Is quantum computing having its moment?

About this episode

The episode explores the UK's investment in quantum computing, the global helium supply crisis, and discusses scientific news including space agriculture and weight loss insights from pythons.

In a bid to invest in the future of computing and keep emerging quantum companies on their shores, the UK government has announced a £2 billion ‘Quantum Leap’ fund. Tom Whipple heads to ORCA Computing in London to find out exactly how close we are to realising that quantum future and the industries that may be revolutionized in the process. After Iranian missiles have hit a key helium production plant in Qatar, stability of the global supplies of the element have been called into question. Dr Rebecca Ingle from University College London clues us in on just how much of the world relies on Helium and why it is the irreplicable “cryogenic king” of the elements. Plus, can potatoes grow on the moon? And what can pythons tell us about weight loss? Reporter Gareth Mitchell joins Tom for their pick of this week's science news. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Alex Mansfield and Katie Tomsett Production co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth Editor: Martin Smith

People in this episode

Host: Tom Whipple

Guest: Dr Rebecca Ingle

Topics covered

• quantum computing
• helium supply
• space agriculture
• weight loss
• science news

Keywords

• quantum computing
• helium
• space agriculture
• ORCA Computing
• University College London
• science news
• weight loss

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University College London, ORCA Computing

Places: UK, Qatar

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