Quantum leap in quantum computing - atom by atom

UNSW scientists have broken new ground by designing the world's smallest transistor - comprised of just seven atoms - yes that's atoms - not molecules.

At just four billionths of a metre across, this is the first functioning electronic device created using individually placed atoms. And it is 10 times smaller than the smallest current commercial transistor.

Apart from size, so-called quantum computing will use less power, generate less heat, operate faster, and therefore allow us to take computing to whole new levels.

It is amazing that in a period of such brilliant advances in science, we still can't figure out how to not destroy our planet...