Quantum computing & a mysterious contaminant in microplastics research | The chemical breakdown podcast

About this episode

The episode discusses advancements in quantum computing and contamination issues in microplastics research.

This week, we discuss the latest milestone in quantum computational modelling and reveal the common laboratory item causing strange readings in microplastics research with Frankie Macpherson and Patrick Walter. A new hybrid workflow involving two IBM quantum computers and two powerful supercomputers has allowed researchers to model a protein–ligand system containing up to a record 12,635 atoms. What does this mean for the future of quantum computing? And, a recent study has found an unsuspecting source of contamination in microplastics research, distorting measurements of atmospheric pollution. We discuss the underlying cause.

People in this episode

Guests: Frankie Macpherson, Patrick Walter

Topics covered

• quantum computing
• microplastics research
• contamination
• protein-ligand system
• atmospheric pollution

Keywords

• quantum computational modelling
• microplastics
• contamination
• protein-ligand system
• atmospheric pollution
• IBM quantum computers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: IBM

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