Science

Research collaboration between Osaka University and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. revealed that deletion of mRNA endonuclease Regnase-1 promoted NK cell anti-tumor activity via OCT2-dependent transcriptional up-regulation of Ifng mRNA. Associated with the deletion of Regnase-1 in NK cells, NK cells showed a high expression of OCT2 and CXCR6 in those that escaped from mRNA decay from Regnase-1, and they contributed to the transcriptional regulation of Ifng and NK cell persistence inside the tumor microenvironment, respectively. The loss-of-function strategy targeting Regnase-1 potentially enhances the production of cytotoxic proteins such as IFN-γ, granzymes, and perforin. This approach also promotes NK cell infiltration and persistence within the tumor, thereby facilitating the development of effective anti-tumor immunotherapy against solid tumors.

Researchers from Osaka University probed the transit of cations across a nanopore membrane for the generation of osmotic energy. The team controlled the passage of cations across the membrane using a voltage applied to a gate electrode. This control allowed the cation-selective transport to be tuned from essentially zero to complete cation selectivity. The findings are expected to support the application of blue energy solutions for sustainable energy alternatives worldwide.

Researchers from Osaka University combined computer simulations and transmission electron microscopy experiments to better understand the ordering mobility and formation of microstructure domains in Fe3Al alloy. They were able to correlate structural changes with heat treatment to understand how particular mechanical behavior can be achieved. This is expected to allow the superelastic properties of Fe3Al to harnessed for the 3D printing of construction materials for absorbing seismic activity.

Joint research by DGIST Principal Researcher Jinhyo Yoon’s team and Seoul National University research team publishes research on finding signals of open innovation in companies’ financial data

Lingnan University signed multiple significant strategic cooperation framework agreements yesterday (28 May) with Rizhao City, Shandong Province, Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co, Ltd. (Shandong Hi-Speed Group), Shandong Huge Dental Material Co., Ltd., and Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI). These collaborations aim to leverage each party’s unique strengths in talent, research, and industry. Lingnan will conduct research projects with partner institutions, promote collaborative innovation, develop new quality productive forces, establish new research and development (R&D) institutions, accelerate the commercialisation of technological achievements, and cultivate a new generation of exceptional talent.

Osaka University is starting a Phase I clinical trial (first in human) for refractory prostate cancer using an astatine-labeled drug ([At-211]PSMA-5). This trial aims to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of the new alpha therapy. Previous trials for thyroid cancer have been successful. The trial addresses the high unmet needs of prostate cancer patients and leverages Japan's ability to manufacture astatine. This innovative therapy promises fewer side effects and no need for hospitalization, potentially benefiting patients globally.

Besting almost 200 teams from over 20 countries, students from Ateneo de Davao University have just become the first ever Filipinos to successfully qualify for the prestigious international Spaceport America Cup.

Springer Nature’s latest survey, focused on Japan, shows a high proportion of Japanese researchers have access to research integrity training and builds on results from previous surveys that highlight data training as the greatest unmet need.

An urgent call for increased international support and collaboration for science in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) has been released in a declaration by the International Science Council (ISC) SIDS Liaison Committee at the 4th international conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda.

Researchers from Osaka University have found that a specific pattern of brain activity, known as “sharp-wave ripples,” is associated with thoughts that wander from the present situation. This activity begins in the hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory formation and recall, and is linked to more vivid and less desirable thoughts. A better understanding of the relationship between sharp-wave ripples and these kinds of thoughts might be helpful for treating related conditions.

Researchers at Osaka University analyzed data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study and found that socioeconomic status (SES) transitions affect dementia risk. Specifically, upward SES mobility is greater associated with reduced dementia risk and extended healthy aging with dementia-free lifespan, while downward mobility increases risk. The study of 9,186 participants found that lifestyle, comorbidities, and social factors mediate this relationship, highlighting the importance of SES in cognitive health and preventing dementia.

Calculations consider how a dozen metals such as titanium combine with nitrogen or carbon to form bonds

Researchers from Osaka University found that the tyrosine kinase Csk plays a crucial role in regulating germinal center B cell signaling. Csk deletion in a mouse model led to increased ROS production and apoptosis, thereby inhibiting B cell affinity maturation.

ITEX 2024 Sets the Stage for Innovation and Investment

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, enhance land surface maps to identify sloping landscapes in which vegetation changes are associated with slight elevation and water gradients.

A team of researchers has made significant strides in understanding metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) catalysts, offering alternatives to expensive platinum-group-metal (PGM) catalysts and a pathway to a greener future.

New research employs shutter speed analogies to validate 55-year-old theory about chemical reaction rates.

Paper-based battery for wearable devices, To pass or not to pass? Kirigami hydrogels rise from cellulose, Climate impact on mountains, Effects of space weathering. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Researchers from Osaka University have used a novel combination of short-read and long-read RNA sequencing to identify the different isoforms of genes expressed in the crustacean Daphnia magna. Males and females are genetically identical, but using this technique the team revealed genes that switch the predominant isoform in a sex-dependent manner. This study contributes to our understanding of Daphnia’s sexual dimorphism and helps further advance technologies in crustacean aquaculture.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report in Nano Letters how the use of high-speed atomic force microscopy helps to understand the crucial role played by certain biomolecules in DNA wrapping dynamics.

Researchers at The University of Tokyo demonstrate enhanced radiative heat transfer across a gap between two micro-sized silicon plates by coating them with a layer of silicon dioxide, which may significantly improve heat management of computers.

The Regional Summit for Social Science Funding and Collaboration in the Indo-Pacific Regional Summit is being held in Bangkok, Thailand from May 9-10, 2024,

Walking and running is notoriously difficult to recreate in robots. Now, a group of researchers has overcome some of these challenges by creating an innovative method that employs central pattern generators - neural circuits located in the spinal cord that generate rhythmic patterns of muscle activity - with deep reinforcement learning. The method not only imitates walking and running motions but also generates movements for frequencies where motion data is absent, enables smooth transition movements from walking to running, and allows for adapting to environments with unstable surfaces.

Sujatha Raman shares insights and ideas from her recent OECD 2024 talk on making open science a reality for the benefit of society.

Four delegates attending the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) meeting in Kigali, Rwanda (1-2 May) share their work to ensure trusted science advice is integrated into decision-making and government policy.

Researchers from Osaka University developed an in silico library comprising 54 potential triarylborane catalysts for the functionalization of amino acids and peptides with molecular hydrogen as a reductant. This library, together with chemometric machine learning, was used to identify the best candidates. Based on this process, an optimal catalyst was identified and found to promote the alkylation of aniline derivatives with exceptional functional group tolerance and produce only water as a coproduct.

The mini air purifier PureAura, designed and developed by Lingnan University's Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI), has received the 2024 iF Design Gold Award in the Product - Building Technology category. The iF Design Award is widely regarded as the Oscars of the design industry, and Lingnan University is the sole Hong Kong institution, and one of only eight universities worldwide, to be given this honour since the Gold Awards' inception in 1954.

Charge-recharge cycling of lithium-superrich iron oxide, a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode for new-generation lithium-ion batteries, can be greatly improved by doping with readily available mineral elements.

Osaka University researchers discovered a concerning association between bacteremia and probiotic use, particularly with Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) MIYAIRI 588. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that all C. butyricum bacteremia strains were probiotic derivatives. Out of 6,576 cases of positive blood cultures, C. butyricum was detected in only five cases, all derived from probiotics. The study underscores rare but serious adverse events linked to probiotics, advocating cautious prescribing practices, especially for hospitalized patients.

Samples reveal evidence of changes experienced by the surface of asteroid Ryugu, some probably due to micrometeoroid bombardment.