Why Erdős Was The Original Kevin Bacon

Some objects feel like they’re from another world. One of these might be the giant structure that makes up a quantum computer. Lifted straight from the TV series Devs, Professor Hannah Fry shows Michael Stevens a prop that was designed to look just like one…now it hangs from the ceiling in her house. In this episode of Field Notes, Hannah and Michael examine the extraordinary technology behind of quantum computing. They explore how qubits differ from classical bits and consider the ways this technology could reshape our world, from encryption to drug discovery. Answering your questions, they also look at the eccentric mathematician Paul Erdős and discover what Erdős and Kevin Bacon have in common. Welcome to The Rest Is Science: Field Notes. Every Thursday, Hannah and Michael rummage through their personal troves of scientific treasure, sharing discoveries that reveal the hidden forces shaping our universe, the objects that bend our brains, and a few things that are just plain incredible. They’ll also be tackling your questions, so email The Rest Is Science at [email protected]. ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠clicking here.⁠ ------------------- Video Producer: Oli Oakley Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell Assistant Producer: Imee Marriott Producer: Becki Hills Senior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Head Of Digital: Samuel Oakley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices