Tag Archives: uncertainty

Can Quantum Neural Networks Bypass the Uncertainty Principle?

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Quantum Chips in Quantum Systems showcasing IBM's first quantum data center

Quantum Computers and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

Marijan Murat/DPA/Alamy

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle imposes limits on the precision of measuring specific properties of quantum entities. However, recent research suggests that utilizing quantum neural networks may allow scientists to circumvent this barrier.

For instance, when analyzing a chemically relevant molecule, predicting its properties over time can prove challenging. Researchers must first assess its current characteristics, but measuring quantum properties often leads to interference between measurements, complicating the process. The uncertainty principle asserts that certain quantum attributes cannot be accurately measured at the same time; for example, gaining precise momentum data can distort positional information.

According to Zhou Duanlu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, recent mathematical insights indicate that quantum neural networks may address these measurement challenges more effectively.

Zhou’s team approached this issue from a practical standpoint. For optimal performance of quantum computers, understanding the properties of qubits—quantum computing’s fundamental components—is crucial. Typical operations, akin to dividing by 2, are employed to yield information about qubits. Yet, the uncertainty principle presents challenges akin to the incompatibility encountered when attempting to execute several conflicting arithmetic operations simultaneously.

Their findings propose that leveraging quantum machine learning algorithms, or Quantum Neural Networks (QNNs), could effectively resolve the compatibility issues inherent to quantum measurements.

Notably, these algorithms rely on randomly selected steps from a predefined set, as shown in previous studies. Zhou et al. demonstrated that introducing randomness into QNNs can enhance the accuracy of measuring a quantum object’s properties. They further extended this approach to simultaneously measure various properties typically constrained by the uncertainty principle, using advanced statistical techniques to aggregate results from multiple random operations for improved precision.

As noted by Robert Fan, this capability to measure multiple incompatible properties swiftly could accelerate scientific understanding of specific quantum systems, significantly impacting quantum computing fields in chemistry and material sciences, as well as large-scale quantum computer research.

The practicality of this innovative approach appears promising, though its effectiveness will hinge on how it compares against other methodologies employing randomness to facilitate reliable quantum measurements, Huang asserts.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Human Mind’s Aversion to Uncertainty: A Challenge for Liberal Democracies

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The exploration of the dynamics within liberal democracies has typically emphasized economic, emotional, and educational influences. However, an additional field of neurology plays a critical role.

Liberal democracies engage our cognitive processes differently than authoritarian regimes. Dictatorships provide a sense of predictability, exemplified by Adolf Hitler’s envisioned timeline, while liberal democracies leave the future open to our choices, presenting it as a canvas we shape ourselves.

This is politically significant yet cognitively daunting. Historically, the future was dictated by a select few, prioritizing preservation over progress. The inherent ambiguity and adaptability of liberal democracy can challenge individuals neurologically, as uncertainty is a state the human mind often resists. Studies indicate that uncertainty triggers more anxiety than the anticipation of an electric shock, leading to various historical attempts to diminish uncertainty through mechanisms like insurance and weather forecasting.

Your position on the spectrum of uncertainty tolerance is influenced by cultural background, age, and gender, as well as neurological factors. Research in political neuroscience reveals that conservative brains lean towards security, generally steering clear of conclusions that lack clarity. This tendency is associated with a larger amygdala, the brain region linked to threat detection, resulting in a heightened discomfort when confronted with the unfamiliar.

On the other hand, a liberal brain exhibits greater gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in processing ambiguity. This anatomical difference enables liberals to tolerate uncertainty and confrontation more effectively. Liberal democracies can provide space for both perspectives under less stressful conditions. Although conservatives and liberals may have distinct neural predispositions regarding their preferences for the future, evolutionarily, all humans share the ability to envision multiple futures.

However, increased uncertainty can push some individuals beyond their comfort zones, particularly as the future of pressing issues—like environmental change, technology, and social norms—becomes less predictable. To cope with this anxiety, some individuals gravitate towards populist and authoritarian political leaders, committing to rigid decision-making and a black-and-white perspective. They often seek certainty—howbeit a mere illusion—by rejecting innovations (such as medical advancements) or dismissing foreign cultures and religions, thus limiting uncertainty and suppressing potential futures. This obsession with ambiguity and anxiety can create a more tranquil mindset for those affected.

This doesn’t imply a total surrender to an illiberal mindset. Instead, it underscores the necessity for liberal democracies to candidly inform their constituents that embracing liberalism may not come intuitively. Educational initiatives, public discourse, and civil engagement must derive insights into overcoming illiberal tendencies at a brain-based level.

We must communicate the collective benefits of cooperation in various domains, including identity. Ultimately, only through collaboratively addressing the vulnerabilities inherent in our brains can we tackle the significant global challenges we face today.

Florence Gaub is the author of Future: Manual (Hurst, 2026). Riya Yu has authored Fragile Minds: The Neuropolitics of Divided Societies (Columbia UP).

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Navigating Uncertainty During Key Life Stages Transforms Our Brains

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Pandemic. Conflict. Market crash. Government upheaval. A quick look at recent headlines conveys a sense of instability in the world. However, “volatility” isn’t just a concern for hedge fund managers; it holds crucial significance for our brains as well.

In my new book, The Trick of the Heart, the latest science suggests that the brain operates like a scientist. It constructs hypotheses and frameworks to understand the world, others, and even itself. However, if your brain is busy crafting a framework, it must also recognize when it’s time to adapt. This process involves a network of frontal and subcortical brain regions, with noradrenaline playing a vital role in monitoring how unstable our environment is.

This “volatility tracking” mechanism allows our brains to detect tipping points in the external world and adjust our expectations and hypotheses accordingly. This adaptability becomes crucial when our daily realities shift; as a result, our mental frameworks can become more flexible. This process is entirely adaptive and logical. After all, when circumstances are in flux, we want our minds to adjust as well.

Yet, in a transformative environment, having an open mind can present dangers. For instance, research conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic indicated that unexpected viruses and unprecedented lockdowns led some people to question what constitutes a normal mindset. A study in the US found that as lockdowns intensified across states, unstable thinking surged. Those who began perceiving their surroundings as insecure were more likely to endorse bizarre conspiracies related to the pandemic, such as the belief that vaccines contain mind-controlling microchips or support for political conspiracies like QAnon.

While these ideas may appear ludicrous, this behavior can be understood through the lens of brain function. Our minds need to remain malleable and resilient, adapting their paradigms based on a rapidly changing world. We must be willing to consider perspectives we’ve never previously entertained.

I actually believe that navigating uncertain times isn’t inherently detrimental for us or our brains. After all, unpredictability does not equate to inevitable doom; it simply means we can’t foresee what lies ahead. Historically, many periods of significant progress have emerged during times of upheaval when our familiar realities were disrupted. In the UK, support for women’s suffrage gained momentum after World War I, which also paved the way for a transformative welfare state and the establishment of a second National Health Service.

While I can’t travel back in time to observe the brains of those historical figures, I can imagine those moments of new opportunities functioning just like our minds do today. When our surrounding touchpoints appear unstable, old concepts can be discarded and new ones adopted.

Uncertainty and volatility are distinctly perceived based on how the brain operates. While volatility can induce anxiety, living amidst constant change opens our minds to new possibilities. We must remain alert to those who might exploit our adaptable minds towards extreme or conspiratorial concepts, but we can also embrace a brighter, more optimistic future by steering our cognitive processes toward pivotal changes.

Daniel Yong is the director and author of the Uncertainty Lab at Birkbeck, University of London. His book, The Trick of the Heart, delves into these themes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Pfizer CEO: Tariff Uncertainty Hindering US Investment in Manufacturing and R&D

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Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla remarked on Tuesday that uncertainties surrounding President Donald Trump’s Drug Tariff are hindering the company’s ability to pursue further investments in U.S. manufacturing and R&D.

During the company’s Q1 Revenue Call, Bourla responded to inquiries about Pfizer’s expectations regarding tariff negotiations, emphasizing the need for increased investments in the U.S.

“If there’s a guarantee of no tariffs… significant investments could be made in both R&D and manufacturing here,” Bourla stated, emphasizing the company’s desire for “certainty.”

“In times of uncertainty, everyone is focused on minimizing costs, as we are, leading to frugal investment practices. We are poised to allocate funds; that’s what I hope to see,” Bourla commented.

He highlighted that the current tax climate, which previously favored overseas manufacturing, is “undergoing significant changes” with the establishment of a global minimum tax around 15%. Bourla expressed concerns that these changes alone do not necessarily make the U.S. a more appealing investment destination without added tariff incentives or clarity.

“I spoke with [Trump], and I believe he aims to modify the existing tax framework, particularly for domestically produced goods,” Bourla said, indicating that further reductions could incentivize U.S. manufacturing.

In contrast to other companies navigating shifting trade policies, Pfizer did not alter its full-year forecast on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the company noted in a revenue statement that its guidance “currently does not account for any potential impacts related to future tariffs or trade policy changes, which remain unpredictable.”

In the revenue call, Pfizer executives mentioned that the guidance reflects $150 million in expenses attributed to Trump’s existing tariffs.

“The guidance we didn’t address today includes some of the current tariffs,” stated Pfizer CFO Dave Denton over the phone.

“We believe we are still trending towards the upper end of the guidance range, even with these costs this year,” he added.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Microsoft’s future unclear amid escalating tensions in Gaza conflict. “On the brink of uncertainty”

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fOr, for the second time last month, Microsoft employees disrupted high-level executives speaking at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary on April 4. They were protesting the company’s role in Israel’s ongoing siege in Gaza.

AI executive Mustafasleiman was suspended by employees Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal. The two were fired within a few days. Microsoft president Brad Smith and former CEO Steve Ballmer were yelled at in Great Hall in Seattle on March 20 by current and former employees.

Before the April event, there was an outside gathering that also included current and former Tech Giant employees. Protesters projected a sign onto the wall of the hall called “Microsoft Powers Genocide,” showing that since October 7, 2023, Israel has been extensively using its AI and cloud computing services.

The rally and confusion were the latest in the employee protests at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, urging the company to cut ties with Israel. This comes after years of simmering tensions on the company’s message boards and a recent workplace dispute.

Taken together, the protests indicate that more people have decided to leave the company for good, according to current and past employees who spoke with the Guardian. Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment.

The recent events at Microsoft reflect similar incidents at other tech companies, such as Google, where employees were fired as they protested their ties with Israel. In February, Google adjusted its AI guidelines, removing the commitment to not use artificial intelligence for surveillance or weapons.

Anxiety about the increase in Redmond

Former Microsoft software engineer Hossam Nasr described the situation at the company as being close to a turning point. He highlighted the events in February as an example of growing frustration among employees.

The firing of employees who raised concerns has galvanized others in the company who are worried about the issue, along with recent media coverage of Microsoft’s role in the siege of Gaza in Israel.

Aboussad told the Guardian that she had been increasingly at odds over the last few months as a software engineer working for AI. She expressed concerns about Microsoft’s deep ties with the Israeli government.
AP Report

Within days of speaking with the Guardian, Aboussad was terminated. Several colleagues mentioned they were considering leaving the company, she stated.

From Viva to IRL

Before the recent direct protest, Microsoft employees were mainly discussing the Hamas attacks and Israel’s continued retaliation online. Several conversations on Microsoft’s Viva Engage company’s message board sparked controversy. One employee posted about the lack of symmetry in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, which led to heated debates.

Employees critical of Israel’s actions have been vocal about what they perceive as a double standard within the company, especially following events from October 7th. They have accused Microsoft of censoring viewpoints on internal forums while treating Israeli supporters differently.
From immediately after October 7th. One employee shared an email from the company’s Global Employee Relations Team emphasizing the need for respectful discussions on the topic of Israel and Gaza. There were restrictions on postings related to these topics on the company message board.

Online discussions among employees have evolved throughout 2024, according to Nasr. Many employees initially focused on petitions urging the company to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, but the attention gradually shifted to Microsoft’s business practices. By the end of the year, Nasr and others began a campaign to boycott Microsoft’s cloud computing services, cancel contracts with the Israeli military, and gather signatures from colleagues in protest of the company’s ties with the Israeli government.

Reporting Microsoft’s role in Gaza Roil employee discussion

Documents obtained by Drop site, an independent news outlet, revealed that high-tech companies, including Microsoft, are actively seeking to serve the Israeli military. This discovery fueled concerns among some Microsoft employees, leading to internal discussions about the company’s ethics and practices.

Anna Hutt, a long-time employee at Microsoft, highlighted the importance of sharing information about the company’s actions within the organization. She emphasized the need for open conversations and offline organizing efforts to raise awareness among employees.

Nasr mentioned that Apartheid’s Azure has partnered with Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) in adding Microsoft to their boycott campaign list. This move reflects growing discontent among employees regarding the company’s involvement with the Israeli military.

One Microsoft employee expressed frustration over what they perceived as a betrayal of the company’s stated values in its contract with Israel. They cited examples of events where critical perspectives were silenced and called for a boycott of Microsoft’s products that enable military actions.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Navigating Uncertainty: The Newsroom’s Approach to AI Challenges and Opportunities

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I
n In early March, job advertisements were circulating among sports journalists for the “AI Assisted Sports Reporter” position at USA Today’s publisher Gannett. This role was described as being at the “front of a new era of journalism,” but it was clarified that it did not involve beat reporting or require travel or in-person interviews. Football commentator Gary Tafaus made light of this dark humor.

As artificial intelligence continues to advance, newsrooms are grappling with the challenges and opportunities it presents. Recent developments include an AI project at a media outlet being criticized for softening the image of the Ku Klux Klan, as well as UK journalists producing over 100 bylines in a day with the help of AI. Despite uncertainties surrounding technology, there is a growing consensus on its current capabilities.

Media companies are well aware of the potential pitfalls of relying on AI tools to create and modify content. While some believe that AI can improve the quality of information, others emphasize the need to establish proper guidelines to avoid detrimental consequences.

The rapid integration of technology into newsrooms has led to some unfortunate instances, such as the LA Times using AI tools to provide alternative viewpoints that were criticized for minimizing the threat posed by groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Executives in the media industry recognize the challenges of making unpredictable decisions in the era of AI.

Even tech giants like Apple have faced setbacks in ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content, as evidenced by the suspension of features creating inaccurate summaries of news headlines from the BBC.

Journalists and tech designers have spent years developing AI tools that can enhance journalistic practices. Publishers use AI to summarize and suggest headlines based on original reporting, which can then be reviewed by human editors. Some publishers have begun implementing AI tools to condense and repurpose their stories.

The Make It Fair campaign was created to raise awareness among British citizens about the threats posed by Generative AI to the creative industry. Photo: Geoffrey Swaine/Rex/Shutterstock

Some organizations are experimenting with AI chatbots that allow readers to access archived content and ask questions. However, concerns have been raised about the potential lack of oversight over the responses generated by AI.

The debate continues on the extent to which AI can support journalists in their work. While some see AI as a tool to increase coverage and enable more in-depth reporting, others doubt its impact on original journalism.

Despite the challenges, newsrooms are exploring the benefits of AI in analyzing large datasets and improving workflow efficiency. Tools have helped uncover significant cases of negligence and aid in tasks like transcription and translation.

While concerns persist about AI errors, media companies are exploring ways to leverage AI for social listening, content creation, and fact-checking. The industry is also looking towards adapting content formats for different audiences and platforms.

However, the prospect of AI chatbots creating content independently has raised fears about the potential displacement of human journalists. Some media figures believe that government intervention may be necessary to address these challenges.

Several media groups have entered licensing agreements with owners of AI models to ensure proper training on original content. Despite the uncertainties, there is hope that the media industry can adapt to the evolving landscape of AI technology.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ohio Rust Belt Manufacturing Hub’s Dream Hindered by Delay and Uncertainty

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Intel recently moved a large metal structure 140 miles north to one of its semiconductor plants in Ohio, an operation detailed minute by minute here.

Local school bus schedules were carefully avoided during the transportation process. The cargo, measuring up to three-quarters of the length of a soccer field, was moved by a team of White Crane Truck operators.

Intel meticulously planned 37 deliveries over the past 11 months, culminating in the final Superroad landing at the Greenfield site last month. This marked a significant milestone for the company, which has invested heavily in the project since its announcement in September 2022.

However, Intel’s success in logistics is juxtaposed with its struggles as a company. Stock prices plummeted by 60% last year, and competition with companies like Nvidia has intensified with the Advanced 18A Artificial Intelligence Chip.

Rumors of potential dissolution and acquisition by rivals have further exacerbated Intel’s instability in the industry.

The delays in construction have also raised concerns among Ohio residents and community leaders, who were initially optimistic about the economic prospects brought by Intel’s manufacturing plants. The delays have pushed back the timeline for completion, causing frustration and uncertainty in the region.

Despite the setbacks, Intel secured funding under the Chips Act and remains committed to the project. However, the landscape of the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, with competitors like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) making significant investments.

The delays have also impacted local residents, some of whom have seen their properties affected by the construction. Concerns about the future of the project linger as Intel faces challenges in meeting critical deadlines and retaining funding.

The uncertainty surrounding Intel’s Ohio project highlights the complexities of navigating the rapidly changing semiconductor industry, where competition and market demands are reshaping the landscape.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research shows that doom scrolling is associated with existential anxiety, skepticism, uncertainty, and hopelessness.

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Are you facing an existential crisis from scrolling through your phone? A recent study conducted by an international team of experts aimed to explore this issue. Read the full report in the Journal of Computers in Human Behavior.

The study surveyed 800 college students in the US and Iran and discovered a connection between doomscrolling – excessive consumption of negative news – and feelings of existential anxiety, distrust of others, and despair.

Researcher Reza Shabahan from Flinders University highlighted that constant exposure to negative news can indirectly cause trauma, affecting even those who have not experienced direct trauma.

The study revealed that continuous exposure to negative news led individuals to believe that life is fragile and limited, humans are inherently lonely, and people have little control over their lives.

In the case of Iranian students, doomscrolling was also linked to misanthropy, a deep disdain and mistrust of humanity.

The researchers suggested that constant exposure to negative news reinforces the idea that humanity is flawed and the world lacks justice, challenging individuals’ beliefs about the fairness and goodness of the world.

However, they acknowledged limitations in their sample selection and size, cautioning against drawing definitive conclusions about the association observed.

Professor Helen Christensen from the University of New South Wales expressed interest in the study but cautioned that biases could exist due to the sample size.

Digital behavior expert Dr. Joan Orlando emphasized the potential long-term impact of doomscrolling on mental health, likening it to being constantly berated.

Orlando recommended being mindful of how social media and news consumption affect mental well-being, suggesting a delay in checking such platforms upon waking up.

She further emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of media consumption on one’s worldview.

For more insights, check out a Joint submission by mental health organizations ReachOut, Beyond Blue, and Black Dog Institute on the impact of social media on young Australians.

George Herman, CEO of Beyond Blue, highlighted the dual nature of social media in affecting young people’s mental health and called for social media platforms to take responsibility for their impact.

He stressed that individuals should have a say in the content they are exposed to and questioned social media platforms on their strategies to address the issue of doomscrolling.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Founders’ Guide to Navigating Economic Uncertainty: A Step-by-Step Blueprint

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Russ Heddleston
Contributor

Russ Heddleston is the co-founder and former CEO of DocSend at Dropbox.

More posts by this contributor
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Company formation Achieving superior performance amid economic uncertainty requires more than just hungry founders with good ideas. A strong foundation is needed to withstand the market. Companies founded today need to focus on being profitable while growing, which can be a priority for companies with active VC funding. Profitability may be top of mind during the pre-monetization phase, but maintaining operational efficiency and focus is essential to maximizing monetization potential.

According to Investors, investors are becoming less interested in pitch materials from founders. DocSend data — Investor activity decreased by less than 2% year-on-year (y/y) from 2022 and 4% from 2021. However, investors are still considering pitch materials at a higher level than in 2020, proving that there is a market for early-stage deals.However Funding decreased by 27% Year-on-year comparison for the third quarter.

Every market has opportunities and challenges. Just a few years ago, the founders’ market caused a situation in which “zombie” companies raised funds at unrealistic valuations with the mindset of “growing at all costs,” and the market was extremely founder-friendly. has also proven to have its pitfalls.

Now that investors have returned to par, founders need to prove that their companies are built to survive with long-term profitability and scalability in mind. Historically, this has followed the example of Big Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, all of which were profitable or close to profitable when they went public.

In 2023, some founders will fail, but others will succeed in leading companies that define a generation.

As the economy and investor market tightens, it becomes even more important to instill solid building blocks in your company’s foundations. Some of the world’s most innovative companies were founded in economically difficult circumstances, and those companies were built to withstand the markets they entered.

The next generation of market-defining companies will operate with the same integrity. A strong foundation will help you raise early-stage funding and, if necessary, help you scale your company and reach further stages of its lifecycle. In the era of growth at all costs, making profits and paying attention to unit economics were often ignored or looked down upon. That has clearly changed now. For founders, perfecting their pitch, developing an efficient sales strategy, and quickly narrowing down their product scope will create a strong foundation for success in attracting investors.

Give investors what they want

Source: techcrunch.com