The vast and expanding societal and economic implications of quantum information science and engineering, or QISE, present new challenges and opportunities in the U.S. Building capacity, broadening participation, increasing access, and expanding opportunities are critical to fulfilling the mandate outlined in the “National Quantum Initiative Act,” passed in 2018, and a key tenet of the founding mission of the U.S. National Science Foundation to advance scientific leadership and support research that breaks down barriers.
During the recently held Quantum Information Science Programme Days, the NSF invited government officials from 15 different federal departments and agencies, demonstrating the NSF’s ongoing support for quantum information science and engineering, as well as its commitment to cross-agency collaboration.
Quantum information science has the potential to benefit practically every branch of science, and the NSF is extending access, skills, and talent development to ensure that the U.S. leads the quantum future.
Moreover, the National Science Foundation’s Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering programme funds research in quantum basics, metrology and control, co-design and systems, education, and workforce development. On the other hand, the NSF invested $21,397,566 in the ExpandQISE awards in 2022.
The ExpandQISE grantees will conduct research in a variety of fields, including physics, computer science, materials research, engineering, and chemistry. The awardees come from a wide range of schools, including three historically colleges and universities.
ExpandQISE is a new programme aimed at increasing involvement and capacity in quantum information science and engineering, which is a key field of modern research and education. It fosters capacity by offering assistance and resources for QISE-related research at all levels of education. Each team takes part in meaningful activities that benefit QISE education and workforce development.
Meanwhile, researchers at Georgia Tech, supported by the U.S. NSF have created an integrated method for researching the biomechanics of falls and the systemic response of the legs, joints, and muscles.
Important information about how the body adapts during a fall can be gleaned by examining how the different components interact. This study offers the framework for utilising mechanical energetics to comprehend the responsibilities of joints and muscles during unstable movements.
The scientists hoped to increase their knowledge of how exoskeletons affect human muscle mechanics and gait stability. The researchers devised a new, more thorough method of evaluating stability, which aids in answering the question of how muscle mechanics, exoskeletons, and stability collaborate to respond to falls.
The researchers measured the amount of energy expended by treadmill-walking individuals who encountered abrupt changes in speed. Using a custom-designed algorithm, the researchers timed treadmill disruptions to precise points during walking and used the data to quantify changes in energy expenditures in affected joints.
According to the experts, the framework might be used to assess which biological parts respond to unstable environments. They believe that the results could lead to advancements in exoskeletons, prosthetics, and physical rehabilitation.
The new framework could aid in identifying which section of a person’s body regulates responses to destabilising energy, indicating which muscles or joints to target with rehabilitation therapy. It could also pave the way for enhanced exoskeletons and prosthetics that target specific joints to restore stabilising reactions in persons with balance impairment.
The Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, is a top ten public research university that cultivates leaders who advance technology and better the human condition.
