Peer Reviewed

An opinion article by Professor Akihiro Nonaka of Waseda University, Japan

In a joint project, researchers have developed a “Forensic Hyperspectral Imager” device based on hyperspectral imaging techniques, which can differentiate layered fingerprints into individual prints and detect untreated latent fingerprints from surfaces such as walls and magnetic sides of railway tickets.

A newly developed user interface, the “i-Mouse,” in the K-Glass 2 tracks the user’s gaze and connects the device to the Internet through blinking eyes such as winks. This low-power interface provides smart glasses with an excellent user experience, with a long-lasting battery and augmented reality.

Scientists in Japan are finding that perovskites have the potential to improve the fabrication of electrodes and wiring in ceramic-based electronics such as spark plugs.

Using an initiated chemical vapor deposition technique, the research team created an ultrathin polymeric insulating layer essential in realizing transistors with flexibility and low power consumption. This advance is expected to accelerate the commercialization of wearable and soft electronics.

Researchers from the Faculty of Engineering of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, have studied the capability of new polymers derived from potato starch as insulators which do not show any remarkable electro activity.

Researchers in South Korea have, for the first time, developed a simple technique to produce a two-dimensional nitrogen-containing crystal that has the capacity to be a potential rival to graphene and silicon as semi-conductor materials.

A Korean research team at KAIST suggests that a systems approach using metabolite structural similarity helps to elucidate the mechanisms of action of traditional oriental medicine.

A scientific team from WCS, Myanmar’s Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division – MOECAF, and National University of Singapore (NUS) has rediscovered a bird previously thought to be extinct.

Scientists in Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow describe a viewpoint on the perspectives of nickel catalysis. Chemical science is in need to replace more and more expansive metal catalysts with easier accessible alternatives. Finding an opportunity to employ non-precious metals would solve the problem and will ensure sustainable future.

Read about the first dolphins, antibiotic kits for amateurs, saving the dugong, what quails tell us about human sexuality, the impact of small-scale mining and how open data helps get toilets to people in need.

Seeds-based jewellery is a new embedded invention process which is an eco-friendly jewellery product that reflects the use of organic elements in jewellery design.

Natural resins obtained from plants to be used as a coating element to enhance durability and anti-rust properties.

Scientists in Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow have revealed a unique molecular fragment Ni2O2, consisting of two nickel atoms and two oxygen atoms, that have shown plausible superatomic properties. Supeatoms are important structural elements in nanoscale organization and they possess unique physical and chemical properties.

Brought to life by Researchers at Waseda University in Japan, the “Pinoko” robot will debut in the Human Art Theater’s rendition of “Black Jack.”

A research group from Waseda University, Japan, has discovered that by controlling CRMP4, a protein that regulates the body’s cytoskeleton, it is possible to prevent reactions that impede recovery.

Professor Eiji Iwase and graduate student Tomoya Koshi of Waseda University, Japan, have created a metal wire that can reconstruct itself utilizing electric field trapping of gold nanoparticles.

Oil palm decanter cake (OPDC) has the potential for use as a natural polymer composite (NPC), a material made up of natural fibre and polymer. It is used in many industries such as composite material, furniture, automobile, building, construction and petrochemicals.

Planning and managing vegetation in urban area is complex, yet it can be seamlessly done using computerized tree inventory and Geographic Information System (GIS).

An opinion piece by Professor Masakatsu Tamura of Waseda University, Japan

An opinion piece by Professor Gaye Rowley at Waseda University, Japan

A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Kawarada of Waseda University has developed a highly efficient transistor used to reduce energy consumption in electric automobiles and trains.

A fluorescent probe for labeling mitochondria helps scientists study fat-burning brown adipose tissue

Fungal waste biomass from biotechnology applications could be used to harvest microalgae for fuels and chemicals production

A computational technique reveals how tiny pillars affect the condensation of vapor onto a surface

Two studies published in the latest issue of the Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities addressed women’s empowerment through education and political engagement.

The rapid and uniform construction of nanographene sheets has now become possible in a precisely controlled manner from a new catalytic system developed by a team of chemists at the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University and the JST-ERATO Project led by Professor Kenichiro Itami.

Toyota Central R&D Labs. Inc. in Japan have reviewed research that might be leading the way towards a new generation of automotive catalytic converters.

A new type of breadsticks, which are made from corn silk and contain more nutrients derived from corncob fibres than normal breadsticks, have been awarded a gold medal for the new invention section at iiDEX2014 Exposition.