Plans for quantum computer that could 'change life'

Researchers have unveiled what they say is the first practical blueprint for the'holy grail' of computing - a quantum computer. Researchers from the University of Sussex led the team from around the world, including a team from Google, and say their work has the potential to revolutionise industry, science and commerce on a similar scale as the invention of ordinary computers. If it works, it will be a real-life version of Deep Thought, the supercomputer programmed to solve the'ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything' in The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. Researchers from around the world, including a team from Google, have unveiled what they say is the first practical blueprint for the'holy grail' of computing - a quantum computer. Pictured, the prototype of the core of a trapped ion quantum computer, which the team now says could be operational within two years.