IBM, recently referenced as the leading company invested in quantum computing, defines quantum computing as an “emergent field of cutting-edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers.” Unlike classical computers that rely on binary bits to store and process data, quantum computers can encode more data at once using quantum bits. This is not an easy concept to comprehend, but it is one of the important keys to enabling the power of quantum computing.
On June 7, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This is to be a year-long, worldwide initiative that will “be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications.”
The year 2025 was chosen for this International Year as 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. In the future, quantum science and technology will be a key cross-cutting scientific field of the 21st century, likely having a tremendous impact on critical societal challenges highlighted by the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, including climate, energy, health, food safety, and security, and clean water, all of which are embedded in the One Health Concept.
United Nations agencies define One Health as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.”
The public and private sectors will be increasing research and investment in seeking to find new insights and new solutions to use quantum science. International, regional, and national meetings and committees will be organized to consider how this breakthrough science can be of benefit.
Simply put, One Health should be part of the IYQ agenda. Its proponents are actively engaged, knowledgeable or likely to be affected, and involved as participants in national and global, regional, national, and community discussions and undertakings.
What is Quantum Computing, and What Is Its Potential?
Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information at speeds and efficiencies unattainable by classical computers. For example, in a recent article, Google stated that its quantum computer tackled a problem in 200 seconds that would take 10,000 years on a traditional binary computer based on a 0 (off) or a 1 (on). Its potential can reshape how governments, organizations, and individuals monitor activities and respond to new situations. Here’s how:
Enhanced Data Processing
Rapid Data Analysis: Quantum computers can analyze massive datasets (aka big data) from surveillance systems in near real-time. They can identify patterns of behavior or unusual activities (e.g., disease outbreaks) much faster than algorithms executed by legacy binary computers.
Complex Algorithm Execution: Algorithms that currently take substantial time on classical computers can be executed instantaneously on quantum computers. In infectious disease surveillance, this means quicker identification of potential threats (e.g., viruses or other pathogens) or deviations from norms (e.g., new and emerging agents).
Improved Pattern Recognition: Quantum machine learning can enhance recognition capabilities. For example, recognizing specific individuals in crowded environments who may be behaving in a manner that indicates health difficulties. Pattern recognition also aids in probabilistic matching of patient symptomatology to known diseases (aiding clinicians in building rule-in and rule-out lists) and eliciting suspicion for an emerging disease.
Quantum Computing and Virus Prevention: Enhanced Modeling and Prediction
Complex Disease Modeling: Quantum computers can model intricate biological and environmental interactions faster and more accurately than traditional computers. For example, these amazing machines can lead to a better understanding of how avian flu viruses mutate and spill over to humans, leading to more effective preventative strategies.
Predictive Analytics: With the advanced power of quantum computing, vast validated epidemiological data sets can be quickly assembled and analyzed to predict emerging outbreaks involving novel pathogens. Much like advances in weather prediction, big epi data can greatly assist public health officials and scientists in designing proactive preventive measures that will save untold lives.
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Genetic Research and Drug Development
Accelerated Drug Discovery: Quantum computing will certainly shorten the drug discovery process by simulating molecular interactions and accurately predicting the effectiveness of antiviral compounds against emerging viruses and dangerous bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Genomic Sequencing: Next Generation Sequencing has already revolutionized the identification and recognition of new and re-emerging pathogens. Quantum computing will enable nearly instant identification of any possible pathogen. Furthermore, it will aid in understanding how viruses like avian flu mutate and how those mutations affect human transmission. This knowledge is also crucial for developing targeted vaccines.
Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics combines computer programming, big data, and biology to understand and identify patterns in biological data, which is particularly useful in studying genomes and DNA sequencing. “The goal of bioinformatics is to leverage all of the new technologies that we have — which would include advances in computational capacities, new graphics cards, new algorithms — and apply that to big data generated from biological systems to answer questions previously not answerable,” says Stefan Kaluziak, an assistant professor of bioinformatics at Northeastern University.
Enhanced Surveillance of Viral Variants: Quantum computing can process complex bioinformatics data at lightning speed, allowing researchers to monitor viral mutations and spread patterns in real time. This informs public health responses.
Epidemiological Models: Quantum models may yield insights into how viruses spread through populations. By understanding transmission pathways and the pathogenesis of diseases, authorities can implement more effective monitoring and control measures.
Quantum Computing and One Health: What Will the Future Bring?
Collaborative Networks: Quantum computing can facilitate international collaboration, spurring the elimination of information silos on public health surveillance, allowing for real-time data sharing and joint responses to threats like the avian flu. This could actually evolve into a standardized and integrated global One Health information system with algorithms that instantly identify and react to possible health threats before they cause harm to the health of all living things.
Integrated Systems: Future surveillance may incorporate quantum encryption and processing, ensuring robust data security while maximizing efficiency.
Proactive Measures: By investing in quantum technology, societies could become more proactive in addressing public health threats, utilizing data-driven strategies to prevent outbreaks before they start.
The potential for applying quantum computing for One Health is enormous for all of the above reasons. The technical opportunities are straightforward. But there is an opportunity in 2025 and beyond to heighten attention to these opportunities at a global level. It could be a valuable pathway for One Health to gain traction at the community level, with policymakers, and greater visibility among researchers heretofore not so focused.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: People walk with masks on during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manila, Philippines, March 10, 2021. Cover Photo Credit: IMF.
