Tag

Complexity Theory

All articles tagged with #complexity theory

science1 month ago•11 min saved

What If Computer Science Isn’t About Computers at All?

The piece argues that computer science is not defined by actual machines but by the study of computation itself, tracing debates from Newell–Perlis–Simon to Knuth and the emphasis on algorithms. It sits at the crossroads of math and engineering and can be explored through models of computation (such as the Turing machine) and complexity theory, showing how deep theoretical questions and practical machine-building have always influenced each other.

via Quanta Magazine|

#algorithms #complexity-theory #computation

technology7 months ago•10 min saved

Beyond Classical Bits: Building a Quantum-Input Complexity Theory

Henry Yuen is building a fully quantum complexity theory to analyze problems whose inputs and outputs are quantum, something traditional theory can’t capture. By recasting issues through the lens of Uhlmann’s theorem, his work shows several quantum-input problems—bit commitments, black-hole decoding, quantum data compression—are actually equivalent, suggesting a unified, quantum-only framework. The project seeks to map these relationships and assess whether quantum-input problems are logically independent from classical complexity, while also sharing Yuen’s personal journey and research philosophy.

via Quanta Magazine|

#black-holes #complexity-theory #cryptography

science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Unraveling the Atlantic's Tipping Points: Implications for Global Climate"

A team of scientists has discovered that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, a major ocean current system, exhibits a more complex stability pattern than previously thought, with potential minor transitions leading to major climate changes. The study warns against relying on straightforward early warning indicators for climate disasters, as the system's behavior may be more unpredictable. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that predicting the behavior of the climate system, particularly the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, is challenging due to its complexity, requiring a comprehensive approach that combines complex numerical simulations, observational evidence, and theory.

via Phys.org|

#atlantic-meridional-overturning-circulation #climate #complexity-theory