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.

NANJING, China – In a revolutionary one-two punch, Chinese research teams have successfully engineered the human spleen into a living bioreactor capable of curing diabetes and growing functional organs – achievements published back-to-back in Science Translational Medicine and Diabetes this month. This convergence of discoveries positions the long-underestimated spleen as a game-changing platform for regenerative medicine.

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.

Electronic implants are commonly used to diagnose and treat various diseases and to restore lost motor and sensory functions. Conductive hydrogels increase an implant’s electrical conductivity and flexibility within the body, improving the overall effectiveness of electronic implants. However, traditional electrically conductive hydrogels contain toxic additives that may have negative impacts on patients after long-term use. In a recent study published in Science Advances, researchers led by Dr. Limei Tian reported on a sweet solution to this problem: replacing these toxic additives with D-sorbitol, a safe sugar alternative commonly found in chewing gum.

Researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York have developed a dissolvable battery powered by probiotics.