Japan

Hiroshima University researchers have developed a practical framework to identify candidate pathogenic variants hidden among the large number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) detected in comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of cancers. This framework could improve the accuracy of precision oncology by more reliable prioritization of VUS.

Researchers develop a system that inflates human lung organoids from within to analyze lung mechanics

Concrete harbors distinct microbial zones whose signatures survive the heat of routine core sampling, a discovery researchers say could one day put structural health diagnostics within reach of general maintenance staff and even residents.

When donning an augmented or mixed reality headset, typing via air gestures can be tiring. To remedy this, researchers at Tohoku University developed an approach that turns everyday surfaces into keyboards.

Assessing the Impact of Chemical Contaminants on Finless Porpoises Using In Vitro Data and Mass Distribution Modeling

Fujitsu Limited and the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at The University of Osaka today announced the development of a new technology designed to accelerate the industrial application of quantum computers in the era of early fault-tolerant quantum computing (early-FTQC). By combining ver. 3 of the STAR architecture, a unique highly efficient phase rotation gate quantum computing architecture, with a novel molecular model optimization technique, researchers have significantly reduced computational resource requirements. This breakthrough will enable the energy calculations for chemical material design such as catalyst molecules, within a realistic timeframe using early-FTQC quantum computers. These kinds of calculations are currently not possible using current computers, and would take millennia even using previous versions of the STAR architecture. The technologies are expected to contribute to solving various societal challenges, including accelerating drug discovery, improving the efficiency of ammonia synthesis processes, and advancing carbon recycling technologies.

Hiroshima University researchers develop a new experimental method to demonstrate that interference physically delocalizes each photon.

According to a 20-year study in mice published in Nature Communications, repeated cloning cannot be sustained indefinitely in mammals.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have proposed a compact LED design that directly emits circularly polarized light using a nanoscale GaN metasurface integrated onto the device. This design removes the need for bulky optical components traditionally used to create polarized light and could help enable smaller optical systems for applications such as 3D displays, augmented reality, and photonic technologies.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a polymer material that combines high mechanical durability with controllable enzymatic degradation. The material contains movable cross-links formed by cyclodextrin rings that slide along polymer chains. By using light to control the position of these rings, enzymatic degradation can be switched on or off and even spatially patterned.

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that leukemia caused by NUTM1 rearrangements is distinguished from other forms of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) by a unique pattern of gene activity and gene regulation. Unlike the common form of B-ALL caused by KMT2A rearrangement, which is resistant to treatment, leukemic cells with NUTM1 rearrangements are highly sensitivity to chemotherapy.

A single-celled predator maintains stolen chloroplasts with its own proteins, linking the host cell and stolen organelles at the molecular level. This process, now supported by biochemical evidence, may offer clues to early steps in the evolution of plant cells.

The possible existence of a new phosphate regulatory mechanism through estrogens biosynthesized by aromatase in adipose tissue

Metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors can detect harmful pollutants in the air, but they only operate at extremely high temperatures. A new material design guideline using vanadium oxide may help us overcome this challenge.

Move over lithium-ion batteries – researchers found a creative way to combine materials (lithium metal and a ceramic surface) that may prove to be better for energy storage used in electric vehicles and portable electronics.

Researchers from The University of Osaka studying simple cyanobacteria found that one protein keeps their internal clock ticking reliably, even outside a living cell. By testing over 20 variants with clock periods ranging from 15 to 60 hours, they discovered that timekeeping precision appears to be built directly into the protein itself, independent of cell activity or environmental changes.

A team of researchers led by the University of Tokyo Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI) Project Assistant Professor Elisa Ferreira has shown that a discrepancy in a key cosmic measurement in the early universe originates from a subtle statistical interplay between measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO).

This study proposes a thin, compact system for enabling high-contrast projection mapping in brightly lit environments. By precisely controlling light so that only the target object remains unilluminated, high-contrast images can be projected onto the object without darkening the entire space. In contrast to existing large-scale illumination systems, the proposed system employs an LED display panel with an aperiodic lens array, enabling next-generation immersive spatial experiences in commercial facilities, exhibition spaces, and public environments.

Researchers developed high-performance, lead-free piezoelectric thin films on silicon that convert everyday vibrations into electricity. By using strain engineering and a novel sputtering method, they achieved record performance and demonstrated the compatibility of efficient, battery-free MEMS energy harvesters with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes.

We identified Mrep macrophages that repair muscle but trigger heterotopic ossification in FOP, advancing muscle and FOP therapy development.

The complete set of nucleobases found in terrestrial DNA and RNA have been detected in samples returned from the asteroid Ryugu, offering insights into the early Solar System's chemistry.

Clinically available KRAS inhibitors mainly target G12C, which is rare in PDAC and often acquires resistance. Oncogenic KRAS inactivates RB1 via CDK4/6, while RB1 mutation is rare. Thus, CDK4/6 inhibition offers an indirect strategy to counter KRAS-driven malignancy without direct KRAS targeting.

Through protein binding, molecular heavy drugs are effectively transported to cancerous tissues

Researchers discovered that a freshwater alga captures low-energy far-red light by precisely arranging ordinary chlorophyll molecules, rather than inventing new pigments. The finding reveals a new structural strategy for photosynthesis in low-light environments and could inform future bioenergy and protein design.

This invited publication highlights the contributions of Distinguished Professor Hao Li to AI and materials science – focusing on their original concept for a digital materials ecosystem.

Researchers used electroluminescence-detected magnetic resonance to directly observe electron-hole pairs in operating light-emitting electrochemical cells. They found that ion-driven changes in the internal electric field strongly affect recombination efficiency. Lower-voltage, more stable electric fields promote light emission, a discovery that identifies electric field management as a key factor in improving organic optoelectronic devices.

Researchers from Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo develop a mutual information estimator capable of accurately measuring information flow to biological outputs without needing input quantities

Researchers found that Y-doping (adding yttrium) to an inexpensive nickel catalyst was the key to speeding up an otherwise sluggish reaction that results in hydrogen – which can be used as a sustainable fuel.

The famed Japanese green tea powder may suppress nerve activity associated with sneezing in hay fever, according to a study in mice.