Advanced Science

Researchers scientists have unlocked a new realm of possibilities for non-volatile phase change memory, a type of electronic memory capable of retaining data even without power. Traditionally, researchers have relied on chalcogenides, materials with reversible electrical properties during transitions between crystalline and amorphous states. But an exciting alternative has emerged in the form of layered nickelates, complex oxide materials composed of nickel ions. These nickelates, with their unique layered structure and thermally reversible switching of room-temperature electrical resistivity, offer superior performance and sustainability potential.

A research team co-led by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has recently made a significant advancement in spinal cord injury treatment by using genetically modified human neural stem cells (hNSCs). They found that specifically modulating a gene expression to a certain level in hNSCs can effectively promote reconstruction of damaged neural circuits and restore locomotor functions, offering great potential for new therapeutic opportunities for patients with spinal cord injury.

Metamagnetic shape memory alloys (MMSMA) have negated some of the common problems associated with shape memory alloys thanks to their ability to undergo phase transformation when exposed to an external magnetic field. Yet they still lose a large amount of energy when phase transforming. Now, a research group from Tohoku University has made a significant breakthrough, developing a palladium-based MMSMA that exhibits low energy loss.

With the use of electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems on the rise, the need to explore alternatives to lithium-ion batteries has never been greater. Tohoku University researchers have recently developed a prototype calcium metal rechargeable battery capable of 500 cycles of repeated charge-discharge - the benchmark for practical use. The breakthrough was made thanks to the development of a copper sulfide nanoparticle/carbon composite cathode and a hydride-based electrolyte.

Wearing face masks has been recognised as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, even in its coming endemic phase. Apart from the conventional function of masks, the potential for smart masks to monitor human physiological signals is being increasingly explored. A research team led by the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently invented a smart mask, integrating an ultrathin nanocomposite sponge structure-based soundwave sensor, which is capable of detecting respiratory sounds of breathing, coughing and speaking.

Research led by the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified cryptotanshinone, a compound extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The researchers unveiled the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastritis and gastric cancer. They explained that refluxed bile acids (BAs) lead to the proliferation of pro-inflammation bacteria that promote gastric carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer.

- Design and development of a hybrid core–shell electrocatalyst that converts air pollutants nitric oxide (NO) into ammonia (NH3). - A strategy to ensure the stability of an electrocatalyst during the NO gas reduction process.

A new platform effectively sorts and clusters single cells according to their physical properties and could provide clues for understanding individual cell interactions.

Organic, metal free, high-energy batteries are a pathway to a greener future. Yet scientists have struggled to find ways to boost the voltage in organic lithium-ion batteries. Now, a study has proposed a small organic molecule known as croconic acid that can maintain a working voltage of around 4 Volts.

Imagine an advanced robotic hand that can grasp a fragile piece of tofu without crushing it! A research team co-led by researchers from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has developed an innovative tactile sensor with super fast response time and high sensitivity. It can distinguish different external stimuli in real time, with the potential to be applied to electronic skin and smart prosthetics. It can offer hope to people with physical disabilities or severe limb injuries to regain their sense of touch and improve their quality of life.

Scientists explain how selective electrostatic doping can balance the charge in optoelectronic devices with 2D materials

Using a single laser pulse that did not switch the ferrimagnetic layer, researchers demonstrated a much faster and less energy consuming switching of the ferromagnet.

Researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) have invented a nanostructure that can stimulate neural stem cells to differentiate into nerve cells. They found that the transplantation of these nerve cells into rats with Parkinson's disease progressively improved their symptoms, with the new cells replacing damaged nerve cells around the transplantation site. This novel invention provides promising insights into stem cell therapies and offers hope of a new treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Electrochemical imaging by researchers reveals that nitrogen and phosphorus atoms are key for enhancing holey graphene’s ability to promote the release of hydrogen during electrolysis.

Philippine microsatellite DIWATA-2 has successfully captured initial images. Launched last autumn, it is the second microsatellite designed and developed under a collaborative project between Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), and the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD)

Haedong Science & Culture Foundation delivered KRW 500 million to the UNIST Development Fund.

Novel approach utilizes high mobility two-dimensional electron gas, boosting thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

The Philippines' first microsatellite, DIWATA-1, was successfully released into orbit from the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo on the International Space Station at 20:44 (JST) on April 27, 2016.

This is Part II of an article based on an interview with Hokkaido University Professor Yukihiro Takahashi, director of the Space Mission Center, about the university’s involvement in the development of low-cost, high-performance microsatellites.

This is Part I of an article based on an interview with Hokkaido University Professor Yukihiro Takahashi, director of the Space Mission Center, about the university’s involvement in the development of low-cost, high-performance microsatellites.

Researchers in Singapore, for the first time in the world, replicate the contractile ring’s structure by isolating a refined protein and placing it within a cell-imitation capsule.

2015 Advanced Research in Material Sciences, Manufacturing, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology International Conference (AR4MET'2015) 2015 International Conference on Education (ICOED'2015) 2015 Renewable Energy and Green Technology International Conference (REEGETECH'2015)

In a joint project, researchers have developed a “Forensic Hyperspectral Imager” device based on hyperspectral imaging techniques, which can differentiate layered fingerprints into individual prints and detect untreated latent fingerprints from surfaces such as walls and magnetic sides of railway tickets.

Some of Waseda University's robots include TWENDY-ONE which supports the elderly, WABIAN-2 and KOBIAN bi-pedal robots with emotions, SCHEMA, the robot that can converse with many people and TWIns institute for breast cancer tumor surgery

Opens the Way to Research on Spin Properties and Device Applications of Graphene and Other 2-Dimensional Materials

Researchers have developed nano-adhesive plasters that can easily be applied to lacerated vessel walls with no adhesive, and succeeded in arresting massive bleeding from the inferior vena cava in rabbits.

The Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) at UNIST, S. Korea, is officially recognized as a PSM Affiliation. The first PSM program in Korea and Asia.

A large number of tropical forest protected areas are experiencing a decline in biodiversity, according to an analysis in Nature this week. These reserves are supposed to represent a final refuge for threatened species and natural ecosystem processes, as concerns about human impacts on tropical biodiversity grow.

Saitama, Japan, 20 May 2012 - The relativistic Hall effect describing objects rotating at speeds comparable with the speed of light has now been reported.