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Quantum Supremacy

How Quantum Computers Will Unlock the Mysteries of Science – and Address Humanity’s Biggest Challenges

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Quantum Supremacy

By: Michio Kaku
Narrated by: Feodor Chin
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Summary

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The runaway success of the microchip processor may be nearing its end, with profound implications for our economy, society and way of life, even leaving Silicon Valley as a new Rust Belt, its technology obsolete. Step forward the quantum computer, which harnesses the power and complexity of the atomic realm, and may be useful in solving humanity's greatest challenges from climate change, to global starvation, to incurable diseases. Humanity's next great technological achievement already promises to be every bit as revolutionary as the transistor and microchip once were. Its unprecedented gains in computing power and unique ability to simulate the physical universe herald advances that could change every aspect of our lives.

Corporations and whole nations are betting on quantum computing, hoping to exploit its power to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs and streamline industries to revolutionize the economy. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computers could allow us to finally create nuclear fusion reactors that produce clean, renewable energy without radioactive waste or threats of meltdown. They could help us crack the biological processes that generate natural, cheap fertilizer and enable us to feed the world's growing populations. And they could unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of previously incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's, motor neurone disease and Parkinson's, helping us to live longer, healthier lives. Told with Kaku's signature clarity and enthusiasm, Quantum Supremacy is the story of this exciting frontier and the race to claim humanity's future.

©2023 Michio Kaku (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Physics Science Inspiring Technology Computer Science
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I thoroughly enjoyed large sections of the book, especially the first half. Some very interesting points and enjoyed the brief history of silicon computers and how we have now taken them to their limits.

From then on, it really is just conjecture/speculation around how quantum computers could be used in the future.

Some of this speculation I am certain will come true; for example using quantum computers to more accurately track asteroid paths or better analysing our power consumption habits to reduce wasted energy generated by power stations.

However, some applications mentioned I am fairly sure will never come to fruition; for example speaking dolphin.

There was a point at which the author completely lost me; he speculated that rising sea level would cause a large percentage of the population of Bangladesh to seek refuge in India. This would over run the Indian borders and would result in India using nuclear weapons on themselves. Why on earth a country would nuke themselves, or what this has to do with quantum computers I do not know. At points, it does venture into the ridiculous. But who knows, stranger things have happened.

Overall it was okay and kept me engaged throughout.

Some interesting points. A lot of speculation.

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A good popular science walk through current developments, with the regular tagline “and one day quantum computers will solve [insert whatever]”. Loses a star for the usual bandwagon-type climate change finger wagging.

Good…but

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I feel I've learned lot about Quantum but there's a lot to take in for a newcomer to the topic.

Good audiobook - a bit hard to follow at times

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If you enjoy general purpose popular science books that cover dozens of different topics or you need a sales pitch for working in the field of quantum computing you will love this book. On the other hand if you’re really interested in quantum computing I suggest you look elsewhere

Well rounded popular science book

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It is great for beginners in science as well as pro. Definatelly worthed. Thank you. Great work

Really enjoy

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