Japan

In a study recently published in the journal Nano Letters, published by American Chemical Society, researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, used frequency-modulated atomic force microscopy to reveal the submolecular structure of microtubule (MT) inner surface and visualize structural defects in the MT lattice, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamic processes that regulate microtubule function.

Amino acid serine inhibits Clostridium perfringens spore formation

Nanostructured two-dimensional gold monolayers offer possibilities in catalysis, electronics, and nanotechnology.

Helical structures are ubiquitous across biology, from the double-stranded helix of DNA to how heart muscle cells spiral in a band. Inspired by this twisty ladder, researchers have developed an artificial polymer that organizes itself into a controlled helix.

A research team at Osaka University developed a compact microresonator device that generates vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light at 199 nm. This innovation addresses the growing demand for VUV light in fields like micromachining and wafer inspection. Unlike existing gas lasers, this device offers a compact, efficient solution, potentially revolutionizing light source technology and enabling advanced applications like high-resolution medical imaging.

Experts from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, team up with their Indian counterparts to make IIT Hyderabad’s stunning new campus a reality

Even highly realistic androids can cause unease when their facial expressions lack emotional consistency. Traditionally, a "patchwork method" has been used for facial movements, but it comes with practical limitations. A team developed a new technology using "waveform movements" to create real-time, complex expressions without unnatural transitions. This system reflects internal states, enhancing emotional communication between robots and humans, potentially making androids feel more humanlike.

New research suggesting a link between motor protein Kif23 and microcephaly may be the key to developing more effective treatments for this condition.

An international team of researchers including Kavli IPMU has used the ALMA telescope and found old elliptical galaxies in the universe can form from intense star formation within early galaxy cores.

By identifying the ideal manufacturing conditions, machine learning reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming experimentation.

Researchers at Osaka University have identified ARMC5 as a key regulator of fatty acid balance in adipose tissue. ARMC5 degrades non-SCAP-bound SREBP1, activating it to regulate stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), an enzyme essential for fatty acid desaturation. This discovery opens avenues for developing drugs targeting ARMC5 to manage fatty acid levels and improve health outcomes.

The University of Tokyo Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI) Professor Yuji Tachikawa and The University of Tokyo School of Science graduate student Masaki Okada have found that any operation of non-invertible symmetries is a quantum operation, uncovering a link between quantum information theory and particle and condensed matter physics that had previously been unknown.

Clues found relating repair of photosynthetic protein complex to how plants survive in colder regions

This unobtrusive, leaf-mounted sensor saves time and improves productivity by remotely monitoring the health of plants in real-time.

Hiroshima University, in partnership with four Japanese institutions and five global collaborators, has launched the “Global Research Initiative on Wireless Terahertz (GROW-THz).” Backed by the JST ASPIRE program with ¥500 million in funding over five years, this project aims to advance next-generation ultra-high-speed wireless communication technologies, strengthen international research networks, and foster intellectual mobility, including the long-term overseas placement of doctoral students for up to one year.

To understand the practical challenges of indoor augmented reality applications on smartphones, researchers from Osaka University conducted 113 hours of extensive experiments and case studies over 316 patterns to determine the factors that degrade localization accuracy in real-world indoor environments. Landmarks for vision systems, LiDAR, and the IMU were evaluated. To solve the identified problems, the researchers suggest radio-frequency–based localization as a potential solution for practical augmented reality applications.

Copolymer solution uses water-loving differential to induce desorption at lower temperatures

A new simulator gives nursing students hands-on practice with vital procedures like mechanical ventilation and tracheal suctioning in children.

Balancing environmental conditions with energy-saving performance

We have proposed methods for calculating topological numbers of two-dimensional lattice systems based on polarization and spiral boundary conditions.

International integration of drug-drug interaction information through mapping of Japanese and international drug codes

Typically, closely related animal species have difficulty coexisting because they are competing for similar resources. Despite eating the same figs, binturong, small-toothed palm, masked palm, and common palm civets do coexist together. To understand how they coexist, a new study explores their degree of faunivory.

A research team at Tohoku University have proposed a strategy to use spinel oxides to improve a reaction called the oxygen evolution reaction.

Conversely, role in controlling cell proliferation might lead to novel tumor therapies in humans

Researchers at Osaka University have developed the world’s first compact, tunable-wavelength blue semiconductor laser, a breakthrough in far-ultraviolet light technology. Utilizing a novel periodically slotted structure, tunable single-mode oscillation was successfully demonstrated. The laser is suitable for pumping compact second harmonic generation devices, and far-ultraviolet light emitted from the combination enables safe, continuous sterilization and disinfection. Its compact, long-lasting design makes it ideal for integration into household appliances, with wide-ranging potential to enhance indoor health and safety.

A sprinkling of magnetic nanoparticles is just enough to power up catalysts, so they can make hydrogen peroxide production more efficient.

A new method streamlines the design and effectiveness of ligands used in chemical reactions in catalysis and drug delivery.

Community-led urban transformation through the Senboku Hottokenai Network Project

Researchers from Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo have combined techniques to determine the location of hydrogen in titanium hydride nanofilms

Researchers look to deep learning techniques in order to streamline the time-consuming process of identifying 2D materials.