Press releases

Often used by devotees as a meditation tool, Mandalas are symmetrical circular forms that typically comprise a central deity surrounded by motifs and symbols.

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a culture system using pluripotent cells from southern and northern white rhinos, which was refined to produce primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). These cells are the equivalent of primordial germ cells, the origin of eggs and sperm. The study marks an important first step in the potential production of northern white rhino gametes, which could be used in breeding programs, and is the first to induce PGCLCs in a wild animal.

Scientists from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia have reported a novel way to produce reinforced concrete materials using tin slag aggregates, which is a by-product of the smelting process. This way of producing concrete enables tin slag to become a useful material, as well as reducing the amount of natural resources used, which in turn contribute to reducing carbon footprint in the construction industry.

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how we determine which animals we would eat or not, a robot with sticky magnetic feet that can climb, and coriander seeds that had a great holiday in space.

Scientists developed a novel device that predicts whether an ICU patient taken off mechanical ventilation is likely to suffer from respiratory emergencies, helping critical care teams to provide immediate life-saving interventions.

An international team of researchers has studied the heterostructures of layered antiferromagnets, painting a better picture of what happens when two different magnetic orders are combined.

There is a small area on the electromagnetic spectrum occupied by terahertz waves, where conventional electronic devices struggle to operate. Still, engineering devices that can take advantage of terahertz waves are crucial for the development of future wireless technology such as 6G and 7G. Using a graphene transistor, a research team has successfully detected terahertz waves with a fast response and high sensitivity at room temperature.

At the Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony today (15 December), Lingnan University (LU) conferred honorary doctoral degrees upon three distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective professions and valuable contributions to the well-being of society. Prof Woo Chia-wei, GBS, CBE （吳家瑋教授）received a Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa [in absentia], Ms Anna Wu Hung-yuk （胡紅玉女士）, GBS, JP received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, and Dr Zhang Yimou （張藝謀博士） received a Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa [in absentia]. Ms Anna Wu expressed her gratitude to the University on behalf of all Honorary Doctorates. She also shared the importance of engagement and transformation to resolve conflicts. She said: “Many young people are pessimistic about the future of Hong Kong. Many need to heal their bruised spirit. What can be more important than encouraging our youths to explore the constraints and opportunities in the community together, and build a shared future for themselves and others? This is the time to equip them with essential transformative skills. Let them be the architects of human relations and create space for interaction and engagement.”

International research co-authored by The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) found that a major type of marine species can adapt to ocean acidification. Considered a major breakthrough in marine biology research, the findings were recently published in the prestigious academic journal Nature Climate Change.

Researchers led by Osaka University report the development of INCIDER, a fluorescent sensor system that enables high-contrast microscopic imaging of temporal changes in cellular interactions mediated by the N-cadherin molecule. This sensor system, which emits much brighter fluorescence than the currently used system while detecting these interactions, is expected to have a wide range of applications in developmental biology, neuroscience, and other fields.

In baseball, even the smallest detail can tip the scales in favor of the batter or the pitcher. A recent publication has highlighted how rosin powder helps maintain a more constant friction when pitching, something that could bring about a fairer playing field in Major League Baseball.

A research team led by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has invented an all-water robotic system that resolves the constraints of bio-inspired robots through revolutionary scientific advances.

Understanding how bats tolerate viral infections, Material separates water from...water, The virtual sense of touch polished to next level and COVID-19 negatively impacted early-careers and female researchers. Read all in the December's Editor's Choice.

A study by Osaka University has shown that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, which included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and mental disorders, increased after the Fukushima disaster and the COVID-19 outbreak. These findings emphasize the importance of improving post-disaster health promotion strategies and recommendations.

Researchers led by Osaka University generated a time-stamping method to trace the development and survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Using a mouse model in which plasma cells were fluorescently labeled in an inducible manner, they found that plasma cells were continuously replenished by new cells, a small portion of which differentiated into long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs). These findings may aid in the development of new vaccines that efficiently induce LLPCs.

Training individuals to inhibit imitation of others increases empathy and allows them to recognize facial expressions in others regardless of their situations.

Using cryogenic electron microscopy, a research team from the Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (ReCAP) at Osaka Metropolitan University has revealed, for the first time, the structures and binding environments of pigments bound to a protein called a photosynthetic antenna of the marine green macroalga Codium fragile. The team’s results extend our knowledge about the molecular mechanism by which blue-green light—the only light available in deep seawater—is efficiently utilized for photosynthesis.

- Time Energy Solution Co., Ltd. develops a general consumer-friendly hydrogen fuel generator (Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generator) - Wins CES 2023 Award for Innovation in ‘Sustainability, Eco Design & Smart Energy’ with ‘Eco-friendly Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generator’

- DGIST Professor Suh Byung-chang's research team identified the regulation mechanism of calcium channels, which are important for signal transmission between nerve cells - A new clue to the development of substances for treating mental and neurological diseases

- DGIST Professor Lee Hong-Kyung's joint research team develops convection-induced new concept electrolyte through magnetic nanoparticles, dramatically improving the lifespan of next-generation lithium metal batteries - Recognized for its excellence, selected as the cover study in the prestigious international journal ‘Advanced Functional Materials’

- Discovery of potential treatment target networks for gene dysregulation uniquely found in patients with autism spectrum disorder - Published in ‘Molecular Psychiatry,’ an international journal of molecular psychiatry

- Identifying the entire genome of the primitive fish, little skate, and proposing the molecular mechanism for the evolution of movement - Joint Research of DGIST · Seoul National University · New York University Medical School... Published in SCI-level journals

- DGIST Joint Team of Professors Kim Hoe-joon and Hong Seon-ki developed high-efficiency piezoelectric energy harvesting technology using materials harmless to humans - Attachable to body, generates energy and diagnoses exercise posture... Published in the November issue of ‘Nano Energy’

- DGIST Professor Jin Kyong-hwan’s research team develops algorithm that has 3dB higher resolution than existing algorithms and compatible with various warping domains - Published in ‘ECCV’, an academic journal with global authority in the field of vision technology

A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University has discovered that 2,5-distyrylpyrazine (DSP) crystals undergo a unique photoreaction. Normally, photoreactive color changes proceed uniformly throughout photomechanical molecular crystals, so that all parts of each crystal change color at the same time. However, when light shines evenly on a DSP crystal, the photoreaction propagates from edge to center, deviating from conventional photochemistry models. The group found that this phenomenon was caused by a surface effect and a cooperative effect, which make reactivity extremely high for molecules at the crystal’s edge and those adjacent to molecules that have already changed color.

Researchers at The University of Tokyo show how including the effects of the surrounding water during the aggregation of charged particles can improve the accuracy of simulations, which may help elucidate biological self-assembly

Revelations about the mechanisms of two key proteins which maintain the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within the cell membrane could help understand and treat diseases linked to its imbalance

Scientists investigate how genes in some insects can influence one another to change their expression depending on environmental conditions.

A new coating for tiny packages called liposomes could allow them to carry vaccines and drugs into and around the body more safely.

Silencing the gene, called WWP2, in patients in the early stages of cardiomyopathy could delay progression to heart failure by controlling immune cell infiltration and activation, and halting the formation of excessive scar tissue, preclinical data suggest.