Press releases

Tests using a mouse model of Alport syndrome suggests that turning off a cell signalling protein may significantly prolong life by preventing kidney scarring.

Researchers in Malaysia are using the chemistry of natural products for sustainable health and energy solutions.

Scientists from Hokkaido University and colleagues have identified a pathway that accelerates plant flowering in low-nitrogen soils — a finding that could help enhance agricultural production.

A research team led by the National Institute for Physiological Sciences and joined by Hokkaido University explored the role of pain neurons in the regulation of endotoxic death. They found that peptide named Reg3γ acts as a pain neuron-enriched brain-targeted hormone that protects the host from endotoxic death.

Researchers have developed a new method for rapid 3D imaging. Instead of having to scan repeatedly in 2D, the researchers proposed a one-scan technique that uses a light needle to process at depth and laterally.

Scientists develop a method to genetically label neurons with a single gene of interest in mice by combining the anterograde transsynaptic spread of adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) with intersectional gene expression. In two distinct circuits: the retina/primary visual cortex to the superior colliculus and the bilateral motor cortex to the dorsal striatum, injections of AAV1 expressing either Cre or Flpo recombinases and the Cre/Flpo double-dependent AAV into two upstream regions and the downstream region, respectively, were used to label postsynaptic neurons receiving inputs from the two upstream regions.

The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) in Tokyo launches a new integrated graduate course exploring the origin and evolution of life and planets.

A team at Japan’s Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) is conducting evidence-based outreach to demonstrate why science communication training is so important, with an aim of encouraging other higher education and research institutions to follow its lead.

Devices that can see shortwave infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye, could soon become cheaper and more accessible to a broader consumer base.

A nanoparticle’s size is fine-tuned to offer high-resolution images before and during surgical procedures.

Inspired by the woodpecker’s ability to strike trees with its beak rapidly and repeatedly without injury, engineers in Malaysia have used computer simulations to find ways to improve the design of composite beams used in impact-prone structures.

Computer game uses a camera and AI-based movement recognition to teach sign language to a broader public.

Device designers at the University of Tokyo are developing cheap and accessible ways to monitor and explore the sea.

A magnetic hybrid system generates electricity day and night with radiative cooling and solar heating.

A novel biomaterial promotes bone tissue regrowth, showing promise for surgical procedures.

A quick, cost-effective approach improves the accuracy with which machine learning models can predict the properties of new materials.

A magnetic field could boost blood vessel growth to regenerate damaged tissue.

Neurone-like junctions made of mixed oxide-based materials could reduce the massive energy consumption of artificial intelligence operations.

Hong Kong has an aging population. The number of people 65 or older is forecast to increase to 2.16 million by 2031 and 2.56 million by 2041. As a result, Hong Kong’s recurrent social welfare and health expenditure as a percentage of nominal GDP is forecast to increase from $52.4 billion in 2014 to $563.6 billion in 2042. Hong Kong may experience a structural financial deficit within a decade because of higher social and health spending for older adults and a smaller working-age population.

A surprising tree-inspired discovery is helping scientists design surfaces that encourage different liquids to move in varying directions.

Whale and dolphin post-mortem imaging could breathe new life into marine conservation.

A reimagined robot hand combines strength with flexibility and resilience, sidestepping problems with existing designs.

Asia Research News surveyed institutions in Asia to learn about their latest contributions to antimicrobial resistance research.

The Asian Development Bank partnered with global institutions to examine efforts to curb one of humanity’s most significant global health threats.

A recent study in The Lancet provides the most comprehensive understanding of this global health problem to-date.

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are linking carbon offsets to crypto, using math to predict vaccine efficacy, and a benefit of COVID restrictions for Dengue-prone regions.

Dr Hou Wai-kai, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology (PS), The Education University of Hong Kong, has been elected a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) for his outstanding contribution to the discipline. 

Giants in History: Gopalasamudram Narayanan Ramachandran (8 October 1922 – 7 April 2001) is best known for developing the Ramachandran plot to understand the structure of short chains of amino acids, known as peptides.

An innovative sample preparation method for cellular proteomics and protein structural analysis

The SupercomputingAsia Conference recognised key HPC pioneer-leaders with its annual SCA22 Awards. The winning teams from Asia, Australia and the US were also announced at the awards ceremony for the international Data Mover Challenge 2021 (DMC21) competition.