Top Mathematics discussions

NishMath - #innovation

@www.microsoft.com //
Microsoft is making significant strides in enhancing digital security and technological advancement on multiple fronts. The company is actively pushing passkeys as a simpler and safer alternative to traditional passwords. Marking the shift, Microsoft joined the FIDO Alliance in celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," and has pledged to increase the adoption of passkeys, which offer a phishing-resistant authentication method utilizing face, fingerprint, or PIN. This initiative aims to combat the rising tide of password-based cyberattacks, which have surged to an alarming 7,000 attacks per second. Microsoft introduced Windows Hello as a way to sign into accounts without a password and this laid the ground work for an entirely new era of authentication.

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith is also urging the United States and its allies to intensify their efforts in quantum computing. Smith emphasizes the increasing competition from countries like China and highlights the importance of bolstering investment, workforce development, and supply chain security to maintain U.S. technological leadership. Quantum computing promises transformative advancements in fields like medicine, energy, and national security.

In addition to its quantum efforts, Microsoft has announced new European digital commitments, recognizing the importance of trans-Atlantic ties for economic growth. These commitments include datacenter operations in 16 countries and a Digital Resilience Commitment, reflecting the company's deep economic reliance on Europe.

Recommended read:
References :
  • thequantuminsider.com: Microsoft Leadership Urges U.S., Allies to Double Down on Quantum
  • Source: Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins
  • Source: Investing in American leadership in quantum technology: the next frontier in innovation
  • www.microsoft.com: Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

@physics.mit.edu //
NASA astronaut Chris Williams, who earned a doctorate in physics from MIT in 2012, is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Russian Soyuz rocket no earlier than November 2025. The rookie astronaut, a member of NASA's 23rd astronaut class, will join cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev aboard the Soyuz MS-28, launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Williams will spend approximately eight months on the ISS as part of Expedition 74, serving as a flight engineer and continuing ongoing microgravity investigations into the effects of spaceflight.

This mission marks Williams' first assignment to space after completing his training. Prior to joining NASA, Williams completed a Medical Physics Residency training at Harvard Medical School and conducted research as a clinical physicist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His selection for the Soyuz MS-28 mission follows the recent launch of fellow classmate Nichole Ayers on SpaceX's Crew-10 mission and the selection of Andre Douglas as part of NASA's Artemis 2 backup crew. The MS-28 crew will replace the MS-27 astronauts, including NASA's Jonny Kim, who arrived at the ISS in April.

Separately, a new physics model has been developed to analyze the intricacies of bowling and determine the optimal conditions for achieving strikes. The model utilizes six differential equations relating to a rotating rigid body. This research considers several factors that influence a bowling ball's trajectory, including the composition and application of oil on bowling lanes, as well as the inherent asymmetries of bowling balls. The team of physicists involved in the study includes individuals with a strong background in bowling, including one who serves as a coach for Team England at the European Youth Championships. The study aims to move beyond statistical analysis of empirical data and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the physics behind bowling.

Recommended read:
References :
  • arstechnica.com: "This isn't 'Nam, this is bowling, there are rules..." The physics of bowling strike after strike. New model uses 6 differential equations relating to a rotating rigid body for best strike conditions.
  • physics.mit.edu: Rookie NASA astronaut Chris Williams PhD ’12 will launch to the ISS on a Russian rocket later this year

The Google@The Official Google Blog //
Quantum computing is rapidly advancing, moving beyond a futuristic dream to become a tangible force in solving real-world problems. Experts predict that quantum utility, the point at which quantum computers offer practical advantages over classical computers, is at most 10 years away. This progress is fueled by the potential of quantum computers to optimize finance, discover new drugs, secure networks, and even build better batteries. The industry overwhelmingly agrees that this moment is fast approaching, with some anticipating it could arrive within the next one to five years.

The US military is taking a proactive approach by launching an initiative spearheaded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to identify the most promising quantum computer technologies. DARPA aims to discern which of the numerous quantum computers currently under development have the greatest potential to revolutionize American industries and the broader economy. This initiative underscores the strategic importance of quantum computing and the desire to be at the forefront of its development and application.

However, challenges remain in achieving widespread quantum utility. Misconceptions about quantum computing are hindering advancement, highlighting the need for improved public and business education. Overcoming technical hurdles, particularly error correction, and acquiring sufficient talent are also key concerns. Despite these challenges, the collective progress and the focused efforts of both industry and government suggest that quantum computing is poised to make a significant impact in the near future.

Recommended read:
References :
  • The Next Web: Quantum utility is at most 10 years away, industry experts believe
  • Bernard Marr: 5 Game-Changing Quantum Computing Use Cases You Should Know About
  • www.newscientist.com: US military launches initiative to find the best quantum computer
  • quantumfrontiers.com: Great call to action by Robbie King on finding more useful quantum algorithms.
  • thequantuminsider.com: Quantum Contest Offers 1 Bitcoin for Cracking Encryption With Shor’s Algorithm

Matt Marshall@AI News | VentureBeat //
Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot Studio platform with AI-driven improvements, introducing deep reasoning capabilities that enable agents to tackle intricate problems through methodical thinking and combining AI flexibility with deterministic business process automation. The company has also unveiled specialized deep reasoning agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot, named Researcher and Analyst, to help users achieve tasks more efficiently. These agents are designed to function like personal data scientists, processing diverse data sources and generating insights through code execution and visualization.

Microsoft's focus includes securing AI and using it to bolster security measures, as demonstrated by the upcoming Microsoft Security Copilot agents and new security features. Microsoft aims to provide an AI-first, end-to-end security platform that helps organizations secure their future, one example being the AI agents designed to autonomously assist with phishing, data security, and identity management. The Security Copilot tool will automate routine tasks, allowing IT and security staff to focus on more complex issues, aiding in defense against cyberattacks.

Recommended read:
References :
  • Microsoft Security Blog: Learn about the upcoming availability of Microsoft Security Copilot agents and other new offerings for a more secure AI future.
  • www.zdnet.com: Designed for Microsoft's Security Copilot tool, the AI-powered agents will automate basic tasks, freeing IT and security staff to tackle more complex issues.

Dean Takahashi@AI News | VentureBeat //
Recent breakthroughs are accelerating the progress in quantum computing. Researchers have experimentally recreated a fundamental theoretical model from quantum physics using nanographene molecules, paving the way for versatile research in quantum technologies. In another development, Irish startup Equal1 has unveiled the world's first silicon-based quantum computer, named Bell-1, which utilizes a hybrid quantum-classical silicon chip for accelerated quantum computing.

Meanwhile, Nvidia is constructing an accelerated quantum computing research center in Boston to integrate quantum hardware with AI supercomputers, aiming to tackle challenges like qubit noise and transform experimental processors into practical devices. Delft Circuits has also launched a turnkey High-Density Input/Output (HD I/O) system to address scalability bottlenecks in quantum computing connectivity. This system boasts 256 channels per module and modular expandability, offering a streamlined solution for connecting control electronics to Quantum Processing Units.

Recommended read:
References :
  • www.sciencedaily.com: Researchers have experimentally recreated another fundamental theoretical model from quantum physics, which goes back to the Nobel Prize laureate Werner Heisenberg. The basis for the successful experiment is made of tiny carbon molecules known as nanographenes.
  • The Next Web: Irish startup Equal1 unveils world’s first silicon-based quantum computer
  • Quanta Magazine: Quantum Speedup Found for Huge Class of Hard Problems
  • The Quantum Insider: NVIDIA’s Quantum Strategy: Not Building the Computer, But the World That Enables It
  • The Quantum Insider: Article on Singapore investing $24.5 million in quantum and supercomputing integration initiative.