It seems we have another entertaining quantum effect to contend with.
This one is related to the well-known quantum Zeno effect, which occurs when a quantum system is frequently measured. Each measurement essentially resets the quantum system so, in principle, measuring the state of a quantum object often enough can maintain it in a particular state forever.

In essence, it is a quantum version of “the watched pot never boils” phenomenon and was first measured in the lab some 10 years ago.
Its cousin, the quantum anti-Zeno effect, is less well known. In this case, a series of measurements on a quantum system can increase its likelihood of decay so that it changes state more quickly. In this scenario, a watched pot boils more quickly.
Now Vladan Pankovic, a physicist at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, has come up with a third way in which measurements can influence a quantum system. Pankovic has calculated that a particular sequence of measurements can leave a quantum system in a state in which the probability of decay does not converge.
In other words, there is no way of determining the probability of decay and the system is left with the dilemma of whether to decay or not to decay.
Hence Pankovic’s name for this phenomenon: the quantum Hamlet effect (which may turn out to be more useful and famous than either of its cousins).
Exit Pankovic stage left, chased by bear.
Ref: arxiv.org/abs/0908.1301: Quantum Hamlet Effect
Deep Dive
Uncategorized

It will soon be easy for self-driving cars to hide in plain sight. We shouldn’t let them.
If they ever hit our roads for real, other drivers need to know exactly what they are.

Maximize business value with data-driven strategies
Every organization is now collecting data, but few are truly data driven. Here are five ways data can transform your business.

Cryptocurrency fuels new business opportunities
As adoption of digital assets accelerates, companies are investing in innovative products and services.

Where to get abortion pills and how to use them
New US restrictions could turn abortion into do-it-yourself medicine, but there might be legal risks.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.