New Algorithms for Quantum Computers
Mr_Farlops writes "A Melbourne university student has developed a program that generates algorithms for quantum computers. As Nanodotter, Mark Gubrud made plain [in a Nanodot post from 30 August 2001], setting up algorithms for quantum computers is very hard. Because of this, most research with quantum computers has focused on Shor factoring. But with this new tool perhaps new methods will become availible.
If you agree with Penrose (I am still very skeptical), the brain uses obscure quantum physics to process the data that it does. For this reason and others this research in quantum computing may apply to artificial intelligence."
March 26th, 2002 at 8:14 PM
Penrose
Roger Penrose is a prolific physicist, but there is zero evidence that relates neural functions (which can be explained with chemistry) and QM. I think it's his subconscious saying "the brain seems to complex to understand, so it must be some exotic process" =]
nevertheless, QM could allow for some very cool new things in AI computing
March 28th, 2002 at 7:50 AM
Re:Penrose
Yeah, I've always been skeptical of appealing to quantum theory in attempts to understand neurological processing.
My skepticism stems from the quantum la-la movement of the Seventies. I was just a kid when Zukov's book came out, much to the horror of respectable physicists, and all the kooks began associating all kinds of flummery with quantum mechanics–ESP, crystal worship, past lives, ghosts and so on ad nauseum.
Do we really want to give those cranks more ammunition?
Penrose, mostly is a respectable physicist, but he went a little too far on this one and rightfully caught hell for from all quarters (neurologists, biologists, computer scientists, philosophers, etc. etc.).