Peer Reviewed

A new user-friendly tool helps researchers explore how gene activity is influenced by chemical modifications, providing insights into disease and paths to new treatments.

Molecules that are induced by light to rotate bulky groups around central bonds could be developed into photo-activated bioactive systems, molecular switches, and more.

In a study recently published in the journal SMALL, a weekly peer-reviewed scientific journal covering nanotechnology, published by Wiley-WCH, Germany, researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Japan, collaborating with Professor Sarikaya, Seattle, USA, used frequency modulated atomic force microscopy to reveal the molecular architecture of genetically designed and point mutated peptides and their self-organizations each forming single-molecule thick, distinct biological crystals on atomically flat graphite and MoS2 surfaces, offering a potential platform for hybrid technologies such as bioelectronics, biosensors, and protein arrays.

Researchers from Osaka University found that members of the Japanese public are highly sensitive to perceived threats to collective ownership (for example, threats to national territorial integrity or national sovereignty). However, those who are more liberal in their political beliefs tend to be more sensitive to such perceived threats than conservatives.

research team from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine undertook a detailed examination of the medical validity of deep learning models using post-mortem imaging for diagnosing drowning. The results reveal an inconsistency between the deep learning models’ results and the medical professionals’ observations.

Touch sensors that don’t even need direct contact offer new sensitivity for robotic 3D structure recognition and wireless transmission of data.

Fibre-reinforced composites, prone to internal damage, benefit from fibre hybridisation. Using ductile fibre glass mesh (FGM) in ramie/FGM composites, this study shows improved damage resistance, load-bearing, and deformation capacity.

- Research team developed a high-output friction electrification energy generator operated by wind energy - Nano Technology has published this technological breakthrough for preventing and removing surface contamination on self-generating solar cells using friction electrification power generator

- Dr. Lee Yoon-hee of the DGIST Convergence Research Institute has developed a carbon nanotube transistor for single module research. - Analysis of aptamer-ligand interactions is expected to yield a novel tool poised to revolutionize nanotechnology and molecular biology research

Researchers from Osaka University have found that, after chronic social isolation, one form of ketamine—(R)-ketamine—is effective for restoring neuronal activation in a brain region known as the anterior insular cortex. This restored activation leads to improvements in social impairments in a mouse model of depression. Together, these findings indicate that (R)-ketamine is a promising treatment for social symptoms of depression and may lead to better quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Innovative technology for the comprehensive analysis of membrane protein extracellular interactions.

Researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report in Nature Communications that TMEM16F, a transmembrane protein that facilitates the passive movement of phospholipids and ions across membranes, explores a larger conformational landscape than previously thought to perform its unique functions. The finding refines our molecular understanding of crucial physiological processes such as blood coagulation and COVID-19 pathogenesis, and highlights the importance of probing membrane proteins in native-like environments.

The effects of a phenomenon called tree masting on ecosystems and food webs can be better understood thanks to new theoretical models validated by real world observations.

Regenerative therapy to treat heart failure is more effective when the mitochondria of the regenerative cells are activated prior to treatment.

Metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) single-atom catalysts are a promising type of catalyst that could help provide cost-effective alternatives to platinum-based ones. However, there are still some aspects of their behavior that are misunderstood. To rectify this, a group of researchers delved into the intricacies of M-N-C catalysts, yielding promising results.

In a study recently published in Nature Genetics, researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University explore chromatin accessibility, i.e., endogenous access pathways to the genomic DNA, and its use as a tool for gene editing.

In a step forward for breast cancer treatment, researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel monoclonal antibody which specifically targets a certain type of breast cancer cell.

Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Journal of Cell Science on a novel role of the small Ca2+-binding protein S100A11 in focal adhesion disassembly.

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University assess why post-operative symptoms such as pins and needles, sudden cold, burning, itching, and numbness in the limbs remain in patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy, even after surgery. The researchers also evaluated the patients’ satisfaction with postoperative treatment. They found that it was lower for those who still had paresthesia in their hands and feet, regardless of whether their motor symptoms had improved or not.

Excessive anxiety can lead to psychiatric disorders, but it is an evolutionary trait that has helped us survive by alerting us to potential dangers. Researchers at Tohoku University have investigated how astrocytes within the habenula, a region of the brain associated with emotional processing, can tune anxiety levels.

Researchers from Osaka University found that the oral bacterium Streptococcus gordonii activates another bacterial species, Fusobacterium nucleatum, to produce large quantities of methyl mercaptan, a compound responsible for bad breath. Disrupting this interaction could therefore help treat halitosis, and possibly also help prevent the development of more serious tooth and gum disease.

Researchers from Osaka University and collaborating partners succeeded in biomanufacturing from chemically synthesized sugar for the first time in the world. With refinement of this technology, one can envision a future society in which the sugar required for biomanufacturing can be obtained "anytime, anywhere, and at high rate". In the future, biomanufacturing using chemically synthesized sugar is expected to be a game changer in the biotechnology field—including the production of biochemicals, biofuels, and food, where sugar is an essential raw material—ultimately leading to the creation of a new bio-industry.

An innovative and more efficient way to produce fumaric acid that not only reduces carbon dioxide emissions, but also reuses waste resources to make biodegradable plastics

Researchers from Osaka University have found that gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce so-called ‘bad’ bacteria in the mouths of patients with type 2 diabetes. Notably, this reduction in bacteria was accompanied by improved blood-sugar control in some patients. Given that the oral diseases caused by these bacteria have been linked to many other serious inflammation-associated diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, this simple treatment may have widespread effects.

The properties of supramolecular polymers are dictated by the self-assembled state of the molecules. However, not much is known about the impact of morphologies on the properties of nano- and mesoscopic-scale polymeric assemblies. Recently, a research team demonstrated how terminus-free toroids and random coils derived from the same luminescent molecule show different photophysical properties. The team also presented a novel method for purifying the toroidal structure.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo have solved a foundational problem in transmitting quantum information, which could dramatically enhance the utility of integrated circuits and quantum computing.

Elucidating why some patients with specific joint deformities are symptomatic while others are not

A key innovation in photonic (light-driven) microelectromechanical components could transform computing technology, increasing efficiency while reducing power consumption and chip size.

A study led by Duke-NUS Medical School has found an important connection between cancer, stem cells and the building blocks of cholesterol. Specifically, the research reveals how the enzyme FAXDC2 influences cancer cell growth and differentiation through its role in cholesterol synthesis, suggesting possible new approaches to cancer treatment.

Theoretical predictions have been confirmed with the discovery of an outflow of molecular gas from a quasar when the Universe was less than a billion years old.