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Breakthrough in quantum hard drive pave way to applications in Cryptography

Jan 13, 2015  — Researchers from Australian National University and  University of Otago in New Zealand has recently developed a prototype of a quantum hard drive with unprecedented storage time. Quantum information storage works on the principle of quantum entanglement, where a pair of quantum particles are inextricably linked to each other no matter how far apart they are separated. Prior to the team’s groundbreaking discovery, quantum information could not be stored for a very long time due to a phenomenon called quantum decoherence. By embedding europium inside a crystal, the lifetime of the stored information can last up to six hours. The extended storage time means that encrypted keys can be transported to further distances “literally in a box sent via the post”. The security of the encryption is guaranteed since a intercepting hacker would cause the particle’s wave function to collapse, due to the strange nature of quantum measurements. The team published their results in Nature this week.
 

IBM Develops phase-change memory for brain computing

Jan 8, 2015 — IBM researchers have developed a new form of memory called the phase-change memory. The memory simulates the brain’s learning behavior as it encounters new training data. The connection between the chip acts as biological synapses. These large networks of connections is varied as the new data is needed into the system. By improving the natural variability of each memory unit, the IBM team made a larger network that pre-existing prototypes.The team has recently demonstrated that this new technology is capable of classifying handwritten digits up to 99% accuracy, bringing us one step closer towards neuromorphic systems. 

GOOGLE ANITA BORG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Jan 5, 2015 —The Anita Borg Scholarship is now calling for applications for its 2015-16 academic year scholarship program.  Dr. Anita Borg was a computer scientist and a pioneer in promoting female participation in computer science. In 1987, Dr. Borg founded Systers, one of the first networking initiatives dedicated to women in computing and in 1994, Dr. Borg and her colleague, Telle Whitney, founded the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is a continuation of Dr. Borg’s vision and commitment to diversity in Computer Science. In addition to the scholarship, an Anita Borg scholar receives professional development and outreach opportunities. Female undergraduate and graduate students (Master and PhD) currently enrolled at a university in Europe, the Middle East or Africa and studying Computer Science or related technical subject are eligible for the scholarship program. Interested students should apply by February 2, 2015 to be considered for the scholarship. To access the online application and additional information, visit the scholarship webpage here

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