A new roadmap from Japan argues that quantum technology is ready to leap from the physics lab to the hospital bedside, offering “unprecedented” views inside the human body.
Quantum physics is often associated with futuristic computing, but a field-defining study from Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) suggests its most immediate and transformative impact will be on biology and medicine.
In a paper published in the journal ACS Nano, the QST researchers argue that “quantum life science” – a discipline combining sensing, imaging, and biology – is ready to move from niche research facilities to widespread application.
The team outlines a future where cell-scale sensors and next-generation imaging enable earlier disease detection, faster drug development, and even new routes to clean energy.
“Our goal is to make quantum tools useful where it matters most – at the bedside and in the lab,” said Dr Hiroshi Yukawa, Project Director at QST’s Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS). “With cell-scale diamond sensors and practical hyperpolarised MRI, clinicians could see biology as it happens and tailor treatments in real time”.
Spies inside the cell
The roadmap highlights three technological pillars, the first of which involves placing sensors inside living cells.
Researchers are developing nanoscale quantum biosensors, specifically using fluorescent nanodiamonds. These microscopic gems contain “nitrogen-vacancy centres” – defects in the diamond lattice that allow electron spins to be controlled and read optically.
Because they are biocompatible, these sensors can act as spies deep within the body, reporting temperature, pH, and magnetic and electric fields within living cells in real time.
“We envision wearable devices equipped with diamond-based quantum sensors that can monitor temperature and chemical markers in real time – without invasive tests – transforming cancer diagnostics, brain disorder studies, regenerative medicine, and ageing research,” said Dr Yoshinobu Baba, Director General of iQLS.
MRI on steroids
The second pillar involves a massive upgrade to existing medical imaging. The researchers detail the potential of “hyperpolarised” MRI and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance).
This technique amplifies the inherently weak magnetic signals used in standard MRIs by more than 10,000-fold.
This leap in sensitivity enables direct, time-resolved imaging of metabolism deep within tissues, revealing how tumours consume energy in real time. The authors suggest that with emerging probes and cost-cutting polarisation methods, this technology is taking key steps toward routine clinical use.
Learning from nature
The third pillar, “quantum biology”, looks to nature for engineering solutions. By studying natural phenomena – such as the high-efficiency energy transfer in photosynthesis or quantum tunnelling in enzyme reactions – researchers hope to design biomimetic systems.
The study suggests these insights could lead to breakthroughs in clean energy, such as oxygen-tolerant hydrogen production for fuel cells.
The QST, which established the world’s first dedicated institute for this field, emphasises that technology alone is not enough. The authors stress that strong investment in human capital is required to train the specialists who will bridge the gap between quantum physics and medicine.
“Beyond elucidating the quantum phenomena occurring in our bodies, our vision is to make quantum life science part of everyday healthcare by bringing quantum tools from the lab to the bedside,” said Dr Hidetoshi Kono, Deputy Director General of iQLS.
