Research

Quantum states are something our news portal has written about at length – and for good reason. After all, it can be said that the future of quantum computers depends entirely on whether we can ensure the stability of these mathematical entities.

Recently, a team at ITMO’s School of Physics and Engineering has produced a scientific paper describing the mechanics of an AI-driven solution that enhances the stability of quantum states by predicting their optimal structures. 

Read more: Longer-Lived Quantum States Suggested at ITMO

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In electronics manufacturing, halide perovskites are used in the role of light-emitting semiconductors and, thus, base materials for colored displays and lighting. But while the red and green types are already demonstrating great performance, the blue kind has fallen behind and has a much shorter lifespan.

Now, a team from ITMO and their colleagues in Russia and China are proposing a new approach to the subject, having experimented with different “ingredients” to produce a noticeably longer-lasting type of nanocrystal. While further research is required, this solution is a step forward on the path towards higher-quality RGB perovskite diodes.

Read more: Researchers at ITMO Create More Durable Blue Perovskite Diodes for RGB Screens

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From a scientific point of view, the importance of the gut microbiome can hardly be overstated. Often considered its own organ, it affects the entire body – and even the brain. Anna Popenko, an ITMO fellow and bioinformatician, recently spoke to ITMO.NEWS about her work on this subject. With her research group, which she currently heads, they study the intricate relationship between the microbiome, human health, and environmental factors, even going so far as to study the diets of reindeer herders in remote northern regions.

Read more: From Reindeer Herders to Treating Diseases: Bioinformatician Anna Popenko on Studying Gut Microbiome

Education

New applicants to ITMO University’s programs have yet one more new option to consider: the university has just announced an expansion of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, a Master’s program offered by the ChemBio Cluster. In this project-focused track, students will take part in 10 practical projects over the span of two years, both individually and as teams. This approach is expected to produce graduates who possess a wide range of knowledge and skills, capable of quickly advancing through early career stages and finding employment at a variety of organizations – from biotech labs and food manufacturers to government agencies.

Read more: New Master’s Program at ITMO: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology