In the strange world of quantum computing, switches don't need to be either 'on' or 'off'--they can be both at the same time. Information can be manipulated in a vial of molecules held inside a massive magnet, in a chilled vapor of ions, or in swirls of current within a superconductor. In this hour, we'll talk about research into quantum computing and communications. How can the counterintuitive rules of quantum physics help build better computers? We'll also talk about the role of information in the universe. Can all reality be though of as one big computer?

Plus, researchers report that they've found a key fossil showing a step in the evolutionary transition from fish with fins to four-legged animals that could crawl out onto dry land. We'll talk with one of the researchers about the find, which is being hailed as a milestone for paleontology. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Edward Daeschler
Curator of Vertebrate Biology
Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

********
Seth Lloyd
Author, "Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes on the Cosmos" (Knopf, 2006)
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Books/Articles Discussed:

Daeschler E. B., Shubin N. H., Jenkins F. A. Jr, Nature, 440. 757 - 763 (2006).

Shubin N. H. Daeschler E. B., , Jenkins F. A. Jr, Nature, 440. 764 - 771 (2006).

"Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes on the Cosmos" by Seth Lloyd. Knopf, 2006.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

Search by keywords:

This segment produced by Charles Bergquist