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Quantum Breakthrough: Proof of Wavefunction Collapse on Superconducting Quantum Computer Supports Penrose-Hameroff Consciousness Theory

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NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Scientists at Valis Corporation have demonstrated gravitationally induced wavefunction collapse on an IBM Eagle quantum chip and will present their findings at Deep Tech Week, New York. Their results are consistent with the Penrose-Hameroff theory of Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) – an explanation for human consciousness. The Penrose theory is one of the many competing proposals that solve the famous physics paradox of Schrödinger’s Cat.

“We think a new era of AI-assisted Science is unfolding”, James Tagg

One of the most important paradoxes in physics is Schrödinger’s Cat. At the microscopic level, light and particles behave according to quantum mechanics. This allows them to be in two places at once (superposition), coordinate their behavior instantaneously across vast distances (entanglement), and exhibit interference patterns. We see evidence of this with the naked eye when we look at the colored films on puddles of oily water. But we never see any large object – such as a cat – in two places at once. Why?

Schrödinger’s famous thought experiment involves a cat in a sealed box with a radioactive sample and poison. Radioactive decay—a quantum event—triggers the release of the poison, killing the cat. Quantum mechanics says the cat is simultaneously alive and dead. Schrödinger thought this was absurd and meant quantum mechanics was incomplete. Einstein agreed.

Physicists have proposed many solutions to this puzzle, including that there is never a collapse and, instead, a new Universe is spawned every time a particle is in two places at once. This is called the ‘many worlds’ theory and is the origin of numerous science fiction plots. But, Sir Roger Penrose, the Nobel Laureate, thinks this is far-fetched and proposes a simpler solution.

Penrose realized that cats or any similar large objects would bend space-time in two different ways if they were simultaneously alive and dead. Quantum mechanics allows this, but Einstein’s General Relativity does not. Thus, we have another paradox, and the solution solves Schrödinger’s paradox. When the Universe bends too much – technically above the Heisenberg uncertainty limit – it snaps to one or other configuration, and the cat lives or dies.

One of the features of the Penrose-Hameroff theory is that it can be tested with real quantum devices coupled to large objects. In the Valis experiment, the quantum device is a single bit on an IBM Eagle chip, and the large device is the microwave control system that connects the qubits to the real world. These usually allow scientists to see what is happening inside the machine, but they have a significant mass and can be co-opted into testing gravitational collapse. A test is then set up to see whether the system collapses. We duplicate Schrödinger’s thought experiment using modern quantum hardware.

The code for the test is too complex for a human to build alone in a reasonable time frame, but using modern LLMs, it was possible to rapidly iterate to a quantum program that will solve the problem. The final system is remarkably simple but resulted from many attempts made possible by using natural language descriptions of the science to guide program creation. The program and test system are implemented using IBM’s Qiskit quantum operating system, and several LLMs were used in parallel to solve the problem, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.5, Claude Sonnet 3.7 & Code, Google’s Gemini 2.5, xAI’s Grok 3, and IBM’s Granite-Qiskit running locally. The test ran on the public IBM quantum platform, and a GitHub repository will be available shortly. “We think a new era of AI-assisted Science is unfolding,” said James Tagg.

Does this mean IBM Quantum chips are conscious? This is a hard question to answer, as over 400 competing definitions of consciousness exist. According to the Penrose Hameroff definition, it would make IBM computers proto-conscious. They have the necessary capability to become conscious, but they still need to be orchestrated to achieve consciousness.

About Valis Corporation
Valis Corporation is a San Diego-based quantum AI company committed to understanding advanced quantum effects and the human brain. Valis is developing a living model of the human brain using brain organoids from UCSD.

For more information, please contact press@valiscorp.com or text +1 760 334 3122.

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SOURCE Valis Corporation

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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October 19, 2026

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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October 19, 2026

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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October 19, 2026

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

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SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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