Peer Reviewed

(Kanazawa, Japan, 20 December 2013) Hiroshi Kawasaki and colleagues at Kanazawa University, Tokyo University, Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kumamoto University in Japan have identified how sensory map development is regulated in mice pups at birth, and the molecular signalling responsible.

Sheets of carbon just one atom thick could make effective transparent electrodes in certain types of photovoltaic cells

Dr. Li Haizhou is recognised for his achievements in speech and language technology. As a pioneer in human language technology for Asian languages, Dr. Li has made outstanding contributions in transforming the interface of mobile applications and breaking down the language barriers for Asian society.

(Ulsan, South Korea 18 Dec. 2013): UNIST announced a method for the mass production of boron/nitrogen co-doped graphene nanoplatelets, which led to the fabrication of a graphene-based field-effect transistor (FET) with semiconducting nature. This opens up opportunities for practical use in electronic devices.

(Tsukuba, 17 December 2013) Molecularly thin two-dimensional crystals can alleviate the lattice matching restrictions of epitaxial crystalline thin film growth, as reported by researchers in Japan.

Researchers have successfully developed a realistic theoretical model that provides a rational explanation for the spontaneous oscillatory contraction (SPOC) of muscle. The findings were published in Physical Review Letters recently.

Textile dyeing is a significant consumer of water and producer of contaminated aqueous waste stream. Without proper waste water treatment, the effluents discharged by these factories will harm the environment. Dyes, as they are concentrated in colour, represent potential harm to mankind and aquatic life.

This study investigates two aspects: How do English Language lecturers feel about their chosen profession? Are they generally satisfied with their job or are they silently suffering from job stress and burnout?

This study explored the use of inexpensive materials as alternatives to treat effluents from various industries such as petroleum, metals, food processing, textile, industries as well as municipal waste waters and has become a global environmental issue.

(Okayama, Japan, 12 Dec 2013) Focus on the only group in the world researching on superconducting picene. Prof Yoshihiro Kubozono team's work at Okayama University has potential for innovative applications of solid picene and organic superconductors, graphene and other functional materials.

(Okayama, Japan, 12 Dec 2013) Content highlights include research on superconducting solid picene; naturally occurring nanobacteria-like particles and ectopic calcification; rice plants and manganese; earth science; nano-pathophysiology; and large porous zeolite.

Power shortages are a major issue after the Great East Japan Earthquake. This technology will enable houses and buildings to conserve energy even in times of highly power demand and could help avoid scheduled blackouts. This test is the first attempt of its kind in Japan.

Some of Waseda University's robots include TWENDY-ONE which supports the elderly, WABIAN-2 and KOBIAN bi-pedal robots with emotions, SCHEMA, the robot that can converse with many people and TWIns institute for breast cancer tumor surgery

Prof. Naohiro Hozumi of Toyohashi Tech explains “Instead of waiting an hour or more, tissue can be tested almost immediately and because the reflected sound varies depending on the type of cancer, a doctor can interpret the type of disease from the image by comparing it to a reference material.”

Highlights include nanoscale photonic integrated circuit using surface plasmon polaritons on silicon; High pressure cold spray technology; Nitride semiconductor Hall effect magnetic field sensors for extreme environments and innovative analytical tool for the life sciences and biotechnology

A technique to preserve cells from the rare and popular Tigers Milk Mushroom for later use is published in the latest issue of The Journal of Tropical Agriculture Science. The mushroom is important in communities in Malaysia who use it as a medicinal treatment for various ailments as well as to produce a tonic to maintain health.

Tokyo, 6 Dec - Waseda University announces the formation of an international base for research on compound disasters due to tsunamis, earthquakes, storm surges and volcanic eruptions. The team will include researchers from Canada, the United Kingdom, Iran, Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, Bhutan, Chile, and Vietnam

Quickly switching the orientation of a laser beam enables control over the quantum properties of light

Hacking programs disguised as games are helping Apple to improve the security of devices operating on its iOS platform

A microelectromechanical system developed in Singapore provides the 360-degree view that is critical in diagnostic imaging

Hong Kong, 2 Dec - Following the launch of Chang’e-3 lunar probe in Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, the Camera Pointing System jointly developed by researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) is now getting closer for landing on the moon’s surface.

The results indicated that completion of the HOPE-20 programme generated significant improvement in the children’s mastery of preschool concepts and language skills, reduced the children’s behaviour problems, lowered the stress of their parents, and fostered the parents’ sense of competence.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have jointly introduced a unique telestroke system to facilitate neurologist's distant assessment for thrombolysis during non-working hours.

Tokyo, 29 Nov- Researchers at Waseda University in Japan have identified key information to help explain the formation of the “spindle apparatus”, a structure required for cell division. Their findings shed light on the mechanisms behind “self-organization” – an essential characteristic of biological structures.

Professor Naitoh of Waseda University has discovered a new compressive combustion principle that can yield engines with the ultimate level of efficiency. With a thermal efficiency of 60% or more in applications including automobiles, power generation, and aircraft, will their low fuel consumption be superior to that of HV vehicles!?

"Why do we need a new secrecy law now? What are the reasons to justify this legislation?" Prof. Asaho Mizushima of Waseda University explains more.

Opinion article on Japan's labor deregulation in the new strategic economic zones by Prof. Yutaka Harada of Waseda University

Singapore, 26 Nov 2013 – A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME), GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI) will collaborate to develop and advance micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies for automotive, aerospace, consumer, healthcare, industrial, and mobility applications.

Tokyo, 25 Nov - Researchers at Waseda University in Japan have for the first time directly observed the “molecular motor”, called Xkid, that plays a critical role in facilitating the proper alignment of chromosomes during cell division. The study provides invaluable knowledge on the mechanisms of materials transport in biological systems.

(Tokyo, 25 November 2013) A new compound developed at Tokyo Tech shows highly unusual conducting properties that could be used in future electronic components.