Science

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

Unearthing new LEDs, solar cells, and photodetectors requires extensive knowledge surrounding the optical properties of materials. Calculating these takes time and resources. Yet researchers from Tohoku University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have unveiled a new AI tool that can accurately, and crucially much faster than quantum simulations, for predicting optical properties.

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.

Mirror, mirror, in my tank, who’s the biggest fish of all? Sigma bond spotted, Balancing cell membrane, Exploring quantum squeezing and Outbreak preparedness. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

A team of scientists in Singapore and the US uncovered how a protein that controls our biological clock modifies its own function, offering new ways for treating jet lag and seasonal adjustments

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

2024 Taiwan Innotech Expo takes place from October 17 to 19 at the Taipei World Trade Center. Witness cutting-edge inventions and innovations from Taiwan and around the world.

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.

Tohoku University’s Dr. Le Bin Ho has explored how quantum squeezing can improve measurement precision in complex quantum systems, with potential applications in quantum sensing, imaging, and radar technologies. These findings may lead to advancements in areas like GPS accuracy and early disease detection through more sensitive biosensors.

Scientists identified a protein that regulates cellular clean-up, could also hold the key to new treatments for age-related muscle loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients, enhancing quality of life.

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

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

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.

A research group has developed a new COVID-19 testing system using Janus particles—microparticles with two sides possessing distinctive molecular properties. These particles are engineered to bind specifically to target antigens, such as viral proteins, creating a low-cost, accurate, and rapid means of testing for viral diseases. The system’s versatility means it can potentially be used to test for other diseases and biomarkers linked to other conditions.

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a Martian atmospheric evolution model to propose a new theory about Mars’ past.

Learned society and publisher Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has announced a new partnership with science communicators SelectScience. The two organisations will be working together on SelectScience’s upcoming CLINICAL24 campaign and beyond.

Researchers from Osaka University found that T cells recognize neoself-antigens––abnormal, unfolded host proteins presented by major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) lacking the invariant chain––as non-self antigens, leading to the development of autoimmunity. Reactivation of Epstein–Barr virus, a known risk factor for lupus onset and exacerbation, increases the presentation of neoself-antigens by MHC-II, which could help explain the link between viral infection and autoimmune disease.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an electrochemical process in which water or hydroxide ions are oxidized to produce oxygen gas, playing a crucial role in water splitting and energy conversion. The OER requires efficient catalysts, and now a research group has enhanced the efficiency of traditional cobalt oxide catalysts by doping them with erbium.

A better understanding of how cells regulate their membranes could lead to new treatments for diseases such as epilepsy and anemia.

Mutant microalgae produce wax esters for biofuel feedstock with improved cold flow

Researchers from Osaka University created ‘smart’ microparticles that self-assemble in response to the addition of a specific molecule. This work can help explain the behavior of biomolecular complexes, as well as pave the way for novel polymers that respond to their environment.

Cleaner wrasse check their body size before fights due to having their own mental representation

As global demand for clean energy solutions grows, the development of cost-effective and efficient catalysts will be pivotal in advancing renewable energy systems. Now, a group of researchers has made significant progress in this regard by employing chromium doping on transition metal hydroxides.

How can we make certain electrochemical reactions faster and more efficient? Researchers at Tohoku University investigated the use of Co X-ides for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of quinoline.

International academic website Research.com commends Lingnan University in their latest edition of 2024 Best Scientists. Seventeen leading scholars from Lingnan University are ranked among the national best scientists in their respective disciplines, including Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing; Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning; Prof Bradley Richard Barnes, Interim Associate Vice-President (Global Affairs) cum Director of Global Education; Prof Siu Oi-ling, Lam Woo & Co Ltd Chair Professor of Applied Psychology and Head of the Department of Psychology; and Prof Dean Tjosvold, Emeritus Professor at the Department of Management.

Seaweed helps brain health, Whales in long-distance relationships, Jumpstarting male fertility, Demystifying black hole turbulence, Shrimp to steel & Mpox Resources. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.