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IBM quantum computers: evolution, performance, and future directions
Quantum computers represent a transformative frontier in computational technology, promising exponential speedups beyond classical computing limits. IBM Quantum has led significant advancements in both hardware and software, providing access to quantum hardware via IBM Cloud
®
since 2016 and achieving a milestone with the world’s first accessible quantum computer. This paper explores IBM’s journey in quantum computing, focusing on its contributions to both hardware and software, as well as the development of practical quantum computers. We trace the evolution of IBM Quantum’s processors, from the early
canary
processors to the milestone of surpassing the 1000-qubit barrier. In addition to these technological strides, we delve into the practical applications of quantum computing, particularly within nine key industries: airlines, banking, healthcare, electronics, life sciences, and more. We also explore IBM Quantum’s case studies and strategic partnerships with organizations such as Boeing, CERN, ExxonMobil, and Cleveland Clinic, which are helping to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications. Further, we examine the key challenges and solutions in scaling quantum systems and achieving fault tolerance, highlighting IBM’s efforts toward building practical, fault-tolerant quantum systems capable of addressing real-world problems.
Journal Article
Temporal trends from the São Paulo metropolitan region
Temporal trends (2006-2019) of metals (Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb and Zn) and nonmetals (Br, Cl and Se) were assessed in livers of great egrets (Ardea alba) from São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil. Male and female concentrations were compared and the relation between body mass and contaminant levels was evaluated as well as the risks of contaminant levels for the birds. Large variations were observed for toxic elements (Cd and Hg) over time. Some specimens presented toxic levels of Hg, Cu, Fe and Zn. Females presented lower concentrations of Br, Co, Cs, Rb, Se and Zn, while body mass and Zn were negatively correlated.
Journal Article
Evaluation of a Statistical Approach for Extracting Shallow Water Bathymetry Signals from ICESat-2 ATL03 Photon Data
In this study we present and validate a simple empirical method to obtain bathymetry profiles using the geolocated photon data from the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) mission, which was launched by NASA in September 2018. The satellite carries the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS), which is a lidar that can detect single photons and calculate their bounce point positions. ATLAS uses a green laser, causing some of the photons to penetrate the air–water interface. Under the right conditions and in shallow waters (<40 m), these photons are reflected back to ATLAS after interaction with the ocean bottom. Using ICESat-2 data from four different overflights above the Heron Reef, Australia, a comparison with SDB data showed a median absolute deviation of approximately 18 cm and Root Mean Square Errors (RMSEs) down to 28 cm. Crossovers between two different overflights above the Heron Reef showed a median absolute difference of 13 cm. For an area north-west of Sisimiut, Greenland, the comparison was done with multibeam echo sounding data, with RMSEs down to between 35 cm, and correspondingly showed median absolute deviations between 33 and 49 cm. The proposed method works well under good conditions with clear waters such as in the Great Barrier Reef; however, for more difficult areas a more advanced machine learning technique should be investigated in order to find an automated method that can distinguish between bathymetry and other signals and noise.
Journal Article
New distribution sites and local population trends of the white-eared night heron (Gorsachius magnificus) in China
The White-eared Night Heron ( Gorsachius magnificus ) is an endangered species facing increasing threats from human activities and ecological changes throughout its fragmented habitat. In this study, we integrate decade-long news data (2015–2024) and systematic field monitoring (2013–2024) to assess the species' distribution, local population trends and conservation challenges in China. Our analysis of 36 verified new reports revealed 14 new distribution sites across 11 provinces. Moreover, there were 17 reports of injuries to the White-eared Night Heron, including five wing injuries, four leg injuries, three eye injuries and five unspecified injuries. Our results suggest that discarded fishing lines, fishhooks and plastic contamination are the main causes of injuries to the species. For the local population, we recorded 12 breeding pairs of this species in Junwu Forest Park, Guangxi, China. However, our data showed a persistent decline in the number of adult individuals, nests and nestlings. The fragmented distribution pattern, combined with the threats it faces, means that, even if more and more of its distribution sites are detected, if adequate protective measures are not taken, its population may still face the danger of local extinction and further reduction. Our study highlights the role of social media data in assessing the population size and distribution of endangered species. From the perspective of species conservation, long-term monitoring programmes should be established in multiple sites across the species' range to provide a comprehensive understanding of population size trends and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Journal Article
Site Fidelity in Lineages of Mixed–Species Heron Colonies
As heron and egret colonies are sometimes abandoned due to human activity and subsequently newly established at nearby locations, colony locations per se cannot represent colony fates. Here, “colony lineages” were traced by connecting short-distance location shifts between colony sites in consecutive years to quantify the site fidelity of heron colonies themselves rather than the breeding-site fidelity of individuals. Site fidelity of 61 colony lineages recorded from 1963 to 2013 in and around Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was evaluated by persistence periods with survival analysis and shapes of historical trajectories by applying the correlated random walk analysis. While 36% (n = 22) of colony lineages did not show site fidelity and lasted only 1 year or indicated untangled shapes of historical trajectories, 64% (n = 39) of colony lineages exhibited site fidelity by reusing the same locations for multiple years or by staying within a small area with entangled shapes of historical trajectories. Even though suitable breeding sites were abundant in the study area and site fidelity of colony members was low, a high rate of site fidelity in colony lineages may be achieved when a few faithful pioneer herons and egrets are followed by many others.
Journal Article
Heron Conservation – a History
Herons comprise a distinctive family of birds, the Ardeidae, adapted to living in aquatic environments. The history of herons in human culture dates back at least 4,000 years, continuing through successive cultures. Through the millennia, hunting herons for sport, food, or feathers has been one of the more enduring conservation issues for the group. Killing egrets for their feathers initiated the modern conservation era in the United States and Europe. Overall, protection of nesting sites and feeding habitats has been, and remains, a significant theme in heron conservation. Owing to their longevity, wetland dependence, and site specificity, herons have been proposed as potential indicators of environmental conditions and trends. It has been recognized that landscape and regional conservation action is the most effective conservation tool for most species, but several species and populations have been identified as being at risk and requiring special species- and population-level planning and action. To facilitate the conservation of herons, HeronConservation, the Heron Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was founded in 1982 and has since led global engagement in heron conservation through communication, networking, technical syntheses, and action planning and facilitation.
Journal Article
Status Assessment and Population Trends of the Madagascar Pond-Heron (Ardeola idae) from 1993-2016
The Madagascar Pond-heron (Ardeola idae) is a migratory species that breeds exclusively in Madagascar and nearby islands (Europa, Aldabra and Mayotte). Changes in the population of this species were investigated over the last 23 years through literature reviews, field monitoring, and surveys undertaken from 1993 to 2016. Data from 111 sites were collected and analyzed for population assessment, including 11 known breeding sites in Madagascar (n = 6), Mayotte (n = 4), and Europa (n = 1). Trend analyses were done with surveys from 1993-2016 (omitting 1996) and population estimates from the last 5 years of surveys, 2012-2016. The species occurred in all types of wetlands including lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, mangroves, pasture wet meadow, and rice fields. During the non-breeding season (May-September), many pond-herons migrate to eastern and central Africa; however, some birds (911 records) remained in Madagascar and Mayotte during austral winter. Data show the current population estimated at ∼1100 breeding birds in the total breeding area. The population has declined significantly, with 41.6% and 52.9% declines, respectively, at the two colony sites in Tsimbazaza and Tsarasaotra parks with the longest history of breeding. Main threats to the species are habitat destruction, collection of eggs and fledglings, predation, and human disturbance at all breeding sites.
Journal Article
Heteroatom Substitution at Amide Nitrogen—Resonance Reduction and HERON Reactions of Anomeric Amides
This review describes how resonance in amides is greatly affected upon substitution at nitrogen by two electronegative atoms. Nitrogen becomes strongly pyramidal and resonance stabilisation, evaluated computationally, can be reduced to as little as 50% that of N,N-dimethylacetamide. However, this occurs without significant twisting about the amide bond, which is borne out both experimentally and theoretically. In certain configurations, reduced resonance and pronounced anomeric effects between heteroatom substituents are instrumental in driving the HERON (Heteroatom Rearrangement On Nitrogen) reaction, in which the more electronegative atom migrates from nitrogen to the carbonyl carbon in concert with heterolysis of the amide bond, to generate acyl derivatives and heteroatom-substituted nitrenes. In other cases the anomeric effect facilitates SN1 and SN2 reactivity at the amide nitrogen.
Journal Article