Bankless Will Quantum Computing Kill Bitcoin? | Scott Aaronson & Justin Drake
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Jan 13, 2025 
In this riveting discussion, Scott Aaronson, a leader in quantum computing at the University of Texas, teams up with Justin Drake from the Ethereum Foundation. They dive deep into the urgent implications of quantum advancements for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Are cryptocurrencies safe? What’s the timeline for post-quantum cryptography? The conversation sheds light on vulnerabilities in current blockchain technologies, the philosophical differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, and introduces innovative solutions like 'quantum canary' smart contracts. Don't miss this fascinating exploration!
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Willow Chip Milestone
- Google's Willow chip is an engineering milestone, demonstrating theories from the 1990s.
- It shows that quantum error correction works as predicted, paving the way for more stable qubits.
Quantum vs. Classical
- Quantum computers won't replace classical computers entirely; they excel at specific tasks.
- Focus on applications where quantum computers offer a significant advantage over classical ones.
Quantum Computer Appearance
- Quantum computers look complex because they're in their early stages of development, similar to early classical computers.
- The complex setup includes a dilution refrigerator for cooling and classical electronics for control.