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Listen: Quantum sensors could detect diseases earlier

Listen: Quantum sensors could detect diseases earlier

  • Scientists at the University of Chicago have made a breakthrough discovery by turning a protein into a biological quantum bit (qubit), which could lead to more precise measurements of cells.
  • The qubit, also known as a “first-of-its-kind” biological quantum bit, has the potential to detect diseases earlier and track their evolution in the human body.
  • Quantum systems are becoming increasingly powerful sensors that can be used to detect diseases at an early stage.
  • The technology could revolutionize disease detection by allowing for more precise measurements of cells and tracking the progression of diseases.
  • The discovery is a significant step forward in the development of quantum sensors, which could have far-reaching implications for medicine and healthcare.

A woman with dyed red hair looks through a magnifying glass.

What if we could precisely measure a cell at its most fundamental level?

University of Chicago scientist Peter Maurer, along with colleagues at UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, made a breakthrough discovery of turning a protein found in living cells into a first-of-its-kind biological quantum bit—also known as a qubit.

In this episode of the Big Brains podcast, Maurer explains how quantum systems—once thought to be too fragile for real-world use—are becoming some of the most powerful sensors ever built, and how they could detect diseases earlier and track how they evolve in our bodies:

Read the transcript of this episode.

Source: University of Chicago

The post Listen: Quantum sensors could detect diseases earlier appeared first on Futurity.

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Q. What is the potential application of quantum sensors?
A. Quantum sensors could detect diseases earlier and track how they evolve in our bodies.

Q. Who made a breakthrough discovery related to biological qubits?
A. University of Chicago scientist Peter Maurer, along with colleagues at UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

Q. What is a biological quantum bit (qubit)?
A. A first-of-its-kind biological qubit, also known as a qubit.

Q. How are quantum systems being used in real-world applications?
A. Quantum systems are becoming some of the most powerful sensors ever built.

Q. Are quantum systems fragile enough for real-world use?
A. No, they were once thought to be too fragile for real-world use.

Q. What is the significance of detecting diseases earlier?
A. Detecting diseases earlier could lead to better treatment and outcomes.

Q. Who is Peter Maurer’s institution?
A. University of Chicago.

Q. What school at UChicago is Peter Maurer affiliated with?
A. Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

Q. How did Peter Maurer make his breakthrough discovery?
A. The text does not specify the exact method, but it mentions that he and his colleagues made a breakthrough discovery related to turning a protein into a qubit.

Q. What is the potential impact of quantum sensors on disease detection?
A. Quantum sensors could detect diseases earlier and track how they evolve in our bodies, leading to better treatment and outcomes.