Japan

Researchers at Tohoku University have achieved a significant breakthrough in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes, also known as the “king of nanomaterials.”

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that GPR31, found in certain immune cells in the human gut, plays a key role in responding to bacterial metabolites and activating immune responses. Specifically, in the presence of metabolite pyruvate, these cells extend dendrites to sample the gut environment, detect pathogens, and activate T cells through GPR31. This discovery could inform the development of new drugs, vaccines, and probiotics that enhance gut immunity by targeting this pathway.

Researchers from Osaka University have revealed a close link between polyploidy and DNA damage, showing that the presence of DNA damage increases the likelihood of polyploidization occurring, and that polyploid cells are more likely to accumulate DNA damage. However, polyploid cells can also tolerate higher levels of DNA damage, taking longer to enter damage-induced growth arrest and senescence. This discovery will aid the development of novel therapies for certain drug-resistant cancers originating from polyploid cells.

Pathogenic system found on plasmid can lead to severe food poisoning symptoms

Researchers in Tokyo find that a 100-year-old method for redirecting water can be used to control heat dissipation in electronics

Photoswitching and thermal switching properties allow writing by irradiation or heat and erasing by visible light

Scientists visualize and control magnetic domains in quantum antiferromagnets

An organic catalyst offers chemists precise control over a vital step in activating hydrocarbons.

Fluorescein angiography capable of assessing neural blood flow in chronic nerve compression neuropathy

Fungi don’t have eyes or a brain, but their intelligent behaviours may surprise you! Research at Tohoku University suggests that fungi may be able to recognize shapes.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, demonstrate how morphogens combined with cell adhesion can generate tissue domains with a sharp boundary in an in vitro model system.

An unprecedented rapid increase in anthropogenic fingerprints around 1952 in the global strata reflects the point in time when humanity began to overwhelm the Earth system

Surgery for discoid lateral meniscus in adolescence could lead to worsening complications and difficult solutions

Researchers from Osaka University have created a high-performance polymer that can be chemically recycled without compromising its heat and chemical resistance. The revolutionary design includes a directing group that allows links in the polymer to be broken easily with a catalyst and the original polymer to be reformed in few steps. The directing group could be included in many polymers, potentially providing a new generation of high-performance plastics that can be recycled indefinitely.

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel method using facet-selective, ultrafine cocatalysts to efficiently split water to create hydrogen – a clean source of fuel.

Successful selection of compounds inhibiting the function of a transcription factor

Researchers performed two studies to better characterize the effects of job embeddedness, or factors that influence an employee’s commitment to their job, on voluntary turnover in the face of job insecurity.

Future of bioplastics made from carbon dioxide and biomass molecules could rely on more enzymes, shorter incubation periods

Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence related to proper weight and diabetes regulation

Solid electrolyte composed of nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous matrix shows high conductivity, formability, and electrochemical stability

Using real-world information written in Japanese, large language model displays accuracy on par with neuroradiologists

A gene that limits cellular damage could be the key to surviving prolonged cold exposure.

A study on factors that contribute to population changes based on city size

The discovery of a stable single-electron covalent bond between two carbon atoms validates a century-old theory.

The Androgen Receptor in Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells Drives Skeletal Muscle Mass Regulation

A research team led by Osaka University has developed Japan's first biomolecular sequencer prototype, crucial for gene-based cancer diagnosis and treatment. After 16 years of research, the team, led by Professors Taniguchi and Ohshiro, collaborated with H.U. Group Research Institute and Sony Global Manufacturing & Operations Corporation to overcome technical challenges. The team plans to enhance the device with AI for accurate diagnostics and to advance peptide drug discovery.

By targeting multiprotein molecule, antibody inhibits bacteria’s growth, pathogenicity

Study shows that ancient reef-building stromatoporoids survived the Late Devonian extinction and continued to thrive during the Carboniferous Period

Propylene production harnesses biodiesel waste byproduct

Analyzing fossils can be difficult – especially when they're so small that they can only be seen with a microscope. Researchers at Tohoku University have come up with a solution.