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Special: Quantum computing, bioplastics, & other innovations happening at SD Mines

On today's show

Data is everywhere, whether it be in the traffic flow on your way to work, the evolving demographics of our growing state, or the computer inside your grandmother's new robotic vacuum. Two experts join us to explain the science of data.

  • Guests: Randy Hoover Ph.D. & Brian Butterfield

Quantum computing and secure quantum communications are potentially disruptive "industries of the future," promising computers 100 million times faster than current technology and communications guaranteed to be secure. A team of South Dakota Mines researchers in the Department of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering join us to discuss some practical applications with these unfathomable computations.

  • Guests: Steve Smith Ph.D. & Robert Anderson Ph.D.

In the midst of the global COVID pandemic, humanity is seeing a reevaluation of medical care, changing attitudes and actions regarding public health, an evolving concept of death and an increased liminal state that includes trauma and uncertainty. Our guest explains how the Gothic tradition reflects and articulates those fears by providing us with the language and imagery to express and explore the anxiety of multiple forms of undead and undeath unique to our current moment.

  • Guest: Laura Kremmel Ph.D.

South Dakota Mines researchers are part of a new $6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop bioplastics for use in agriculture. The project is called Bioplastics with Regenerative Agricultural Properties, or BioWRAP. Researchers aim to create spray-on biodegradable plastic that can be administered to croplands.

  • Guest: Heidi Sieverding

Today's in-studio guests

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Cara Hetland is the Director of Radio and Journalism Content for South Dakota Public Broadcasting.
Chris is a producer for In the Moment.
Carl Norquist is a producer and writer for In the Moment. An EMMY-winning producer, Carl previously worked for KTIV News 4 in Sioux City, IA. Carl is a Minnesota native and graduate of Augustana University with majors in Art and English.