Peer Reviewed

Researchers from Osaka University examined how specific types of contextual changes, such as government recommendations and perceived behavior of others, influenced mask-wearing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found a complex relationship between societal norms and individual behavior during the pandemic, indicating that future strategies for public health crises interventions should consider various factors and contexts, including cultural predispositions.

Using neutron scattering and voltage measurements, a group of researchers have discovered that a material's magnetic properties can predict spin current changes with temperature. The finding is a major breakthrough in the field of spintronics.

Bacteriophage therapy could be developed based on study’s results

- A joint research team from DGIST-UNIST has developed ultra-high-efficiency pure red light-emitting devices by modifying the surface of perovskite light-emitting layers to enhance stability and electrical properties. - The findings have been published in the journal “Materials Today.”

- A joint research team between DGIST, Ewha Womans University, Incheon National University, and Sang-hoon Nam at MIT used atomic force microscopy to identify what causes electron-hole separation due to energy-level differences within and at the interface between crystals in the light-absorbing layer of thin-film solar cells - Suggested directions to understand carrier behaviors in a variety of fields with atomic force microscopy

Watching and waiting with minimal intervention forms educational philosophy guided by balance

Researchers from Osaka University used structured light and switchable fluorescent molecules to reduce the background light from the out-of-plane regions of microscope samples. This method allowed for the acquisition of images that surpassed the conventional resolution limit, and it may be useful for further study of cell clusters and other biological systems.

When epileptic patients suffer seizures, their brain is undergoing repetitive and excessive neuronal firing. But what triggers this has stumped scientists for years. Now, researchers have used fluorescence calcium sensors to track astrocytes' role in epileptic seizures, finding that that astrocyte activity starts approximately 20 seconds before the onset of epileptic neuronal hyperactivity.

Skilled players show stronger inhibition processes when electing not to pass the ball

Electron spin states can now be probed at much higher resolution and more efficiently, opening new opportunities in materials analysis and data processing technologies.

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of California, Santa Barbara have unveiled a probabilistic computer prototype. Manufacturable with a near-future technology, the prototype combines a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit with a limited number of stochastic nanomagnets, creating a heterogeneous probabilistic computer.

Aiming to reduce fracture recovery times, an Osaka Metropolitan University-led research group is focusing on plasma irradiation as a treatment method

Researchers from Osaka University found that tetracycline antibiotics stimulate T lymphocytes in the body’s immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. The antibiotics work by blocking the action of galactin-1, a protein made by cancer cells that suppresses the immune system. Identification of this new target may lead to the development of novel cancer immunotherapies.

Researchers from Osaka University found that a new activator called L687 induces cancer cells to accept delivery of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs. These drugs can treat cancer by blocking the transfer of messages from genes that encourage cancer growth. Previous methods to deliver ASOs into cells had only limited success. This research will help accelerate the development and delivery of novel ASO cancer therapies.

A recent study by Tohoku University researchers has shed light on the association between dairy product consumption and odd-number carbon chain fatty acids (odd-FA) within the Japanese population, a correlation previously confirmed in Europe and Oceania but understudied in Asian countries.

Researchers from Osaka University and collaborating partners have synthesized triarylborane (TAB) compounds that exhibit unusual optical responses upon binding to certain anions. They also synthesized thin polymer films that incorporate the TAB and retain the sensing as well as the light emission properties of the TAB. This work is an important advance in plastic research and has applications in analyte sensing as well as electronic display technologies.

Meandering ocean currents play an important role in the melting of Antarctic ice shelves, threatening a significant rise in sea levels.

Laser-patterned thin films that swell into kirigami-like structures offer new opportunities in hydrogel technology.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, find that providing lab-grown ‘cerebral organoids’ with connections similar to those in real brains enhances their development and activity

- Aiming to localize the development and manufacturing of sensing elements, currently sourced from overseas, to address global supply chain risks. - Expectations for local industry revitalization through the construction of an advanced sensor ecosystem.

- Professor Jaeyoun Hwang’s team at DGIST, in collaboration with Dabeeo Inc., has developed a deep learning technology for object detection using aerial and satellite images. - The technology is anticipated to find applications in various fields, including defense, autonomous driving vehicles, and medical imaging.

Trapping oxygen molecules adsorbed at defect sites in 2D semiconducting crystals offers greater control over the crystals’ electronic and photonic behaviour.

Process that can lead to mass synthesis yields solid sulfide electrolyte with world’s highest reported sodium ion conductivity and glass electrolyte

Researchers have identified 14 genes that thale cress express more when responding to five specific stressors, as well as eight genes that the plant suppresses.

Insights into ethical and legal ramifications of growing brain organoids from human fetal brain tissue

Genetic analysis finds evidence suggesting that acoustic fat bodies in the heads of toothed whales were once the muscles and bone marrow of the jaw.

Researchers from Japan’s Osaka University and Switzerland’s University of Lausanne explored the ethical considerations and current status of cancer multigene panel testing access in their countries. Despite cultural and healthcare differences, they found common national barriers: limited test availability, insufficient patient information, and variable insurance coverage. The study underscores the need for more equitable genetic medicine, suggesting improvements in test access, patient education, and insurance policies.

Researchers from Osaka University and Imperial College London have used operando optical spectroscopy in conjunction with other spectroscopic techniques to follow the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for an iridium oxide catalyst. Using complementary techniques to probe the catalytic process at different pH values allowed them to observe the effect of the extended environment around the intermediate species involved. The findings are expected to contribute to optimizing the OER for green hydrogen production.

Drawing inspiration from the way plants breathe, a group of researchers at Tohoku University has created a paper-based magnesium-air battery that can be used in GPS sensors or pulse oximeter sensors. Taking advantage of paper’s recyclability and lightweight nature, the engineered battery holds promise for a more environmentally friendly source of energy.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and collaborating partners have created guidelines for the design of intercalated materials, which will accelerate research on energy storage, electronics, and more