This relation is not linear from food to physical activity. Unhealthy food can disrupt someone's sleep patterns and physical activity. Conversely, healthy food choices can improve the quality of sleep and physical activity.

So how does nutrition affect sleep? A new study looked at the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and sleep duration.

The research, conducted by a team from the University of Helsinki in Finland, in collaboration with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland, was published in Frontiers in Nutrition i> on May 16, 2024. Anupa Thapa from the University of Helsinki was the first author of the report.

Thapa and his team stated that sleep gives our body a chance to rest and recover from wakeful activities. The heart, blood vessels, muscles, cells, immune system, cognitive abilities, and memory all depend on regular and sufficient sleep in order to function optimally.

A 2019 study showed that sleep is important for repairing DNA damage that occurs while awake.

Deep sleep occurs in 35 night cycles, each lasting an average of 90120 minutes. During each cycle, we begin with the non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. Next, we will go through two periods of progressively deeper non-REM sleep before exiting that stage.

A homeless person slept under a concrete drainage structure that had not yet been installed in the drainage construction project on KH Wahid Hasyim Street, Medan, North Sumatra on Wednesday (11/8/2023). Despite the ongoing government construction efforts, the number of poor residents in North Sumatra is still quite high, reaching 1.24 million people or 8.15 percent as of March 2023.

Our non-REM sleep becomes progressively lighter until we reach the REM stage, after which a new cycle begins or we wake up. Adults should aim to sleep for 7 to 9 hours per night.

However, recent research shows that insomnia and shorter sleep duration have become more common in adults. This can be caused by factors such as stress, consumption of fast food, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Lack of sleep is now becoming a public health issue, related to cardiovascular diseases, decreased cognitive ability, and increased mortality rates due to various causes.

In this new study, researchers aimed to explore how sleep duration can affect fruit and vegetable consumption, and vice versa. They also investigated the role of an individual's chronotype (activity time preference, such as morning or evening) in food choices and sleep duration.

The World Health Organization recommends that people consume at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables every day. While the latest advice from the Nordic Council of Ministers recommends higher intakes, encouraging between 500 grams and 800 grams of vegetables and fruit. In simple terms, half of our daily consumption should come from vegetables.

Also read: Half of Indonesians Don't Sleep Well

However, research shows that many adult individuals in various countries do not meet the minimum intake. According to Thapa and his team's research, only 14 percent of Finnish men and 22 percent of Finnish women consume a minimum of 500 g of berries, fruits, and vegetables as recommended daily.

The research team reviewed details from the 2017 National FinHealth Study. A total of 5,043 adults, aged 18 and over, submitted detailed responses to a 134item questionnaire about the composition and frequency of their daily food intake in the past 12 years.

From these responses, three categories of sleep duration emerged: short (less than 7 hours per day; 21 percent), normal (7-9 hours per day; 76.1 percent), and long (9+ hours per day; 2.9 percent).

Individuals who sleep for a short duration have an average sleep duration of six hours; for those who sleep normally, the average duration is 7.7 hours, and for those who sleep for a long duration, the average duration is 10.1 hours.

The majority of participants (61.7 percent) categorize themselves as intermediate chronotypes, while 22.4 percent stated that they are morning types, and 15.9 percent identified themselves as night types.

Researchers included chronotype as a co-variate in the study, and noted that many studies did not include chronotype as a potential confounding factor. However, some studies have shown that it can affect eating behavior.

Researchers state, "Studies have shown that night chronotype is often associated with unhealthy eating behavior, including a tendency towards eating habits that are linked to obesity."

Also read: Remember, the body needs enough rest

Among the important findings of this research, individuals who sleep normally show higher intake of fruits and vegetables compared to those who sleep short or long in all subgroups of fruits and vegetables. However, the intake of various types of fruits and vegetables yields different results.

The study explains, "In the subgroup of vegetables, significant differences are seen in the consumption of leafy green vegetables, tubers, and fruit vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers), between those who sleep normally and those who have short sleep."

Similarly, in groups of people who have normal and long sleeping habits, significant differences can be seen in green leafy vegetables and fruit vegetables. However, fresh and canned vegetables such as cabbage, mushrooms, red onions, peas, and beans do not show significant differences.

"In the fruit subgroups, a significant difference in average consumption was observed for berries and other fresh and canned fruits between individuals with normal and short sleep. Conversely, for individuals with normal and long sleep, the only significant difference is seen in the consumption of apples," stated Thapa.

A seller shows an acai bowl consisting, among other things, of various fruits and nuts, Friday (3/5/2024). Acai bowl is one of the food menus that is popular with those who live healthy lives.

Researchers also observed that the category of sleep duration can indicate, at a small level, the expected level of fruit and vegetable intake.

This is in line with the results of research by Eleanor M Winpenny from the University of Cambridge and the team at International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity in 2023 which found a decrease in fruit and vegetable intake among teenagers during the day. day after night with short sleep duration.

According to Winpenny and his team, they show the causal role of sleep on teenagers' eating patterns. Shorter sleep duration at night causes a slight decrease in the quality of their eating patterns the next day.

Avoid high-fat cheese, chicken wings, or fried fish. These take longer to digest and keep us awake.

This finding supports experimental evidence that suggests the inclusion of sleep duration as one of the intervention components designed to improve the quality of dietary patterns and body weight status in adolescents.

A new study by Thapa and his team also found that chronotype plays a minimal role in the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and sleep duration. The Winpenny study in 2023 found no relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and chronotype.

Researchers observe that overall, a decrease in the intake of certain fruits and vegetables is associated with the length and duration of sleep. In addition to the quantity, it is important to pay attention to the choice of fruits and vegetables.

A study in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2026 also found that consuming high fiber and low saturated fat foods results in better sleep and body recovery. However, in addition to choosing the right foods, it is also important to avoid others.

Researchers provide a number of food options to help start the journey towards better sleep. For carbohydrate choices, choose complex ones, such as brown rice or root vegetables.

Avoid simple carbohydrates, including bread, pasta and sweet foods such as cookies, cakes, pastries and other sweet foods as these tend to lower serotonin levels and do not improve sleep quality. .

For protein, choose those that are lean. Lean protein options include low-fat cheese, chicken, turkey, and fish. These foods are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which tends to increase serotonin levels.

A variety of non-rice foods processed from the TPI Lewoleba Senja Market, Lembata Island, NTT.

Tryptophan can also be found in egg whites, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds. On the other hand, avoid high-fat cheese, chicken wings, or fried fish. These take longer to digest and can keep us awake.

Heart-healthy fats are also important. Unsaturated fats will not only improve heart health, but also increase serotonin levels. Examples include peanut butter and nuts such as walnuts, cashews, and pistachios.

Avoid foods that contain saturated and trans fats, such as French fries, potato chips, or other high-fat snacks. This reduces your serotonin levels.

Mothers in Tumbang Lawang Village, Katingan District, Central Kalimantan, on Wednesday (10/4/2019), cook using bamboo and forest spices. They do not use any instant factory-made flavoring and prefer to use natural spices. For them, the forest is a source of life, and local food is the key to food security.

Like tryptophan, foods that are rich in magnesium are also associated with better sleep quality. When choosing vegetables for dinner, try adding leafy green vegetables such as spinach, which are rich in magnesium. Nuts, seeds, avocados, and black beans are also magnesium-rich foods.

As for beverages, avoid certain types that can prevent sleep. A good and soothing drink to be consumed before sleep is warm milk or simply warm water.

Meanwhile, for caffeinated beverages, try to consume them before 2 pm. Caffeine can affect people differently, and even the smallest amount of stimulant can keep someone awake.

Also read: School Lunch with Local Food

Originally posted here:
The Close Relationship between Food, Exercise, Sleep and Our Health - kompas.id

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can be a challenge, especially for women juggling multiple responsibilities. While regular exercise is widely recognised as a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, not everyone has the time or ability to engage in physical activity consistently.

Recognising this reality, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in its latest dietary guidelines has released a detailed dietary chart for women who do not or are unable to exercise regularly.

Dr Vinutha G, senior consultant gynecologist and women health expert at Athreya Super Specialty Hospital elaborates on this. When it comes to nutrition for women who arent getting regular exercise, the ICMR guidelines provide some essential advice.

If youre not very active, paying attention to what and how much you eat becomes even more crucial. The ICMR suggests focusing on portion control to avoid overeating. Make vegetables a big part of your mealstheyre low in calories but packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Think of ways to cook them that keep them tasty but healthy, like roasting or steaming with minimal oil, explains Dr Vinutha.

Lean proteins are also essential, she states. Go for options like skinless chicken, lean cuts of meat, and fish. These provide the needed nutrients without too many extra calories or unhealthy fats. Also, keep an eye on your drink choices. Water, herbal teas, and unsweetened beverages are best. Sugary drinks can sneak in a lot of extra calories without you even noticing.

Dr Vinutha says, Women who dont exercise regularly need fewer calories than those who are more active. This doesnt mean you should eat less food overall, but rather that you should eat foods that are rich in nutrients, not in calories. High-fibre foods are particularly helpful because they aid digestion and keep you feeling full longer, which helps control your calorie intake.

Balancing your intake of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates remains important. However, with a sedentary lifestyle, she asserts one should also place a greater emphasis on getting enough vitamins and minerals to support your overall health.

The guidelines provide clear strategies to help maintain a healthy weight and metabolism for those with a sedentary lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, according to Dr Vinutha, that includes plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, and lots of vegetables and fruits is key. Regular meals can help you avoid the temptation of unhealthy snacking. Staying well-hydrated supports your metabolism and overall health.

Processed foods, especially those high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, should be limited. These can contribute to weight gain and metabolic problems, which are harder to manage when youre not physically active, she recommends.

Here are some practical tips to keep your diet on track according to the ICMR guidelines, Dr Vinutha mentions:

Colourful Vegetables: Fill your plate with a variety of vegetables. Theyre low in calories but high in important nutrients.

Whole Grains: Swap out refined grains for whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, and millets. They provide energy and fibre.

Lean Protein Sources: Include beans, lentils, skinless poultry, and fish in your diet. These help maintain muscle mass without adding unnecessary fats.

Healthy Snacking: Choose nuts, seeds, plain yogurt, or fruit instead of high calorie, low-nutrient snacks.

Mindful Eating: Be aware of your portion sizes and try to limit your intake of sugary drinks and processed foods.

Continue reading here:
ICMR recommends women who dont exercise to follow these specific guidelines - The Indian Express

Research shows that social media health influencers may help behaviour change, but at the expense of mental health

Health influencer followers tend to eat more fruit and vegetables and exercise more vigorously

But mental health suffers, as influencers perpetuate the fit ideal and unrealistic body image

Health influencer followers show more depression and anxiety than non-followers

Healthier But Not Happier? The Lifestyle Habits of Health Influencer Followers, published in the Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, was a cross-sectional study of 1,022 18 to 25-year-olds across New Zealand, the US and the UK, who completed a survey in 2021 about their lifestyle habits, including measures of social media usage, dietary and exercise habits and mental health.

Results showed that health influencer followers reported more vigorous exercise, higher fruit and vegetable intake and better well-being, but also greater distress depression, anxiety and negative mood, compared to non-followers. Age, gender, ethnicity, education level, socioeconomic status and body mass index were taken into consideration.

Higher distress was especially pronounced among those who followed food or diet-related health influencers. Following health influencers appeared to disrupt the typical protective relationship between health behaviours and distress and more vigorous physical activity was associated with higher distress levels, compared to non-followers.

Influencers are often perceived as more credible, trustworthy, knowledgeable, authentic and attractive than traditional messaging channels, which might make them more effective in health behaviour engagement.

Possible harms identified with health influencers include reinforcing the fit ideal and presenting unrealistic body images, which are both associated with increased body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms and compulsive levels of exercise and obsession with particular diets. Compulsive exercise and appearance-related motivations to exercise and eat well can disrupt the typical positive relationship between healthy behaviours and mental health.

Social media usage has also been correlated with poor adolescent wellbeing, decrements in body image and poorer mental health. The report says: use of visual platforms like Instagram may be particularly harmful to mental health because they focus on appearance, which drives social comparison and negative body image.

The research authors conclude that although health influencers may be effective at changing behaviours, more research is needed before recommending them as such.

What's your view of influencers? Are they useful in inspiring behaviour change? Do they wield too much power? Email us at [emailprotected]

Link:
Fitness influencers have a negative impact on mental health | spabusiness.com news - Spa Business

Anne Hathaway, celebrated for her chameleon-like ability to inhabit diverse roles on the silver screen, has consistently astounded audiences with her physical transformations. Two iconic portrayals stand out: Fantine in Les Misrables and Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. Behind these transformations lies a meticulously crafted blend of disciplined workouts, specialized nutrition, and unwavering resolve.

To embody the agile and formidable Catwoman, Hathaway committed herself to a gruelling exercise routine. Her regimen included intensive stunt training and vigorous dance sessions, ensuring she not only appeared sleek but possessed the strength to execute demanding action sequences. Even after welcoming motherhood, Hathaway prioritized fitness, returning to the gym just eight weeks postpartum, showcasing her dedication to maintaining peak physical condition.

Complementing her rigorous workouts, Hathaway adopted a nutrition plan tailored to support her physical demands. Guided by a nutritionist, she embraced a predominantly plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants and proteins. Meals brimmed with nutrient-dense foods like avocados, almonds, and vibrant vegetables, while tempeh and seitan bolstered her protein intake for muscle development. Throughout filming, she adhered to a regimen of balanced meals, ensuring sustained energy levels and optimal performance.

Also Read:Swine Flu Outbreak In Assam; Symptoms To Look Out For

Beyond her cinematic endeavours, Hathaway champions holistic well-being, embracing practices such as Dr. Habib Sadeghi's "clarity cleanse." This approach advocates for detoxifying the body and mind through dietary adjustments and emotional introspection. Despite facing scrutiny for her body fluctuations, Hathaway remains steadfast in promoting self-love and body positivity, encouraging acceptance of one's unique journey.

Hathaway's commitment to authenticity led her down the path of extreme physical transformation for her role as Fantine. Enduring a gruelling weight loss regimen, she shed 25 pounds to portray the emaciated character convincingly. This involved subjecting herself to a detoxifying cleanse followed by a restrictive diet of oatmeal paste, reflecting Fantine's dire circumstances. Despite the toll on her well-being, Hathaway viewed these sacrifices as necessary to fully inhabit her character's essence.

Also Read:Dukan Diet Makes It To This Years List Of Fad Diets; Does It Really Help Lose Weight?

Hathaway's transformative journey epitomizes the dedication required for cinematic excellence. From rigorous workouts to specialized diets, her unwavering commitment to her craft sets a standard for aspiring actors. Yet, amidst the physical transformations, her message of self-acceptance and resilience resonates, inspiring audiences to embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.

Anne Hathaway's journey serves as a testament to the profound intersection of artistry and discipline. Her willingness to push boundaries and embrace discomfort in pursuit of authenticity cements her status as a cinematic powerhouse. As audiences continue to marvel at her on-screen transformations, Hathaway's legacy extends far beyond her roles, serving as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring performers and individuals alike.

Go here to read the rest:
Anne Hathaways Transformation Secrets Diet Exercise and Dedication - Onlymyhealth

Maryland country-pop singer-songwriter Bree Jaxson captures self-empowerment and rejuvenation post-breakup on fiery anthem Won Now, which weaves a vivid lyrical imagery of transitioning from loss to personal triumph.

Diving into lost love and the sting of pain that accompanies it, the track is relatable and raw as it unfolds intimate memories laden with powerfully emotive sonic styling. With poignant lyricism and sensuality tinged with sarcasm, the soaring track goes from hurt to moving on and ultimate victory.

Framed by bold affirmations of newfound happiness and liberation, the track showcases Jaxson's vocal prowess and storytelling as it celebrates the fierce independence and sensuality that comes from realizing one's own worth and moving beyond the shadows of past relationships.

Urging us to find strength on the other side of heartache, the track hones in on Jaxsons genre-hopping artistry as she works towards a full-length album.

Connect with Bree Jaxson : Instagram

Follow this link:
[Premiere] Bree Jaxson captures self-empowerment and rejuvenation post-breakup on "Won Now" - EARMILK - EARMILK

Nearly three years ago, the first season of We Are Lady Parts on Peacock was a blast of giddy energy, with six episodes of punk rock, friendship and solidarity. After a far-too-long wait, the British comedy series is back tomorrow (May 30) with six new episodes, a brief but joyous return to the world of the all-female Muslim punk band Lady Parts. My only disappointment about the season is that its taken so long to arrive, and is over far too quickly.

Where to stream 'We Are Lady Parts'

"We Are Lady Parts" is streaming on Peacock

Lady Parts were just getting started as a band by the end of the first season, but as the second season opens, theyve already completed a U.K. tour and have amassed a decent-size fan base. Creator Nida Manzoor, who writes and directs every episode, smartly moves the story forward while retaining the character-focused approach that made the first season so appealing. Lady Parts may be getting famous, but that doesnt solve any of the individual band members personal problems.

Although lead guitarist Amina (Anjana Vasan) is still clearly the main character, anchoring every episode with her Sex and the City-style narration, season 2 offers extended arcs for all four band members, plus manager Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse). Its a bit more balanced than the first season, which spent much of its time on Aminas internal conflict over whether to join the band.

Everyone in Lady Parts is now firmly committed to the band, and one of the seasons greatest strengths is that its always a celebration of their personal and artistic connection, even when faced with outside challenges.

Newly confident, Amina declares that shes in her villain era and goes after what she wants, even though shes not always sure what that is. Shes still pining for Ahsan (Zaqi Ismail), the brother of Lady Parts drummer Ayesha (Juliette Motamed), although she ends up dating his white co-worker instead. Romantic indecision aside, shes more assertive and ambitious this season, and that gives the show space for the other characters to deal with their own issues.

Ayesha is happy in a new relationship with an outgoing, supportive woman, but she still hasnt been able to come out to her parents. Bassist Bisma (Faith Omole) struggles with her self-image as a responsible wife and mother but also a rebellious punk rocker, and shes showcased in some of the seasons most eye-catching set pieces. Band frontwoman Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey) continues to fight for Lady Parts integrity, even as shes tempted by the prospect of a high-powered manager and a deal with a major record label.

Even Momtaz, who was more of a background presence in the first season, gets her own empowering arc, as she examines her place in Lady Parts career and the music industry as a whole. Aspects of the industry storyline feel rushed, given the limited number of episodes and their short running times, but Manzoor captures the entire life cycle of an up-and-coming band thrilled by the prospect of stardom, then disillusioned by corporate interference.

During the long break between seasons of We Are Lady Parts, Manzoor wrote and directed the action-comedy feature film Polite Society, and she brings some of that grand, stylized approach to the musical sequences in the new season. The first season had its share of catchy songs, but season 2 features even more original music, including an improbably rousing number about responding to work emails at a reasonable hour.

Lady Parts is a punk band, but their original songs in season 2 feature touches of country and rockabilly, too, and theyre catchy and fun while getting across the adversity that the characters often face as Muslim women in the U.K.

Manzoor, who writes the original songs with her siblings, also makes brilliant use of some unlikely covers: Amina brings poignancy to her solo rendition of Extremes More Than Words, Lady Parts rocks out to a hard-hitting version of Britney Spears Oops! I Did It Again while playing a for-hire gig at a wedding, and Bisma delivers an anguished, slowed-down take on Nina Simones Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood while working through her family issues. The show even comes close to making Hoobastanks goopy power ballad The Reason tolerable during a climactic romantic declaration.

Each song is presented via elaborate musical sequences, with magical-realist touches that make their way into the non-musical scenes as well. Bismas tension with her daughter is represented by a remote control that allows her to literally pause family arguments to vent her frustrations, and Sairas potential censorship by the bands new label manifests itself in her voice being forcefully silenced.

Those heavy moments never drag We Are Lady Parts into sad-com territory, though. This is a comedy that always remembers to be funny, delivering consistently clever jokes while staying true to its characters lived experiences. Bingeing the new season may only offer a short window of time to spend with those characters, but its worth savoring every minute.

Today's best streaming service deals

See the rest here:
'We Are Lady Parts' is back for season 2 and it's an irresistible binge - Tom's Guide

A research team led by Duan Luming at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University in China has built the worlds most powerful ion-based quantum computing system, the South China Morning Post reported. The research achievement paves the way for scalable quantum computers in the future.

Considered the next frontier of computing, quantum computers promise faster computation that could help humanity solve challenges in medicine, astronomy, and climate change. This is achieved by using quantum bits or qubits to store information.

Unlike the classical bits in silicon-based computers, which can either be in an on state or off state, qubits can be both on and off simultaneously while occupying a range of states in between them, also known as superposition. This allows quantum algorithms to process information in a fraction of the time it takes for even the worlds fastest supercomputers.

Researchers are working with various quantum systems to determine the best way to work with qubits.

Ions or charged particles can be suspended using electromagnetic fields and used as qubits in a quantum system. However, previous work in this area has shown that although quantum information can be transferred using the collective motion of the ions, the system isnt suited for scaling up.

Just as scaling silicon-based computers helps achieve complex calculations, scalability is important in quantum computing as well. To overcome this challenge with ions, researchers have used trapped-ion systems instead.

In such a system, researchers use a one-dimensional ion crystal that binds the ions in a lattice structure within, hence the name trapped-ion system. The approach is quite popular among quantum physicists, who have achieved simulation with 61 ions so far.

The researchers in Duans team at Tsinghua University have created a record by achieving stable trapping and cooling of a two-dimensional crystal with 512 ions, a first in the field of quantum science.

The achievement was praised by reviewers as a milestone to be recognised at the journal where Duan and colleagues published their research findings, the SCMP report added.

The feat achieved by the Chinese researchers is important given that scalability with ions has been a problem in quantum computing before. The researchers demonstrated this ability in a stable quantum simulation system, which another reviewer of the paper dubbed the worlds largest simulation.

Quantum simulators are devices that help researchers find answers about quantum model systems by analyzing quantum effects. They are popular tools among researchers because they can help advance scientific knowledge about quantum systems.

The researchers also completed another simulation, using 300-ion qubits to successfully complete a quantum calculation. The SCMP report said that such a systems computational ability was already astronomical and far exceeded the capabilities of classical computers.

The research moves China closer to building large-scale quantum computers in the future, an area in which it is directly competing with the US. Interestingly, Duan, a doctoral student from the University of Science and Technology of China, spent 15 years teaching in the US before returning to China in 2018.

The research findings were published in the journal Nature this week.

NEWSLETTER

Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.

Ameya Paleja Ameya is a science writer based in Hyderabad, India. A Molecular Biologist at heart, he traded the micropipette to write about science during the pandemic and does not want to go back. He likes to write about genetics, microbes, technology, and public policy.

View post:

China builds the world's most powerful ion-based computing machine - Interesting Engineering

Chinese scientists are one step closer to a future large-scale quantum computer after building the worlds largest quantum simulation machine based on the trapped-ion technique, praised by one academic journal reviewer as a milestone to be recognised.

The breakthrough was achieved under the leadership of Duan Luming, a quantum physicist renowned for his pioneering research, who returned to China in 2018 after 15 years of teaching in the United States.

Duan received his doctorate in 1998 from the University of Science and Technology of China, the countrys premier institute for quantum research, before joining the University of Michigan in the early 2000s.

Since his return, he has been a full-time professor at Tsinghua Universitys Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences.

Duan and his colleagues, along with several research groups at universities and hi-tech companies around the world, have been chasing the trapped-ion approach to qubits.

Quantum bits, or qubits, are the building blocks of quantum computers, just as bits are in regular computers.

However, qubits are extremely difficult to harness in a controlled and repeatable way because of what is called their hazy nature.

Regular bits can be described as switches that are either on or off. But because uncertainty and probability hold sway in quantum physics, qubits can be both on and off at the same time, and also exist in a variety of in-between states.

Ions, or charged atomic particles, can be trapped and suspended in free space using electromagnetic fields. The qubits are stored in stable electronic states of each ion, and quantum information can be transferred through the collective motion of the ions in a shared trap.

But scalability remains a key challenge for this system.

This is where the trapped-ion approach comes in, as it offers one of the most promising architectures for a scalable, universal quantum computer.

Researchers earlier achieved quantum simulations with up to 61 ions in a one-dimensional crystal. Ion crystals are solids made up of ions bound together in a regular lattice the symmetrical three-dimensional structural arrangements of atoms, ions or molecules inside a solid.

But Duan and his teams quantum simulator was able to achieve the stable trapping and cooling of a two-dimensional crystal of up to 512 ions, in a first for science.

The feat holds great significance for the future of quantum computing, given that scalability is a major hurdle. The teams scaling up of the ions in a stable simulation system is seen as likely to pave the way to building more powerful quantum computers.

The findings of their study were published on Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature.

This is the largest quantum simulation or computation performed to date in a trapped-ion system, commented one reviewer.

Quantum simulators are devices that actively use quantum effects to answer questions about model systems and, through them, real systems. They are increasingly popular tools in the world of quantum computing for their role in advancing scientific knowledge and developing technologies.

Duan and his team also managed to perform a quantum simulation calculation using 300-ion qubits. They found the computational complexity of 300-ion quantum bits working simultaneously to be astronomical, far exceeding the direct simulation capability of classical computers.

Link:

US-returned Chinese physicist and team achieve world first in quantum computing - South China Morning Post

As technology continues to advance toward higher realms, a new mechanism has entered the crosshairs of scientists: quantum computing. This process uses the principles of fundamental physics to "solve extremely complex problems very quickly," according to McKinsey & Company.

Using logic-based computing to solve problems isn't a new phenomenon; it was (and remains) the basis for artificial intelligence and digital computers. However, quantum computers are "poised to take computing to a whole new level," McKinsey said, because the introduction of physics into computing has the "potential tosolvevery complex statistical problems that are beyond the limits of today's computers." Quantum computing alone "could account fornearly $1.3 trillion in valueby 2035."

However, while organizations like McKinsey are clearly high on the potential for quantum computing, others say that it could create a slew of new problems.

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Quantum computing is a huge leap forward because "complex problems that currently take the most powerful supercomputer several years could potentially be solved in seconds," said Charlie Campbell for Time. This could open "hitherto unfathomable frontiers in mathematics and science, helping to solve existential challenges like climate change and food security."

Quantum computing is already being used for more practical purposes. One company called D-Wave Systems has "used its quantum computer to help clients determine driver schedules for grocery-store deliveries, the routing of cross-country promotional tours and cargo-handling procedures at the port of Los Angeles," said Bob Henderson for The Wall Street Journal. It could even help optimize seemingly minute problems, such as the arranging of planes at airport gates. If trying to arrange just 50 planes at 100 gates, the number of possibilities would be "10 to the hundredth power far more than the number of atoms in the visible universe," said Henderson. No standard computer "could keep track of all these possibilities.But a quantum computer potentially could."

While ubiquitous usage of quantum computers is a long way away, there are some strides being made, as Google "has built a quantum computer that's about 158 million times faster than the world's fastest supercomputer," said Luke Lango, a senior investment analyst at InvestorPlace. And quantum theory in general "has led to huge advancements over the past century. That's especially true over the past decade," as scientists "have started to figure out how to harness the power of quantum mechanics to make a new generation of superquantum computers."

But with new advancements come new sets of problems. Case-in-point: Quantum computers have "become a national security migraine," said Campbell for Time, because its ability to solve problems "will soon render all existing cryptography obsolete, jeopardizing communications, financial transactions and even military defenses."

This would be "potentially a completely different kind of problem than one we've ever faced," Glenn S. Gerstell, a former general counsel for the National Security Agency, said to The New York Times. There may be "only a 1% chance of that happening, but a 1% chance of something catastrophic is something you need to worry about." This risk "extends not just to future breaches but to past ones: Troves of encrypted data harvested now and in coming years could ... be unlocked," said Zach Montague for the Times.

Even as the risks are documented, investors are working to ensure quantum computers can be used on a widespread scale. Curtis Priem, the co-founder of AI chip manufacturer Nvidia, is "looking to establish New York's Hudson Valley as an epicenter of quantum-computing research in the country," the Journal said. Priem has already donated more than $75 million to develop a quantum computing system at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, making it the first college campus in the world with such a device.

Others are looking at the future of the industry through a more financial lens; Illinois legislators will soon be "asked to consider a series of incentives" as part of the state's "intensifying push to become the nation's hub for quantum computing," said Crain's Chicago Business. One of these major proposals is the creation of an "'enterprise zone' that would allow the state to provide quantum companies exemptions from sales, payroll and utility taxes for up to 40 years." If lawmakers in Illinois pass these incentives, there is a high chance that other states could follow.

To continue reading this article...

Create a free account

Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.

Already have an account? Sign in

Subscribe to The Week

Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.

Cancel or pause at any time.

Already a subscriber to The Week?

Unlimited website access is included with Digital and Print + Digital subscriptions. Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.

Read this article:

Is quantum computing the next technological frontier? - The Week

This article has been reviewed according to ScienceX's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

proofread

close

Researchers from Cleveland Clinic and IBM have recently published findings in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation that could lay the groundwork for applying quantum computing methods to protein structure prediction.

For decades, researchers have leveraged computational approaches to predict protein structures. A protein folds itself into a structure that determines how it functions and binds to other molecules in the body. These structures determine many aspects of human health and disease.

By accurately predicting the structure of a protein, researchers can better understand how diseases spread and thus how to develop effective therapies. Cleveland Clinic postdoctoral fellow Bryan Raubenolt, Ph.D. and IBM researcher Hakan Doga, Ph.D. spearheaded a team to discover how quantum computing can improve current methods.

In recent years, machine learning techniques have made significant progress in protein structure prediction. These methods are reliant on training data (a database of experimentally determined protein structures) to make predictions. This means that they are constrained by how many proteins they have been taught to recognize. This can lead to lower levels of accuracy when the programs/algorithms encounter a protein that is mutated or very different from those on which they were trained, which is common with genetic disorders.

The alternative method is to simulate the physics of protein folding. Simulations allow researchers to look at a given protein's various possible shapes and find the most stable one. The most stable shape is critical for drug design.

The challenge is that these simulations are nearly impossible on a classical computer, beyond a certain protein size. In a way, increasing the size of the target protein is comparable to increasing the dimensions of a Rubik's cube. For a small protein with 100 amino acids, a classical computer would need the time equal to the age of the universe to exhaustively search all the possible outcomes, says Dr. Raubenolt.

To help overcome these limitations, the research team applied a mix of quantum and classical computing methods. This framework could allow quantum algorithms to address the areas that are challenging for state-of-the-art classical computing, including protein size, intrinsic disorder, mutations and the physics involved in protein folding. The framework was validated by accurately predicting the folding of a small fragment of a Zika virus protein on a quantum computer, compared to state-of-the-art classical methods.

The quantum-classical hybrid framework's initial results outperformed both a classical physics-based method and AlphaFold2. Although the latter is designed to work best with larger proteins, it nonetheless demonstrates this framework's ability to create accurate models without directly relying on substantial training data.

The researchers used a quantum algorithm to first model the lowest energy conformation for the fragment's backbone, which is typically the most computationally demanding step of the calculation. Classical approaches were then used to convert the results obtained from the quantum computer, reconstruct the protein with its sidechains, and perform final refinement of the structure with classical molecular mechanics force fields.

The project shows one of the ways that problems can be deconstructed into parts, with quantum computing methods addressing some parts and classical computing others, for increased accuracy.

"One of the most unique things about this project is the number of disciplines involved," says Dr. Raubenolt. "Our team's expertise ranges from computational biology and chemistry, structural biology, software and automation engineering, to experimental atomic and nuclear physics, mathematics, and of course, quantum computing and algorithm design. It took the knowledge from each of these areas to create a computational framework that can mimic one of the most important processes for human life."

The team's combination of classical and quantum computing methods is an essential step for advancing our understanding of protein structures, and how they impact our ability to treat and prevent disease. The team plans to continue developing and optimizing quantum algorithms that can predict the structure of larger and more sophisticated proteins.

"This work is an important step forward in exploring where quantum computing capabilities could show strengths in protein structure prediction," says Dr. Doga. "Our goal is to design quantum algorithms that can find how to predict protein structures as realistically as possible."

More information: Hakan Doga et al, A Perspective on Protein Structure Prediction Using Quantum Computers, Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00067

Continue reading here:

Researchers apply quantum computing methods to protein structure prediction - Phys.org