## From Cosmic Dust to Cyberpunk: How UMBC’s CMNS is Launching Futures
Imagine peering through a telescope at the swirling nebulae of a distant galaxy, then turning your gaze to a holographic cityscape pulsating with neon light. That’s the kind of leap across space and time happening right here at UMBC’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS).
The Impact of Machine Learning on Human Health and Society
Artificial intelligence is everywhere. It has worked its way into our daily lives, from voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to traffic apps that guide us around gridlock, cars that drive themselves and news stories that pop up on our social media feeds. And there’s no end in sight to the potential applications of machine learning—in fraud protection, health care, the stock market and more.
Researchers in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) work at the forefront of machine learning technology, where computers analyze data to identify patterns and make decisions with minimal human intervention. These faculty members are using machine learning for applications that touch many aspects of our lives—from weather prediction and health care to transportation, finance and wildlife conservation.
Along the way, they are advancing the science of exactly how computers learn. And they’re asking important questions about the impact of machine learning on our everyday lives and society itself. For instance, how will machine learning affect the jobs of the future? Will it create new opportunities or displace human workers?
In health care, machine learning is already being used to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. For example, researchers are using machine learning to develop personalized treatment plans for cancer patients based on their unique genetic profiles.
In finance, machine learning is being used to detect fraud and predict market trends. For example, researchers are using machine learning to analyze vast amounts of financial data to identify patterns that could indicate fraudulent activity.
In transportation, machine learning is being used to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. For example, researchers are using machine learning to analyze real-time traffic data to predict traffic patterns and optimize traffic signal timing.
In wildlife conservation, machine learning is being used to track and monitor endangered species. For example, researchers are using machine learning to analyze camera trap data to identify and track individual animals and predict their movements.
Quantum Frontiers: The Future of Technology
Quantum Discovery and Advancements
The University of Maryland is a powerhouse of quantum discovery, with decades of experience advancing a field that will help define our nation’s—and the world’s—future. Here, over 200 quantum scientists and engineers are exploiting the unique properties of quantum physics to usher in a new age of technology: quantum computers capable of currently impossible calculations, ultra-secure quantum networking and exotic new quantum materials.
Researchers in CMNS are at the forefront of this work, using cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of what is possible. For example, they are developing new materials with unique properties that could revolutionize fields such as medicine, energy and computing.
Their work is focused on exploiting the unique properties of quantum physics, such as superposition and entanglement, to create new technologies that are faster, smaller and more powerful than their classical counterparts.
Quantum Research and Applications
Quantum computers are capable of performing calculations that are currently impossible for classical computers. For example, they could be used to simulate complex chemical reactions, optimizing drug discovery and development.
Ultra-secure quantum networking is another area of research, focused on creating secure communication networks that are resistant to eavesdropping and interception.
Exotic new materials are also being developed, with potential applications in fields such as medicine, energy and computing. For example, researchers are working on developing new materials that could be used to create ultra-efficient solar panels.
From Science to Science Fiction: The Intersection of Physics and Imagination
The Science Behind the Fiction
Sometimes, what seems like a fantastical or improbable chain of events is just another day at the office for a physicist. In a recent experiment by University of Maryland researchers at the Laboratory for Physical Sciences, a scene played out that would be right at home in a science fiction movie.
A tiny speck glinted faintly as it hovered far above a barren, glassy plain. Suddenly, an intense green light shone toward the ground and enveloped the speck, now a growing dark spot like a meteorite or UFO descending in the emerald beam. Once the object crashed into the ground, the light abruptly disappeared, and the flat landscape was left with a new landmark and treasure for physicists to find: a chunk of gold rapidly cooling from a molten state.
Joint Quantum Institute Fellow Bruce Kane and University of Maryland – College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences researcher Joyce Coppock perform levitation experiments to study tiny pieces of graphene, which are sheets of carbon atoms. And in their quest to develop new tools, they have also turned their attention to tiny gold beads.
The Implications of Science Fiction
How science fiction can inspire and inform scientific discovery is a topic of ongoing research. For example, scientists are using science fiction to explore the potential implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
The role of science fiction in shaping our understanding of the world is also being explored. For example, scientists are using science fiction to explore the potential consequences of climate change and the impact of human activities on the environment.
The potential for science fiction to drive innovation and progress is also being examined. For example, scientists are using science fiction to explore the potential applications of emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and advanced robotics.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Bridging the Cosmos and Imagination
As we conclude our exploration of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences’ contributions to the intersection of space science and science fiction, it becomes clear that the boundaries between these two seemingly disparate fields are more blurred than we ever imagined. From the cutting-edge research in astrophysics to the innovative storytelling that brings the cosmos to life, the college’s work serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the boundless potential of human curiosity. By investigating the intricacies of black holes, the mysteries of dark matter, and the search for extraterrestrial life, the college’s researchers are not only expanding our understanding of the universe but also inspiring a new generation of scientists, writers, and thinkers to explore the frontiers of human knowledge.
The significance of this work extends far beyond the realm of academia, with far-reaching implications for our collective understanding of the universe and our place within it. As science fiction continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it serves as a powerful tool for sparking imagination, inspiring innovation, and driving scientific progress. By bridging the gap between science and fiction, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences is forging a new path for interdisciplinary research, one that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos and our relationship with the universe. As we look to the future, it is clear that the boundaries between science and fiction will continue to blur, giving rise to new discoveries, new stories, and a deeper understanding of the mysteries that lie beyond our world.
In the end, the intersection of space science and science fiction represents a profound reminder that the universe is full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled, and that the human imagination is the most powerful tool we possess for exploring the cosmos. As we continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge, we are reminded that the greatest discoveries often lie at the intersection of science and art, where the impossible becomes possible, and the universe reveals its secrets to those brave enough to seek them out.