How Quantum Computing Could Advance One Health

IBM, which was recently identified as the top firm investing in quantum computing, describes quantum computing as a "newly developing area of advanced computer science that uses the special characteristics of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for even the most powerful classical computers." Quantum computers are able to encode more data at once utilizing quantum bits, in contrast to classical computers, which rely on binary bits to store and process data. Although this is a tough topic to explain, it is one of the most important components that allows quantum computing to work.

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on June 7, 2024, declaring 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This is a global program that will last for one year and will "be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications."

The year 2025 was selected for this International Year because it represents the 100th anniversary of the first development of quantum mechanics. Quantum science and technology will be a significant scientific field in the 21st century. It will probably have a large impact on major social concerns, such as climate change, energy, health, food safety, security, and clean water. These problems are all part of the One Health Concept, which is based on the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

According to United Nations agencies, One Health is "an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems." It understands that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the larger environment (including ecosystems) are all intricately connected and dependent on one another.

Both the public and private sectors will be raising their research and investment in order to develop new insights and solutions for the use of quantum science. International, regional, and national forums and committees will be organized to debate how this breakthrough science may be of help.

Simply expressed, One Health should be part of the IYQ agenda. Its proponents are actively engaged, knowledgeable, or likely to be influenced, and involved as participants in national and global, regional, national, and community conversations and actions.

What is Quantum Computing, and What Is Its Potential?

Quantum computing leverages the laws of quantum physics to process information at speeds and efficiency unattainable by regular computers. For example, in a recent article, Google revealed that its quantum computer tackled an issue in 200 seconds that would take 10,000 years on a standard binary computer based on a 0 (off) or a 1 (on). Its potential to revolutionize how governments, organizations, and individuals monitor activity and adapt to changing conditions. Here’s how:

Enhanced Data Processing

Rapid Data Analysis: Quantum computers can analyze massive datasets (aka big data) from surveillance systems in near real-time. They can notice patterns of activity or unexpected behaviors (e.g., disease outbreaks) far faster than algorithms done by ordinary binary computers. 

Complex Algorithm Execution: Algorithms that today require substantial time on classical computers can be completed swiftly on quantum computers. In infectious disease monitoring, this includes quicker identification of probable risks (e.g., viruses or other pathogens) or departures from norms (e.g., new and emerging agents).

Improved Pattern Recognition: Quantum machine learning can increase recognition capabilities. For example, recognizing some folks in crowded situations who may be behaving in a manner that signals health risks. Pattern recognition also aids in probabilistic matching of patient symptomatology to recognized diseases (aiding physicians in developing rule-in and rule-out lists) and raising concern about a new condition. 

Quantum Computing and Virus Prevention: Enhanced Modeling and Prediction

Complex Disease Modeling: Quantum computers can model intricate biological and environmental interactions faster and more precisely than ordinary computers. For example, these extraordinary devices can lead to a greater knowledge of how avian flu viruses mutate and spill over to humans, leading to more effective preventative strategies. 

Predictive Analytics: With the expanded power of quantum computing, enormous validated epidemiological data sets may be speedily assembled and processed to predict emerging outbreaks involving novel pathogens. Much like discoveries in weather prediction, massive scale data can enormously benefit public health officials and scientists in implementing proactive preventive initiatives that will save many lives. 

Genetic Research and Drug Development 

Accelerated medication Discovery: Quantum computing will surely shorten the medication discovery process by simulating chemical interactions and properly estimating the potency of antiviral treatments against novel viruses and harmful bacterial and fungal illnesses. 

Genomic Sequencing: Next Generation Sequencing has already altered the detection and recognition of novel and re-emerging illnesses. Quantum computing will enable nearly rapid identification of any imaginable pathogen. Furthermore, it will aid in understanding how viruses like avian flu grow and how those mutations affect human transmission. This insight is also useful for generating targeted immunizations.

Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics mixes computer programming, huge data, and biology to analyze and find patterns in biological data, which is particularly beneficial in analyzing genomes and DNA sequencing. “The goal of bioinformatics is to leverage all of the new technologies that we have—which would include advances in computational capacities, new graphics cards, and new algorithms—and apply that to big data generated from biological systems to answer questions previously not answerable,” says Stefan Kaluziak, an assistant professor of bioinformatics at Northeastern University.

Enhanced Surveillance of Viral Variants: Quantum computing can handle sophisticated bioinformatics data at quick speed, allowing researchers to monitor viral alterations and dissemination patterns in real time. This informs public health responses. 

Epidemiological Models: Quantum models may give insights on how viruses propagate through populations. By knowing transmission patterns and the etiology of diseases, authorities can implement more effective monitoring and control strategies. 

Quantum Computing and One Health: What Will the Future Bring?

Collaborative Networks: Quantum computing can promote worldwide collaboration, driving the elimination of information silos on public health surveillance, enabling real-time data exchange, and coordinating responses to dangers like the avian flu. This might eventually evolve into a standardized and integrated worldwide One Health information system with algorithms that rapidly identify and react to probable health risks before they cause harm to the health of all living things.

Integrated Systems: Future surveillance may incorporate quantum encryption and computing, offering robust data security while enhancing efficiency. 

Proactive Measures: By investing in quantum technology, society could become more proactive in tackling public health issues, adopting data-driven techniques to prevent outbreaks before they start. 

The potential for deploying quantum computing for One Health is huge for all of the above reasons. The technological opportunities are straightforward. But there is a possibility in 2025 and beyond to heighten attention to these opportunities at a global level. It could be an excellent conduit for One Health to garner traction at the community level, with legislators and increasing awareness among researchers heretofore not so focused.