Science

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.

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.

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

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.

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, develop a biosensor that improves sensitivity to 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) in urine by orders of magnitude without the need for sample purification.

New filter removes chemical contaminants from water even at very low concentrations

A re-analysis of early gas storage materials shows that they could adjust their shape to hold more gas, a property generally associated with newer, more advanced materials

Ammonia plays a vital role in food production, industrial development, and the emerging hydrogen economy. However, efficient synthesis methods are crucial since the conventional process is energy-intensive. An international group of researchers has focused on nitrate reduction, discovering a more efficient way to produce ammonia and unveiling new insights into sustainable catalytic processes.

A research group including researchers from SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) at Osaka University has developed a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly method to synthesize sulfonyl fluorides. By reacting thiols and disulfides with SHC5® and potassium fluoride, they achieved a green synthesis process with non-toxic by-products. This method simplifies the production of sulfonyl fluorides, making it suitable for chemical and industrial applications, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

Researchers from Osaka University, The University of Adelaide, and the Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology have invented a compact, ultra-broadband (de)multiplexer that efficiently separates and combines terahertz waves around 300 GHz with orthogonal polarizations, similar to polarized sunglasses. This breakthrough can double the data transmission rate, advancing 6G communications toward 1 Terabit/s.

To understand the mysteries surrounding black holes, researchers at Tohoku University created a simulation of accretion disk turbulence that possesses the highest-resolution currently available.

If we are to realize better renewable energy technologies, it is vital that scientists develop catalysts that improve the oxygen evolution reaction. A group of researchers has done just that by introducing rare-earth single atoms into manganese oxide.

Ammonia is a gas that plays a crucial role in agriculture and industry and has the potential to become a zero-carbon fuel for energy conversion and storage technologies. However, the current methods of producing ammonia are highly energy-intensive, contributing to approximately 1.8% of global CO2 emissions. By focusing on spinel cobalt oxides, a research team has revealed how understanding and optimizing these catalysts could offer a solution to this challenge.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, implement modifications to their high-speed atomic force microscopy that simultaneously improve resolution and speed, while enabling direct measurements of 3D structures to provide conclusive evidence of a contested hydration layer forming as calcite dissolves.

Scientists have struggled to manufacture quasi-1D Zirconium pentatelluride in larger quantities - until now. This finding by Tohoku University researchers may advance tech such as quantum computing.

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, used high-speed atomic force microscopy to observe dynamic changes in AMPA receptors, which are vital for brain communication. Their findings, published in ACS Nano, reveal how these receptors adapt during signal transmission and suggest potential targets for neurological therapies.

One of the smallest lifeforms may have the biggest impact on marine ecosystems. Researchers at Tohoku University modeled how climate change can affect phytoplankton – and our future.

- 42 high school students in Dalseong-gun joined a coding camp on DGIST’s campus for two days - Students organized themselves into groups, planned topics, and experienced an actual development environment

—grants degrees to 30 PhD, 53 Master’s, and 51 Bachelor’s students, fostering a total of 134 talented individuals in the field of science and technology

- DGIST to open a new science school for the gifted in March 2028

- Showcase best practices in interdisciplinary research with the selection of the research group evenly consisting of three departments within DGIST - Receive a total research fund of KRW 1.5 billion for the selected projects over the next three years

- DGIST was selected as the lead research and development organization for two projects in the Korea-EU Semiconductor Joint Research. - As an institute of science and technology, DGIST seeks to obtain original technologies through global joint research in semiconductors and contribute to stronger national competitiveness based on the technologies.

Researchers from Osaka University find that the transcription factor Ikaros binds to Foxp3 to inhibit the expression of target genes, including Ifng, in regulatory T cells

Researchers from Osaka University developed molecular wires with periodic twists. By controlling the lengths of regions between twists, the electrical conductivity of individual polymer chains can be enhanced. This work may lead to novel organic electronics or single-molecule wires.