In a first, scientists translated an entire viral genome so a quantum computer could read and analyze it
Scientists have uploaded the complete genome of the hepatitis D virus to IBM's 156-qubit Heron quantum processor. The genome was converted into a quantum-compatible format to enable analysis by quantum algorithms. The achievement, part of the Q4Bio challenge, demonstrates the potential of quantum computers to handle complex genomic data beyond the reach of classical methods.
- ▪Researchers encoded the entire hepatitis D virus genome onto IBM's 156-qubit Heron quantum processing unit.
- ▪The team transformed the DNA letter sequence into a quantum representation that can be prepared, manipulated, and measured by the hardware.
- ▪The work was conducted under the Quantum for Bio (Q4Bio) challenge to showcase quantum computing's ability to process real-world genomic data.
- ▪Scientists aim to address complex pangenomes that exceed the capabilities of classical computers and AI systems.
- ▪Lead researcher Sergii Strelchuk said quantum algorithms can navigate tangled genomic information where traditional tools fail.
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Technology Computing Quantum Computing In a first, scientists translated an entire viral genome so a quantum computer could read and analyze it Scientists have uploaded a viral genome to a quantum computer, marking an important step for the future of quantum-enabled advancements in biology. By Alan Bradley published 10 June 2026 in News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. The genetic code was translated into code that could be analyzed by a quantum computer.
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