Scientists teleported a laser beam

[MP3 Junkie]

A while ago a group of scientists teleported a laser beam from one area to another, proving that this is possible yes? If I remember rightly the problem with teleporting a human is that while the physical self would be transported, the mind would not be, leaving you with a physically fully mature adult with the mind of a newborn infant. Now, this begins to broach into biology here but I'll continue. As I understand it, when a person learns something the brain forms new neural connection between cells. If this is right then every experience and every piece of knowledge would be configured in a certain way. This cell arrangement would be unique in every person as everyone has different experiences and thoughts. So surely when teleporting a person, the cell arrangement would be transported too, leaving the person with all their memories. This is just a thought I came up with so please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks.

 

[DrChinese]

A while ago a group of scientists teleported a laser beam from one area to another, proving that this is possible yes? ...

The popular press has a tendency to hype scientific discoveries. The use of the word "teleport" is misleading. There is no known way to move matter from place to place instantaneously, and there is no prospect of any.

A laser operates using light, which has some different rules applying than matter. While it is interesting to imagine that there is a way to move something from point A to point B faster than the speed of light, at this point there has never been any experiment that can move a bit of information faster than light. Without that, there is no meaningful teleportation.

I believe the experiment you are referring to involves "teleporting" a quantum state, which is something quite different. Because of the use of the word "teleport", it tends to draw up visions of Star Trek right around the corner. This image is not accurate.

 

[denian]

Hello,

Thank you for your question and for sharing your thoughts on the topic of teleportation. I am always excited to discuss new ideas and theories.

Firstly, I would like to clarify that while scientists have indeed been able to teleport a laser beam, this does not necessarily mean that teleporting a human is currently possible. Teleporting a laser beam is a much simpler task as it only involves transmitting information about the beam's properties, such as its direction and wavelength, from one location to another. Teleporting a living organism, on the other hand, involves transporting a complex and dynamic system of cells, tissues, and organs, which is a much more challenging task.

You are correct in stating that the main issue with teleporting a human is the transfer of the mind or consciousness. Our current understanding of the brain and consciousness is limited, and while we have made significant progress in understanding the neural processes involved in learning and memory formation, we still do not fully understand how these processes give rise to our sense of self and consciousness.

Your idea that the unique arrangement of cells in the brain could potentially be transported during teleportation is an interesting one. However, it is important to note that teleportation, as we currently understand it, involves the disintegration and reconstruction of matter at a molecular level. This means that even if the cell arrangement were to be transported, it would not necessarily guarantee the transfer of memories or consciousness.

Furthermore, the ethical implications of teleporting a person's mind or consciousness raise many complex questions. Would the person still be the same individual after teleportation? What would happen to the original person? These are important considerations that must be taken into account before pursuing further research in this area.

In conclusion, while your idea is thought-provoking, teleporting a human is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires further scientific research and ethical considerations. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I hope this response has helped to clarify some of the current challenges and limitations in the field of teleportation.