The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), in collaboration with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony), has developed the world's first practical surface-emitting laser that employs quantum dot(QD) as the optical gain medium for use in optical fiber communication systems.

This achievement was made possible by NICT's high-precision crystal growth technology and Sony's advanced semiconductor processing technology. The surface-emitting laser developed in this study incorporates nanoscale semiconductor structures called quantum dots as light-emitting materials. This innovation not only facilitates the miniaturization and reduced power consumption of light sources in optical fiber communications systems but also offers potential cost reductions through mass production and enhanced output via integration.

The results of this research were published in Optics Express, a leading international journal in optical technology, published by the OPTICA Publishing Group in the United States, in Vol. 33, Issue 6, on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have produced a new type of transistor, which is a key component of electronics. The transistor channel was constructed from indium oxide doped with gallium to increase carrier mobility by suppressing carrier scattering. The gallium-doped indium oxide layer was included in a gate-all-around transistor structure to realize both high carrier mobility and reliability. The transistor outperforms similar devices in reliability and performance.

The Japan Science and Technology Agency has selected winners for the fourth Marie Sklodowska Curie Award for young female researchers together with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland. The award honors Marie Sklodowska’s great contribution and achievements to the development of science and technology across the world, and will inspire more active participation in this field by Japanese female researchers.

As global demand for AI and clean energy surges, UN scientists propose a “Global Minerals Trust” to ensure fair, sustainable access to critical minerals. With its G7 presidency, Canada is urged to lead this multilateral effort to prevent conflict, stabilize markets, and steward mineral resources as global commons.

Researchers at RIKEN, Japan have successfully used insects as mini molecule-making factories, marking a breakthrough in chemical engineering. This “in-insect synthesis” technique offers a new way to create and modify complex molecules, which will generate new opportunities for the discovery, development, and application of non-natural molecules, such as nanocarbons.

A cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) model developed at Institute of Science Tokyo is transforming lung cancer diagnosis—no high-powered graphics processing unit (GPU) servers needed! Led by Professor Kenji Suzuki of the Biomedical AI Research Unit, the team applied ultra-lightweight deep learning to make AI-driven diagnostic tools more accessible, paving the way for low-cost, high-impact solutions.A cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) model developed at Institute of Science Tokyo is transforming lung cancer diagnosis—no high-powered graphics processing unit (GPU) servers needed! Led by Professor Kenji Suzuki of the Biomedical AI Research Unit, the team applied ultra-lightweight deep learning to make AI-driven diagnostic tools more accessible, paving the way for low-cost, high-impact solutions.

Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes premature aging and serious complications. In the first clinical trial of its kind, researchers from Japan with the company Niagen Bioscience, investigated the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 derivative, in patients with WS. NR supplementation significantly improved cardiovascular health, reduced skin ulcer area, and slowed kidney function decline—offering promising therapeutic potential for a disease that currently lacks effective treatment.

Researchers at Tohoku University found a method to break down specific contaminants in water in order to help replenish one of our most precious resources: fresh water.

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers observed medaka raised in a close-to-natural environment for 24 hours straight and found out when the fish’s spawning and courtship behavior peaked.