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The UK is set to enhance the development of advanced devices inspired by the fascinating physics of the quantum realm with a £100 million injection that government officials hope will revolutionize sectors like healthcare, transportation, and national security.
Science Minister Peter Kyle unveiled funding for the establishment of five quantum technologies hubs in England and Scotland, which will collaborate with industry and government to create and commercialize devices, ultimately driving a new economic landscape.
Speaking from Glasgow ahead of the announcement, Kyle told the Guardian, “We are on the verge of a quantum technology revolution that presents a significant opportunity for British science and research. By getting things right, we can lead globally, addressing domestic challenges, creating opportunities locally, and tapping into global markets.”
While Nobel laureate Richard Feynman once stated that “nobody understands quantum mechanics,” researchers have made strides in harnessing its peculiar effects since his early work a century ago. Today, quantum physics is utilized in various technologies like semiconductors, MRI scanners, lasers, and atomic clocks.
Spread across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Oxford, and London, the hubs aim to develop cutting-edge devices ranging from brain scanner helmets and gravity sensors for underground pipe detection to quantum-enhanced blood tests for early disease diagnosis, GPS-free global positioning systems, and precision timing services.
At UCL, scientists are manipulating quantum properties of diamond nanoparticles to create an ultra-sensitive blood test. This technique enables the detection of minute protein or DNA levels by shining a beam of light through a blood sample.
Professor John Morton from UCL expressed excitement about the potential impact of these quantum sensors on early disease detection and treatment, highlighting applications across various diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are leveraging a quantum effect called superposition to develop gravity sensors capable of locating underground infrastructure, offering insights to utility companies on gas and water mains for maintenance purposes.
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By utilizing quantum entanglement, other sensors are being developed to identify gas leaks, such as methane from industrial facilities, enabling early detection and prevention of potential hazards.
Mr. Kyle emphasized the rapidly growing global quantum market, projected to reach £90 billion in the next decade, underscoring the importance for the UK to lead in this emerging field.
Source: www.theguardian.com
