Chinese graduate students contribute to Japanese universities in multiple ways, expanding research agendas and enhancing global visibility. They also serve as academic conduits, influencing peers and shaping international networks.
A new review by the University of East London found no direct evidence showing whether domestic gardens reduce pollution levels or improve household air quality. Despite covering vast areas of Britain's towns and cities, researchers discovered a huge gap in understanding the role of domestic gardens on air quality.
A cross-sectional study investigates whether the time of day for influenza vaccination affects its effectiveness in preventing subsequent infections. The study found that vaccinations given later in the day may be less effective than those administered at other times.
Research on interfacial thermal transport in 2D heterostructures reviews recent advances and outlines future research directions. The authors argue that interfaces should be regarded as tunable thermal functional units, enabling active thermal management through device design.
Researchers analyzed genomic data from over 72,000 Han Taiwanese participants to identify genomic signatures of ongoing natural selection and uncover disease-associated genetic variants. The study reveals that large biobanks can function not only as tools for precision medicine but also as platforms for examining modern human evolution.
A study of 997,701 ED visits in Alberta and Ontario found a significant association between wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and a 6% increase in ED visits for migraine and primary headache syndromes. Associations were attenuated in less deprived areas, suggesting that wildfire-sourced PM2.5 may trigger severe headache episodes requiring ED care.
The UK is leading the development of one of the core instruments of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, a mission to search for Earth-like planets and study their atmospheres. The observatory aims to answer whether we are alone in the universe with technological advances and scientific breakthroughs.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
The US and China have distinct advantages in different domains, with the US lacking efficient translational infrastructure and China building a more efficient biomedical development engine. The conversation will address areas of collaboration and competition in biopharmaceutical innovation.
Emerging non-endocytic delivery strategies enable direct cytosolic delivery of proteins, nucleic acids, and gene-editing tools, providing new opportunities for biomedical therapies. The review discusses their application prospects in gene therapy, macromolecular drug delivery, and cellular engineering.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a practical imaging technique to visualize surface plasmon polaritons, electromagnetic waves traveling along metal surfaces. The method uses quantum dots to create sensitizers that can capture images of the waves under normal laboratory conditions.
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecule that strengthens hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a key muscle-repair signal. The compound, lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS), enhances HGF's binding affinity for satellite cells, restoring its ability to repair muscle fibers and counteracting age-related muscle loss.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge solved the puzzle of why stimulating and blocking a specific 'switch' in the brain can help people lose weight. By targeting distinct regions of the brain, they found that GIPR agonists suppress appetite, while GIPR antagonists boost weight loss by releasing a 'brake'.
A new study reveals that green cryptocurrencies are better at transmitting volatility compared to traditional green assets, offering limited hedging effectiveness. Portfolio analysis shows that Cardano and Stellar are key drivers of volatility, while green bonds and ESG investments absorb disturbances.
A new oral antiviral drug candidate, GHP-88310, efficiently blocks both forms of viral spread and shortens the time period infected animals can transmit the virus. The study demonstrates the drug's suitability to augment traditional ring vaccination against measles.
Recent research suggests Venus is geologically active, with evidence of recent rifting and volcanic activity. Computer models indicate that rift flanks can form along the edges of rift valleys, widening rapidly over time.
Researchers at HKUST develop a biocompatible chemical reaction to create targeted anticancer prodrugs, enabling precise drug activation in cancer cells. The breakthrough uses the EBB group and gold catalysts, offering a promising strategy for reducing collateral toxicity.
A new study reveals sericin is an active conductor that directs the self-assembly of silk fibroin into ordered nanofibrils through liquid-liquid phase separation. This discovery fundamentally revises the textbook view of sericin and its role in natural fibers, opening doors to engineering materials with similar architectures.
By coating extracellular vesicles with metal ions, cells can recognize and capture their own vesicles more strongly, improving liquid biopsies and aiding in drug delivery, rejuvenation, and more. This technique amplifies signals indicating cancer cells by a factor of 10,000, making single cells detectable even in large samples.
Researchers have found that a combination of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab helps patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer live longer while reducing the risk of recurrence after surgery. Nearly 80% of patients who received this treatment remained free of disease progression, recurrence, or death two years after treatment began.
Scientists at La Trobe University discovered lipid droplets play a critical role in the body's early detection and defence against viruses. The study found these fatty structures can stop viruses from spreading by changing their structure and signalling to the immune system.
A new genetic framework, Behçet's spectrum disorders (BSD), maps out diverse inflammatory conditions united by shared immune pathways. The two-tiered classification aids in early recognition and genetic screening for children with unexplained fevers and gut inflammation.
A comprehensive review reveals a crucial role of CHD proteins in regulating gene activity during heart development. The study identifies specific members of the protein family linked to different stages of cardiac development, providing a unifying framework for understanding congenital heart defects.
A scientific review of 31 studies on vegan pet diets found they are generally well digested by dogs and cats. Nutritionally sound vegan options provide all essential nutrients, reducing the risk of nutrient absorption issues.
Christian P. Robert is recognized for his work on modern Bayesian statistics and computation, transforming Bayesian analysis into a practical framework. His books and research have educated generations of statisticians and strengthened the connection between theory and practice.
Researchers designed a novel organic-inorganic composite electrolyte to improve lithium metal batteries' safety, reliability, and electrochemical performance. The asymmetric quasi-solid-state composite electrolyte reduces internal short-circuit risks and enhances overall battery life.
Scientists develop a new palladium-polyoxometalates cluster catalyst, Pd-PMo10V2, which enhances the selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone. The catalyst achieves high phenol conversion rates and maintains structural integrity through multiple cycles.
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and polyoxometalate-based MOFs (POMOFs) have been shown to selectively activate inert C-H bonds, overcoming long-standing challenges in organic synthetic chemistry. POMOFs enable ultrafast electron injection and generate reactive oxygen species with high selectivity.
Researchers used reinforcement learning to control wave energy converters, generating up to 13.9% more energy with improved efficiency and stability. The approach uses short-term wave forecasts to adapt in real-time, avoiding the need for precise models.
Researchers discovered that a small magnetic field switches CeTe₃ between striped and checkerboard electronic patterns. The material's unique properties allow it to adopt multiple competing patterns, which can be manipulated with magnetism.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Linda Crnic Institute discovered unique biological processes altered among individuals with Down syndrome who have different sets of co-occurring conditions. The findings mark an important step toward personalized treatment, enabling future targeted therapies and improved health outcomes.
Researchers found that chemotherapy triggers an inflammatory cascade recruiting immune cells to protect the tumor, leading to chemoresistance. Blocking this pathway with existing drugs may restore chemotherapy sensitivity.
Researchers at KAIST have created an antibody that precisely targets intracellular cancer mutations using computational methods. The antibody selectively recognizes only cancer cells carrying the KRAS(G12D) mutation, demonstrating its potential for precision antibody therapeutics.
Researchers demonstrated a dual-use laser system capable of wirelessly transmitting power over long distances and rapidly transitioning to perform defensive missions. The test showcased the system's ability to provide remote power delivery while maintaining its original mission as a directed-energy defense capability.
A clinical case study demonstrates that heterovirulence, a simultaneous presence of subpopulations with different levels of virulence, can lead to the emergence of increasingly virulent subpopulations. This process can occur in seemingly harmless reservoirs, such as urinary tract infections, and contribute to the spread of infection wi...
During early simulated microgravity, cerebral blood flow changes are closely associated with upstream macrovascular hemodynamics in internal carotid and vertebral arteries. The study found that regional cerebral blood flow alterations are independently predicted by vertebral artery hemodynamic parameters.
Researchers identified endotrophin as a biological marker that rises and falls with changes in body fat, reflecting changes in metabolic health. The study suggests endotrophin could serve as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for reducing obesity-related health risks.
New research suggests that Europa's shallow water reservoirs are unlikely to contain water from the deep ocean. The route from deep ocean to surface is probably much more difficult than scientists assumed, with turbulent water rising through ice cracks leading to freezing and clogging.
Researchers develop novel extracellular vesicle platform that makes bacteria more susceptible to polymyxins, enabling lower and safer treatment doses. The platform was shown to enhance bacterial killing and cause minimal toxicity in murine models.
A study found that brain immune cells undergo substantial remodeling in midlife, leading to chronic neuroinflammation and potential dementia risk. The research used advanced single-cell analysis techniques to analyze postmortem hippocampal tissue from 40 healthy adults.
Spotted hyena females show greater reproductive inequality than males due to social rank inheritance, benefiting high-ranking females' offspring. This pattern is reversed when considering grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with females demonstrating greater inequality.
Researchers develop a novel FeN4–Ru6–NiN4@PCA catalyst with atomic-level precision and multiscale electronic modulation for exceptional bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis. The catalyst achieves high ORR half-wave potential and OER, with low bifunctional voltage gap, stability, and methanol tolerance.
Engineers create optimized interfacial energy barrier in NbSe2/WSe2 heterostructure to accelerate charge separation while suppressing dark current. This approach enables high-speed optical imaging with enhanced fidelity, opening a promising route for next-generation optoelectronic devices.
Researchers introduce 'plantymers', plastics that break down naturally in the environment, addressing traditional plastic drawbacks. Plantymers are strong enough to compete with fossil-based plastics, making them suitable for fruit packaging and other applications.
The Journal of Systematics and Evolution (JSE) is launching a special issue on deep sea biodiversity, covering taxonomy, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, and microbial ecology. Researchers worldwide can submit free-access papers with waived page and color charges until January 31, 2027.
Researchers found that even losing one copy of the TBX5 gene can drastically derail heart development due to DNA misfolding. The study reveals a new origin for genetic disease, suggesting that small drops in protein levels can scramble the 3D structure of DNA.
Exceptional points in non-linear systems follow a universal geometric order, according to a new study published in Nature Communications. The findings have implications for the design of highly sensitive sensors and could lead to a deeper understanding of non-Hermitian Physics.
A new study using remote sensing and machine learning found that mining for green technology minerals has unexpected consequences on biodiversity. The research revealed that commodities such as lithium and cobalt have the highest biodiversity risks despite lower levels of forest loss.
A multidisciplinary research framework integrating earth science and environmental engineering is proposed to mitigate the risks of waterborne pathogens. The framework emphasizes real-time detection, numerical simulation, and multi-omics approaches to track pathogens and harmful genes across various media.
Researchers at Kobe University have successfully created a subclass of T cells that can be used across patients and reproduceably turned back into those T cells. These cells attack and shrink human patient-derived colorectal cancer tumors implanted in mice, offering potential for future systemic therapy.
Research finds that one-pedal driving in electric vehicles yields narrower distributions of speed and acceleration when integrated with Adaptive Cruise Control, improving traffic flow stability. However, manual control produces pronounced speed oscillations and sharper decelerations, highlighting the need for automation.
A new US national study by Tulane University's Newcomb Institute found that Americans are reporting experiences of sexual harassment at far higher rates than they did before the #MeToo movement. The share of U.S. adults reporting sexual harassment increased from 10.7% in 2018 to 24.3% in 2024.
The study introduced an interphase activator strategy that couples both processes through one additive, converting native surface species into a reconstructed interphase and regulating the coordination environment in the polymer phase. The optimized electrolyte delivers high ionic conductivity and stability, making it suitable for soli...
Researchers demonstrate phonon focusing at room temperature in boron arsenide, a material with high thermal conductivity. This discovery could improve thermal management in electronics and enable advances in quantum computing technologies.
A new study found that PET/CT scans improved the diagnosis of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in nearly 75% of patients. The study identified predictive markers for a positive scan, including high C-reactive protein and short duration of prior antibiotic therapy.
Researchers developed a platform to move Dirac points in momentum space, allowing for free sound steering. Two fully passive devices were built: a scanning topological antenna and an angle-tunable Klein tunneling device.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for screening, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and follow-up of MAFLD in primary care. Lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and exercise, are recommended to reduce the risk of progression and complications.
Researchers uncover new evidence about the timing and intensity of asteroid bombardment on the Moon's surface, finding it declined gradually rather than a short burst. The discovery allows scientists to reconstruct over three billion years of lunar impact history.
Researchers at Facility for Rare Isotope Beams identified magnetic transitions within the nucleus of zinc-70 as the cause of an unexpected excess of low-energy gamma rays. This discovery sheds light on a long-standing puzzle in nuclear physics and has implications for astrophysics, including the formation of heavy elements.
Direct patient or caregiver prior authorization engagement is associated with adverse outcomes, including delays and suboptimal care. This study may inform future research and intervention development to navigate PA-related administrative burden.