Today’s theme is abstraction in nature, and abstract ideas and forms being birthed from nature. DISPERSION is marbleized pollen in water. This effect can be achieved with paint, yet nature is the original artist.
These selections express scientific concepts — from quantum physics to photosynthesis, from electronic signal noise to photonics, nanotechnology and quantum computing. High resolution downloads, customizations and commissions available.
Today’s theme is an awesome one — The Sky, both simple and complex, and beautiful to behold. There are many sky selections from over the years. These are just a few, including the video below. See the portfolio page for more also. Photographs are available for customized production and hi-res download. For that, please see the Contact page.
There are two reference sources for this article: The MIT xPRO Quantum Computing Fundamentals program & the textbook “Quantum Effects In Biology.”
Upon first consideration, Quantum Computing and Quantum Biology seem to be very different fields, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics in different ways. Quantum computing involves using quantum bits or qubits to perform operations on large amounts of data simultaneously; quantum biology involves studying the role of quantum mechanics in biological systems. The comparison invites a consideration of “ hard tech” inspired by “soft tech.”
Despite the differences, really it’s the same stuff, the same fundamental building blocks. And quantum biology crossover could contribute tremendously to advances in quantum computing. One potential application is the development of more efficient algorithms for quantum computers based on biological processes. Many of these processes — such as photosynthesis, magnetoreception and olfaction — involve the quantum phenomena of superposition, translocation, tunneling and resonance —which rely on the transfer of energy through quantum coherence, which is much needed by quantum computing.
Quantum Coherence refers to the ability of a quantum state to maintain entanglement or superposition. Another way of saying this is that the information qubits are overlapping, transposed or associated, which is essential to quantum computing.
By studying biological processes more closely at the atomic and subatomic level, researchers could develop a new level of understanding of natural quantum functionality, which in turn inspires new algorithms, and even new hardware, that take advantage of quantum mechanics. The goal is to perform complex computations more efficiently in that modality, more efficiently and much faster than classical computing.
There’s great potential in the application of quantum biology to quantum computing in the development of more appropriate, stable and reliable quantum hardware. Biological systems are able to maintain quantum coherence for long periods of time despite noise and interactions with their environment! Quantum biological processes happen at comfy ambient temperatures, in contrast to ultra cold quantum computing processors. By studying how biological systems such as those of the human body, plants and planet Earth are able to do this, researchers can develop new techniques for reducing the effects of decoherence in quantum computing hardware.
Photosynthesis, for example, makes use of superposition of charged electrons for highly efficient energy transfer and production. Given this natural inspiration, a logical pathway for quantum technologies is through the lens of photonics, or light driven innovations, coupled with the electrochemistry of different architectures. This would effect the energy sector as well, and not just computing. More biocompatible technologies could arise — there’s already some terms for this such as ‘biocomputing.’
Overall, while quantum computing and quantum biology are different fields, there is potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration that could lead to huge advances in both areas. By studying biological systems, researchers will gain new insights into quantum mechanics that could be applied to the development of more advanced and reliable quantum computers, and beyond.
Nature Portraits by Studio Shangri-La • the miracle of the mundane • Unlike the deco works, these are straight on. And a few of them now live in large format on Floors 7 & 8 at the now open-to-the-public Beth Israel Klarman Bldg! It just opened this month.
The works at Klarman are in the reel below, and below that are more of the Nature Portraits:
With the En Casa duo, the idea here is to create an altarpiece that looks like a house, a tribute to the fact that earth and nature is our first house, that wherever we go on earth, that is in a way home. The aesthetic is ultra modern because I believe modernity & nature can mesh. Plus, as I mentioned somewhat frequently, this is a great way to fancifully bring nature indoors.
These Philodendron tapestries create worlds within worlds, as that is how the world is! Look closely you may find different letters and characters peeking out.
This large format horizontal piece makes use of both symmetry and asymmetry, like nature. And every plant and piece of nature has a function in the grand design, whether we’re immediately aware of it or not. The path of knowledge by respectful exploration will continue to reveal that.
Photographed in Florida, this is a bioelectric abstract expression of realistic photos. The concept is to express the somewhat hidden dimensions of life and there is still much to be learned from plants & nature. I’m referring to this as tech art due to the electronic / geometric inspiration for the layouts. Available for high resolution download, among other options.
This Art Of The Day is another modern tropical botanical with an Art Deco-inspired layout. Bleeding Heart Vine, like so many other plants, has medicinal qualities, most notably pain relief, a numbing effect. 
As seen here, the Vine is climbing a cabana wall in South Beach. It’s native to West Africa, though. These botanicals are well suited to large format, although many custom sizes are available, as well as high resolution download.
Response to: Scaleable Quantum Simulation Of Molecular Energies
Since “Scaleable Quantum Simulation Of Molecular Energies” was published in 2016, significant strides have been made with superconducting qubits and VQE. Google certainly has since this publication, as well as IBM. In light of this, this paper seems pioneering as well as many other quantum studies.
This one demonstrates the efficacy of VQE, which represents a hybrid of classical and quantum computing that has become popular in industry for their powers combined, the quantum advantage with the classical translation. After all, the world works on different levels and in partnerships.
Quite recently, Ford used a VQE to explore EV battery materials (1) Microsoft has introduced a quantum processor. (2) While Quantum is by no means mainstream and still very much in development, knowledge of its existence is mainstream. The potential advantages are often referenced and even glamorized in news media i.e. “Quantum Supremacy.”
Really Quantum is already revolutionizing computing, taking it to new dimensions, and even thought. Alongside and in future combination with Machine Learning and AI, can be very powerful.
VQE well represents what’s happening now and practically with Quantum Computing. Since the referenced study, it has come to market. Nevertheless, there are and could be realizations of Quantum that are more quantum, going beyond binary Classical models and constructs in even more mind-bending ways.
For now, the technology this paper represents is worthwhile investing and certainly in the companies involved, that will continue to innovate, with anticipation of further developments down the line.
1. https://www.popsci.com/technology/ford-quantum-ev-battery/
2. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/quantum/hybrid-computing-overview
Among a growing collection of nature photography, these three are all 3 panel extended pieces in an effort to create a deeper dimension and expression or feeling of the scene. The first was taken at The National Hotel in Miami, the second here at home in Somerville, and the third an amalgam of local beach photos. “Ataraxia” means more or less “a lucid state of equanimity.” For commissions and inquiries, please see the Contact page.
*This is one of my responses from the MIT Quantum Computing 1 course*
As I read about global quantum initiatives, it strikes me that every network advance is a step towards further international interconnectedness, defense agendas aside. I know that’s a big aside.
The somewhat ‘mysterious’ nature of quantum physics and mechanics makes us have to think not just outside the box or bit, but well beyond it to build the new, as Bucky said.
“Speaking quantum” tells of increasing interconnectedness that leads to both technological and sociological advancement. The implications of making leaps through simulations, in conjunction with AI and machine learning, in different sectors such as chemistry, materials, environment and aerospace by “orders of magnitude” are tremendous.
Regarding security and the hackability of quantum networks— the human minds that develop the mathematics, architecture and language are the creators thus steering the ship. The one step ahead is that of human ingenuity, and can be quite responsibly beneficial. The minds that devise can of course anticipate and revise. And in so doing, have ongoing profitability, and purpose. Inevitably, the picture of what it means to profit will continue evolving.
Speaking of profit, this brings up the issue of global disparity in access to the digital economy, even the internet, which should be considered a utility at this point. For the millions invested by governments in quantum technologies, it’s important to ensure basic connectivity as well. It’s important to address imbalance before it becomes even more extreme.
Lastly, for the purpose of this essay, it seems quantum computing will further reveal a supernature — new in-depth ways of seeing, constructing and interacting with our world — will further the expansion underway a la a Fourth Industrial Revolution, of new technologies, concurrent knowledge and resultant discoveries.
I believe intelligence to be omnipresent — what quantum computing and networks potentially represent are tapping in further, an acceleration, to possibly a speed so fast it slows down the everyday pace of life and increases longevity.
Endnote: Coming off MIT Space Week and the New Space Age conference at MIT Sloan, I am thinking more now about quantum’s industrial applications to the next wave of space innovation and exploration, and what advantages that may present, as well as concerns. I was fortunate enough to hear a little about this directly from the Lockheed Martin Space Vice President. His input and that overall of this past week of presentations, panels, and workshops certainly adds new and inspiring dimension to my studies.
Today’s feature is the open-ended Deco Bostonia collection, that features well known areas and landmarks of Greater Boston. The gallery above is labeled by location. These and numerous others are available for high resolution download and commissions are also available.
Studio Shangri-La