Japan

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.

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.

A research team including Osaka University analyzed wastewater surveillance methods for accurately tracking COVID-19 infection trends. Using wastewater data from Sapporo dating from April 2021–September 2023, they explored survey conditions obtaining strong correlation between viral concentration in wastewater and infection incidence. The study identified key methods, including high-sensitivity analysis and geometric mean data processing, as essential for effective regional surveillance, providing critical insights for future public health monitoring.

Crystallographic preferred orientation of phase D at high pressure and temperature

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Scientists visualize and control magnetic domains in quantum antiferromagnets

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Successful selection of compounds inhibiting the function of a transcription factor

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

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

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

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

Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence related to proper weight and diabetes regulation

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