Peer Reviewed

In a pivotal move ahead of COP29, Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has partnered with leading global scientific organisations to issue a unified call to action, spotlighting microbial solutions as pivotal in combating climate change. In a strategic publication, released in multiple high-impact scientific journals at once, the joint paper advocates for the establishment of a global science-driven climate task force. This initiative aims to expedite the deployment of microbiome technologies, providing stakeholders worldwide with access to effective and immediate solutions

Controlling memories in mice means forgetting a light zap, but in humans it could mean letting go of deeply traumatic events.

Combination enhances microorganisms’ growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions

The two Pseudo-nitzschia species found in Luzon produce a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause severe sickness and permanent short-term memory loss.

Surgical field expansion plate allows surgeons more independence

Research suggests that urban areas could reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by optimizing their urban form. However, the relationship between urban form and emissions is highly context-dependent and generalizations cannot be made.

Model mice given extracts and powders show restoration of cognitive and motor functions

National Taiwan University researchers highlight the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in reducing mortality and severe cardiovascular and renal outcomes for diabetic patients with acute kidney disease (AKD). Using a global dataset and propensity matching, they found significantly lower mortality rates, major cardiovascular events (MACEs), and adverse kidney outcomes (MAKEs) among GLP-1 RA users compared to non-users. These findings underscore the potential for GLP-1 RAs to offer tailored protection against complex diabetic complications, marking an advancement in personalized medicine for managing diabetes-acute kidney disease.

Plesiosaurs once roamed Earth’s waters, using four equal flippers to propel their elongated bodies through the water. Fossils from these Mesozoic marine reptiles do not preserve the muscle tissue needed to explain how they maneuvered. Yet a group of researchers have harnessed a bio-inspired control system, creating a plesiosaur-like robot that reveals key insights into how they once traversed the oceans. The model could be used in the future to shed light on the movement of other extinct animals.

Japanese language learning brought prosperity and persecution for women in Korea

Researchers from Osaka University found that Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) in the workplace experience significantly higher levels of stress compared to their non-HSP colleagues. Approximately 26% of working adults could be classified as HSPs, indicating that a substantial portion of the workforce might be experiencing higher levels of stress. Interestingly, HSPs also exhibit greater empathy, suggesting that their heightened sensitivity enables them to connect deeply with others, potentially fostering a more supportive work environment.

The international team, led by Distinguished Chair Professor Chuan-Chou Shen of the Department, of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, uncovered Nan Madol's history by analyzing the ages of the site's coral rubbles. The research found that subsidence-related sea level rise and climate change posed serious threated to the construction and maintenance of Nan Madol, ultimately leading to the collapse of the chiefdom and abandonment of the site.

A team from Osaka University has developed a large-scale drug screening technique that can track target molecule behavior within cells. The researchers verified their technique by testing the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a known target for cancer drugs. Their drug screening resulted in the identification of the known drugs, as well as others that were not previously known to affect EGFR. This new method can potentially help develop new drugs and repurpose existing drugs.

Data could help rethink climate change models regarding sources of carbon and CO2 sinks

This model reveals how vastly different the atmosphere was on ancient Earth, and how life may have first emerged.

Edge computing on a smartphone has been used to analyze data collected by a multimodal flexible wearable sensor patch and detect arrhythmia, coughs and falls.

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new imagining system to monitor pluripotent stem cells during incubation. The new device — INSPCTOR — uses lens-free imaging technology integrated with thin-film transistors. The device is the same size as a standard culture plate, allowing multiple units to be monitored within a compact incubator. By improving quality control during the growth process, this innovation could help accelerate advancements in customized regenerative medicine.

Polymer’s long spin relaxation time helps researchers gain spintronic insights

Arabidopsis thaliana mutant’s lack of KNS3 means boric acid channels don’t arrive properly at plasma membrane

Researchers from Osaka University found that Japanese consumers prioritize transparency over performance, while still valuing performance over environmental sustainability when choosing AI assistants. Although transparency was the most important factor, cost remained a critical consideration. This study also highlighted individual differences, showing that future-oriented consumers prefer energy-efficient AI assistants, whereas those with an internal locus of control prioritize transparency. The findings suggest developers should consider these psychological traits to better meet diverse consumer preferences.

Researchers from Osaka University overcame the tradeoff between plastic toughness and degradability by developing plastics with movable crosslinks. The crosslinks both increased toughness by over eight times and increased enzymatic degradability by over twenty times compared with those of a reference plastic without movable crosslinks. These advanced biodegradable plastics bring us one step closer to achieving a resource-circulating society.

Sorghum possesses unique lipid profiles and bioactive compounds that support health and meet the demand for health-promoting food products.

Scientists develop new approach to analyze 3D structure of lab-made photosynthetic antenna

Researchers from Osaka University show that the improvements in signal strength during surface-enhanced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy can extend even through a nanoscale protective layer. This research may lead to significant improvements in the sensitivity of biosensors and the development of novel point-of-care diagnostics.

Researchers at Tohoku University and the Tokyo University of Science are finding new ways to make the hydrogen evolution reaction harder, better, faster, and stronger!

A new scientific study reveals the complex relationship between the impacts of climate change and the adaptive responses of coastal fishers in the southern coasts of Japan.

Next-generation regenerative treatment shows promise in medicine-engineering collaboration

Decades after it was first found in Japan, a crustacean species with unique black-and-white coloring resembling a panda has been confirmed to be new to science.

New research from the Ateneo de Manila University could pave the way for more durable versions of silicon carbide (SiC), a semiconductive ceramic material found mostly in space that has applications in everything from computer chips to spaceships.

National Taiwan University (NTU) researchers develop organic thermoelectric materials that convert waste and body heat into electricity, published in leading journals.