# Science Friction Quantum computers could be the next giant leap in technology — transforming how we heal people, how we grow food, how we get around our cities. So how close are we to the quantum future we've been promised? For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Jacinta Bowler unpacks how the weird world of quantum physics could change everything. Hear about the surprising twists, the quantum cat-fights and the plucky heroes that have defined humanity's effort to build nature's most unpredictable machine.… Page: Feed: --- ## [04 | Dead and Alive: Hype train](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/quantum-computing-hype-when/106904380) _2026-07-28_ When it comes to the often incomprehensible world of quantum, it can be hard to distinguish hype from reality. We might be on the verge of a breakthrough ... or tech start-ups might be trying to drum up momentum for the benefit of their stakeholders. Hype is important in science, but can it go too far? And has AI knocked the wind out of the sails of quantum computing? Got feedback? Email us… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/mg/Z/7a.mp3) ## [03 | Dead and Alive: Plucky country](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/plucky-countryquantum-computing-australia-qubits/106877694) _2026-07-21_ You might not know it, but Australia is an unexpected frontrunner in the race to build a quantum computer. Despite our isolation, leading quantum experts have called Australia home for decades, chipping away at this massive challenge. What have we learnt, from our first digital computer CSIRAC, to now? And will it all culminate in the world's first million-qubit computer? Got feedback? Email us… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/me/Z/4u.mp3) ## [02 | Dead and Alive: Quantum attack](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/shors-algorithm-post-quantum-encryption/106877670) _2026-07-14_ It's 1994, and a mathematical algorithm puts a spotlight on quantum computing for the first time. Defence departments, spy agencies and cybersecurity experts are on edge over the explosive Shor's algorithm. They spend decades and billions of dollars searching for a solution before something called "Q-day" arrives. Got feedback? Email us sciencefriction@abc.net.au Guests: Dr Henry EverittSenior… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/me/Z/2r.mp3) ## [01 | Dead and Alive: Battle for quantum supremacy](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/quantum-computer-google-ibm-supremacy/106860202) _2026-07-07_ Google announces it has achieved something game changing — quantum supremacy. But not everybody agrees. The company claims its quantum computer called Sycamore has solved a problem that no classical computer could manage in hundreds of thousands of years. IBM wants this stricken from history. A war of words breaks out as two tech giants race to build a useful quantum computer that could change how… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/m5/Z/49.mp3) ## [INTRODUCING — Dead and Alive](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/dead-and-alive-quantum-abc-podcast-series/106859776) _2026-06-30_ Quantum computers could be the next giant leap in technology — transforming how we heal people, how we grow food, how we get around our cities. So how close are we to the quantum future we've been promised? For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Jacinta Bowler unpacks how the weird world of quantum physics could change everything. Hear about the surprising twists, the quantum cat-fights and… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/m1/Z/4e.mp3) ## [12 | Artemis Explained: What a ride](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/artemis-explained-moon-mission-goodbye/106546358) _2026-04-15_ The Integrity astronauts are back on Earth recovering from their journey, while NASA prepares for Artemis III. Belinda and Jacinta answer some of your questions in the wake of a successful moon orbit mission. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/ji/Z/r8.mp3) ## [11 | Artemis Explained: Mission accomplished](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/artemis-moon-mission-accomplished-splashdown-nasa-astronauts/106546356) _2026-04-11_ There wasn't a dry eye in mission control as the Artemis II astronauts safely returned in what NASA called a "perfect" splashdown. Belinda and Jacinta relive the historic re-entry, and dig into the wild physics associated with blasting through Earth's atmosphere and plopping into the ocean. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/jf/Z/50.mp3) ## [10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/artemis-moon-mission-countdown-to-splashdown/106546354) _2026-04-10_ Nine days down … only one to go. The Artemis II mission is currently hurtling through space back to Earth, and is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean off the Californian coast tomorrow morning, Australia time. Belinda and Jacinta find out what the four astronauts on board have been doing as they make their approach, including being sent on an impromptu scavenger hunt, and what they can expect to… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/je/Z/dh.mp3) ## [09 | Artemis Explained: Next stop, Earth](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/artemis-moon-mission-towards-earth/106546350) _2026-04-09_ With under two days to go, the Artemis II astronauts are making the most of their remaining time in space. Belinda and Jacinta take a look at what they've been up to in the lead up to re-entry, and what they can expect to feel as they return to Earth. And if you've ever wondered what urine looks like as it's sprayed into space, well, we have you covered. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/jd/Z/ao.mp3) ## [Hire AI-Powered Professionals (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/Ry9sahPZJ91m) _2026-04-09 · **Sponsored**_ Browse public gigs, message candidates, and run video interviews — free to start. ## [08 | Artemis Explained: Homeward bound](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction/artemis-moon-mission-long-way-home/106537674) _2026-04-08_ After the high of the lunar flyby, the four Artemis II astronauts are now on the return leg of their mission while scientists pore over the thousands of images sent back to Earth so far. Belinda and Jacinta delve into some surprising observations from the flyby, and answer more listener questions about everything from space navigation to the need for belts in weightlessness. To hear more podcast… [Listen](https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/jc/Z/1r.mp3)