Cool science stuff

[da man]

Quantum computing might be about to make a quantum leap.

IBM announced it will release the world's largest quantum computer, aiming to beat Atom Computing's current record of 1,180 qubits by linking three of its smaller "Flamingo" chips in parallel to create a 1,386-qubit machine.

In 2026 the company plans to link three larger "Kookaburra" chips to build a quantum computer with triple that computing power -- 4,158 qubits.

https://slguardian.org/ibm-to-launch-the-largest-quantum-computer-yet-in-2025/

 

[WriteThinking]

Some good news regarding cancer: It turns out the HPV vaccine is an effective preventative against six types of it.

The HPV vaccine could eliminate 6 types of cancer. Why don't more people get it?

HPV — a common virus often transmitted through sex — can actually cause six different types of cancer: cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and throat cancer. This means both men and women are at risk for HPV-related cancers.

The good news? The HPV vaccine, first released in 2006, is 97% effective at preventing these cancers and has minimal side effects, the research shows.

"For years, the public has wanted a vaccine against cancer," Electra Paskett, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology at The Ohio State University, tells TODAY.com. "We now have a vaccine that could protect for up to six different types of cancer."

 

[TrooperBari]

The HPV vaccine could eliminate 6 types of cancer. Why don't more people get it?

The article is almost at pains not to mention the decades-long efforts by US conservatives to gin up controversy around a thoroughly tested vaccine and blame it for their daughters not being virgins on their wedding night.

In Republican Race, a Heated Battle Over the HPV Vaccine (Published 2011)

The unlikely issue has become the latest flashpoint among G.O.P. presidential candidates as they vie for the support of social conservatives.

www.nytimes.com

On Tuesday, Mrs. Bachmann, of Minnesota, raised that concern by suggesting that Mr. Perry had put young girls at risk by forcing "an injection of what could potentially be a very dangerous drug." Appearing on NBC's "Today" show, she recounted that after the debate in Tampa, Fla., a tearful mother approached and said her daughter had suffered "mental retardation" after being vaccinated against HPV. "It can have very dangerous side effects," Mrs. Bachmann said.

Conservatives' HPV vaccine dilemma: are they anti-cancer, or just anti-sex? | Jill Filipovic

Jill Filipovic: Proof that vaccinating girls against the HPV virus does not cause promiscuity puts culture warriors in a spot

www.theguardian.com

Under Scrutiny, Perry Walks Back HPV Decision

With his lengthy record as governor under intense new scrutiny, Rick Perry is seeking to defuse the controversy around one of his most controversial decisions: his 2007 executive order requiring all girls to be vaccinated against HPV, the principal cause of cervical cancer.

www.texastribune.org

 

[WriteThinking]

The article is almost at pains not to mention the decades-long efforts by US conservatives to gin up controversy around a thoroughly tested vaccine and blame it for their daughters not being virgins on their wedding night.

In Republican Race, a Heated Battle Over the HPV Vaccine (Published 2011)

The unlikely issue has become the latest flashpoint among G.O.P. presidential candidates as they vie for the support of social conservatives.

www.nytimes.com

Conservatives' HPV vaccine dilemma: are they anti-cancer, or just anti-sex? | Jill Filipovic

Jill Filipovic: Proof that vaccinating girls against the HPV virus does not cause promiscuity puts culture warriors in a spot

www.theguardian.com

Under Scrutiny, Perry Walks Back HPV Decision

With his lengthy record as governor under intense new scrutiny, Rick Perry is seeking to defuse the controversy around one of his most controversial decisions: his 2007 executive order requiring all girls to be vaccinated against HPV, the principal cause of cervical cancer.

www.texastribune.org

Yes, I thought it kind of had that tone to it, overly much, and, I admit, I wondered why, considering that I figured the news regarding the HPV vaccine and cancer was great, and very exciting, actually.

Those articles you posted almost seem RFK Jr.-esque, hm?

 

[TrooperBari]

RFK Jr's ascent to his current position is the crowning triumph of decades of misinformation and disinformation from the fearful, the ignorant, and frauds and grifters like the demon Andrew Wakefield, who lied about finding a link between the MMR vaccine and autism in the 2000s, conveniently failed to disclose his financial interest in replacement vaccines, and was stricken from the rolls in the UK only to make a fortune preying on Americans. The arguments haven't changed much over the years, but being anti-vaxx now has Dear Leader's seal of approval, and His word is law. Their insistence that they're just "pro-SAFE vaccines" rings hollow the moment you notice the likes of RFK Jr. vaccinated their own kids despite insisting that polio and measles are normal childhood disease that really aren't that bad.

It sucks all the more because there is amazing work taking place in this field. MRNA vaccines show the promise of offering long-term protection against cancer -- even pancreatic cancer! -- but mRNA technology is tainted by association with Anthony Fauci (TRAITOR!) and the Covid-19 pandemic (FAKE NEWS!) so it's officially too 'woke' for this administration. Another victim of anti-intellectualism in the name of political correctness.

 

[WriteThinking]

RFK Jr's ascent to his current position is the crowning triumph of decades of misinformation and disinformation from the fearful, the ignorant, and frauds and grifters like the demon Andrew Wakefield, who lied about finding a link between the MMR vaccine and autism in the 2000s, conveniently failed to disclose his financial interest in replacement vaccines, and was stricken from the rolls in the UK only to make a fortune preying on Americans. The arguments haven't changed much over the years, but being anti-vaxx now has Dear Leader's seal of approval, and His word is law. Their insistence that they're just "pro-SAFE vaccines" rings hollow the moment you notice the likes of RFK Jr. vaccinated their own kids despite insisting that polio and measles are normal childhood disease that really aren't that bad.

It sucks all the more because there is amazing work taking place in this field. MRNA vaccines show the promise of offering long-term protection against cancer -- even pancreatic cancer! -- but mRNA technology is tainted by association with Anthony Fauci (TRAITOR!) and the Covid-19 pandemic (FAKE NEWS!) so it's officially too 'woke' for this administration. Another victim of anti-intellectualism in the name of political correctness.

That is a great post, and so right. RFK Jr., like in Trump's Cabinet, is among many, along with Trump, who should removed from their positions. I have a nephew who works for CRISPR, a leading-edge company when it comes to disease research who often speaks of all the really exciting and potentially successful things going on in medical research lately that are being slowed and stopped -- intentionally -- by this criminal administration that knows nothing. And cares even less.

 

[da man]

Where's the magnetic North Pole? Not where it was a fw months ago.

Earth's Magnetic North Pole Officially Has A New Position