Technology

A research team at The University of Osaka has unveiled the molecular mechanism behind genome ejection from adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, a crucial delivery vehicle in gene therapy. The study reveals that the N-terminal region of the VP1 protein, a component of the AAV capsid, undergoes structural changes upon heating, facilitating the release of the therapeutic genetic material. This discovery offers new guidelines for vector design and stability assessment, promising more efficient and safer gene therapies.

Mixing two or three alkyl-π liquids can achieve the right combination of functions for soft electronics.

Lingnan University’s Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project has received the highest 3-Star Certificate in the Elderly Care Award Scheme 2024-25 for the second consecutive year. Organised by the Co-ordinating Committee for Elderly Service of the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing Districts Social Welfare Department, the 3-star rating represents the top award, acknowledging the project’s excellence in community outreach and elderly care innovation.

China sees a strong increase in research output and tops the global list, with Asian institutions rising in prominence. Japan, South Korea and India are in the top 10, with the latter two countries increasing their adjusted share from 2023. Meanwhile, Singapore saw a higher rank within the top 20 list.

The Quantum Information Research Center of YOKOHAMA National University serves as a hub that brings together top researchers to promote practical quantum information research and lead large-scale national and international projects through active collaboration.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, track and control levels of key flavor compounds in cultured beef

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, produce tiny transistors with high performance and reliability through the use of an innovative material and design

The Mindoro Archaeology Project has found compelling evidence of the pivotal role of the Philippine archipelago in ancient maritime Southeast Asia.

In response to rising energy demand and urban heat island effects in Taipei, an energy raft foundation was constructed beneath a 13-story residential building to provide energy-efficient indoor heating and cooling for the residents while acting as a structural support for the superstructure. This study investigated the thermal response of the energy raft foundation using three-dimensional coupled thermo-hydraulic finite element analysis. The numerical model was validated against field measurements. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influences of ground heat exchanger (GHE) spacing and pattern on heat exchange efficiency. The study found that GHE pipe spacing and length were crucial in maximizing heat exchange efficiency while minimizing the thermal impact on nearby structures. This research enhances the understanding of the thermal responses of energy rafts and supports the development of sustainable building solutions in dense urban environments.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a groundbreaking energy-efficient and high-precision measurement system leveraging the inherent similarity between waveforms generated by the same type of signal source. Unlike black-box approaches such as generative AI, the system is built on the explicit theoretical framework of compressed sensing. This innovative approach drastically reduces the amount of data required for accurate signal reproduction, leading to significant energy savings. Demonstrated with an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring system, the technology achieved world-leading energy efficiency using only commercially available electronic components, consuming a mere 72μW. This breakthrough paves the way for long-term, battery-powered wearable devices and self-powered, battery-free IoT devices that can operate on minimal energy harvested from the environment, with broad applications in healthcare, disaster prevention, and environmental monitoring.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have revealed that vision transformers can develop gaze patterns similar to humans, learning to prioritize faces without ever being taught what a face is. The findings suggest that self-supervised ViTs may serve as a practical tool in computer vision and a theoretical model for studying human visual processing. The research underscores the potential of biologically inspired AI systems to uncover the mechanisms of human cognition.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, detail how clusters of cells detach from primary tumors and penetrate blood-vessel walls to enter the bloodstream, enabling them to establish distal metastases

Researchers at The University of Tokyo develop a filter that effectively captures small particles without restricting air flow

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a non-precious metal catalyst for the efficient hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural to valuable tetrahydrofuran-based compounds under mild conditions. The catalyst, consisting of nickel carbide nanoparticles supported on alumina, achieved 90% furfural conversion under ambient hydrogen pressure. This result will help advance the development of energy-efficient, cost-effective processes for the conversion of biomass to valuable materials.

Portable technology offers instant, power-free ethanol detection across concentrations

Researchers at Tohoku University have achieved record-breaking energy efficiency for a high-speed memory storage device, called a SOT-MRAM cell.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered the mechanism for supercurrent rectification, in which current flows primarily in one direction in a superconductor. By using a specific iron-based superconductor, they were able to observe this phenomenon over a broad range of magnetic and temperature fields. This understanding paves the way for the design and construction of superconducting diodes and other ultra-low energy electronics.

YNU researchers have developed a method to fabricate complex oriented tissues with multiple directionality using fluidic devices and 3D-printing.

Researchers develop energy-efficient spintronic devices with 11 memory states for next-generation neuromorphic computing.

Simple BOCDR design maps strain and temperature along fibers without costly GHz equipment.

Researchers unveil a bio-intelligent insect system using UV light to guide movement, reducing harm while improving control.

Space-saving version of Paralympic sport increases motivation, mobility among older adults

A joint study by National Taiwan University’s Prof. Hsiao-Mei Wu and Academia Sinica’s Dr. Yi-Chung Tung reveals that oxygen tension elevation during week 4–6 promotes neurogenesis in brain organoids, regulated by Neuroglobin.

- Expanding educational and research collaboration with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan - Synergy expected through hosting WEEF&GEDC 2025 and establishing a Graduate School of Technology Management

Smart neural electrode, "Rhinoceros beetle" robot, Halting the thief of sight, Together at last & Lighting hardy plants. Plus latest SciCom Coffee talk. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

The Expert Report on the Fifth National Assessment Report on Climate Change Hong Kong and Macao Special Report, organised by the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21 (ACCA21) and co-hosted by Lingnan University, was held on Lingnan campus on April 26. Attendees included Vice President Lan Yujie of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC); Deputy Director Zhang Yongtao of ACCA21; Deputy Director Yan Jinding of the National High-tech R&D of NSFC; President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science Prof S. Joe Qin; Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Prof Gong Peng, Associate Provost (Teaching and Learning) of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Prof Jimmy Fung, as well as representatives from relevant departments and experts from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.

- One-on-one technology transfer consultations held with interested companies; promising technologies from DGIST and KBRI introduced in the Seoul metropolitan area

These dynamically adjustable water-based lenses have many potential future uses, from classrooms and research labs to cameras and wearable gadgets.

New light-powered DNA detection enables more accessible, affordable genetic analysis

Meta-analysis of medical research with LLMs reveals diagnostic accuracy