Kyoto, Japan -- Experts say quantum computing is the future of computers. Unlike conventional computers, quantum computers leverage the properties of quantum physics such as superposition and interference, theoretically outperforming current equipment to an exponential degree.

When a quantum computer is able to solve a problem unfeasible for current technologies, this is called the quantum advantage. However, this edge is not guaranteed for all calculations, raising fundamental questions regarding the conditions under which such an advantage exists. While previous studies have proposed various sufficient conditions for quantum advantage, the necessity of these conditions has remained unclear.

Motivated by this uncertainty, a team of researchers at Kyoto University has endeavored to understand the necessary and sufficient conditions for quantum advantage, using an approach combining techniques from quantum computing and cryptography, the science of coding information securely.

A fossil discovered in a rock on display at the Nariwa Museum of Art in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, has been identified as Japan’s first Late Triassic ichthyosaur and the first ichthyosaur ever found in western Japan. The find was made by Professor Takafumi Kato and colleagues during a museum-based educational event. CT scans revealed 21 bone fragments, including vertebrae and a scapula, confirming the fossil’s identity. Experts say the discovery offers rare and valuable insight into the evolution and distribution of ichthyosaurs during the Norian stage, when open-ocean species emerged. The fossil is now on public display and is expected to inspire local education and scientific interest.

In joint research with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tohoku University, and Kyoto Institute of Technology, the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) developed and published "elemental reactivity maps" for discovering new phases. The research team proposed maps that use machine learning to identify over 3,000 element combinations that could potentially form new phases from among a total of 85,320 combinations of up to three elements selected from the 80 elements easily handled in the laboratory. This research result was published in Chemistry of Materials on February 21, 2025.

Childhood maltreatment has lasting effects on mental and physical health, but early identification remains challenging. Now, researchers from Japan have used the Child Behavior Checklist—a non-self-rating questionnaire—to assess behavioral patterns in preschoolers and successfully predicted their exposure to maltreatment. This approach avoids direct questioning about trauma and reveals how the timing and type of maltreatment influence specific emotional and behavioral outcomes, offering a promising tool for early detection and targeted support.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to difficulties in understanding emotions and intentions from body cues. However, whether these challenges stem from visual perception differences remains unclear. To explore this, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare body part representation in the lateral occipitotemporal cortex of adults with and without ASD. They found highly similar representational structures in both groups, suggesting ASD social difficulties may arise from higher-order cognitive processes rather than visual perception.

Coordination nanosheets formed by coordination bonds between metal ions and planar organic molecules are widely utilized in diverse electronic and catalytic applications. In a new study, researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, have developed coordination nanosheets in an ink-like form. By employing a single-phase reaction of nickel, copper, and zinc ions along with benzenehexathiol, they have demonstrated the selective and sequential synthesis of highly conductive coordination nanosheets.

By just sprinkling it on top and waiting 10 seconds, researchers can use this new fluorescent probe to clearly show synapses, the connection points between brain cells.

A new recipe, or design guidelines, for self-strengthening muscle-like hydrogel has been developed through strategic integration of computational, information, and experimental research. The resulting gel exhibits rapid reinforcement under mechanical stress with improved stability.