapped. Phytophthera is a water mould but behaves like a fungus. The genome is large and shows areas of repetition, indicating resilience as it attacks crops like potatoes. This repetition allows it to evolve faster. Phytophthera has been responsible for destruction of potato crops, the most famous being in Ireland from 1845 when the population was reduced by nearly 25%.
Biochemistry of plant pathogens
Some plants make potent insecticidal molecules. Flowers are rich in antibiotics. After Marilyn Andeson isolates the chemicals, Kim Plumber tries to determine how these chemicals work. Applications of this work is in engineering crops such as corn to be resistant to attack from fungus.
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