Researchers analyzed DNA sequences from 169 house shrews to uncover their genetic origins and migration routes. The study suggests that people traded on a larger scale than previously thought, with species from Asia and Africa showing similar genetic traits despite geographical distance.
Researchers found that cell phones distract individuals with lower internet usage, impairing attention and judgment. Heavy internet users, however, use mobile phones as spatial cues to enhance visual search.
Researchers found evidence of stabilizing selection that maintains functional characteristics in ant populations. The study revealed significant genetic differences and limited gene flow among ant populations, suggesting that natural selection acts on important traits while less critical traits diversify over time.
Scientists employed kinesin motor proteins to detect stretching and compressing of soft silicon-based material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The study found that microtubules moved faster and aligned themselves in response to stretching, while slowing down and aligning perpendicular to compression.
Researchers use advanced microscope to observe thin water layers on ice, discovering they don't homogeneously wet the surface. This contradicts conventional wisdom and suggests a metastable transient state formed through vapor growth and sublimation.
Researchers found two snail species in Japan and Russia that use their shells to hit and knock over carabid beetles. This active defense strategy is unique and suggests the importance of predator-prey interactions in animal evolution.
Hokkaido University researchers have identified a key enzyme involved in chlorophyll degradation and the formation of autumn colors. By understanding this process, scientists may uncover novel mechanisms for photosynthesis and discover new enzymes with potential applications.
Scientists have sequenced the entire genome of Xenopus laevis, an African clawed frog that inherited two sets of chromosomes from different species. The study provides insights into vertebrate evolution and sheds light on how tetraploidy emerged in animals.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method for capturing high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the deep structure of skin in living mice. The study reveals that basal cells divide obliquely in thicker skin and parallel in thinner skin, contributing to the maintenance of epidermis thickness
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug used for treating colds can suppress the spread of bladder cancers and reduce chemoresistance in mice. The study identified the metabolic enzyme aldo-keto reductase 1C1 (AKR1C1) as a key player in cancer progression.
A set of all-female hybrid greenling fish has boosted its long-term survivability by switching from one mating species to another. This 'host switch' occurred approximately 2,000 to 20,000 years ago and is thought to be a reason for the hybrids' extended survival.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a versatile method to pattern functionalized nanowires using structure-controllable amyloid peptides. The technique achieved a 67% tandem yield and showed geometrical patterns that can be controlled by adjusting the peptide mix ratio.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that ants have a preference for aphid colonies with certain colors, which allows these bugs to retain their colors through generations. The team discovered that the number of attending ants was highest when green aphids comprised 65% of the colony.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel ferroelectric plastic crystal that can control its electric polarization. The crystal's unique properties make it suitable for applications in non-volatile ferroelectric random-access memory devices.
A research team from Hokkaido University suggests the Cuban solenodon family evolved around 59 million years ago, long after the dinosaur extinction. The species diverged from its ancestor and then traveled to Cuba via water, contradicting earlier theories.
Researchers found that Hawaiian drosophilids had plural continental ancestors, independently migrating to Hawaii at different times. The team discovered 11 non-Hawaiian Scaptomyza species and reconstructed their phylogeny, estimating ancestral distributions and divergence times.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that juvenile songbirds exhibit familial differences in their earliest vocal babblings, suggesting a possible genetic basis for these variations. The findings reveal that the variations are more pronounced among different families and persist even when deafened.
Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed footage of goblin sharks capturing prey using a high-speed jaw projection, called 'slingshot feeding', which propels the jaws at speeds of up to 3.1 meters per second. This adaptation allows the shark to compensate for its slow swimming speed in deep-sea environments where food is scarce.
Hokkaido University researchers have synthesized a platinum-based superconducting material with unique crystal structure, which becomes superconducting at 10 GPa but returns to non-superconductive state at 15 GPa. The high-pressure synthesis method holds promise for further exploration of unknown phases in various materials.
Scientists at Hokkaido University measured eye pressure in sleeping patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome for the first time, discovering an unexpected correlation between the two conditions. This study sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying glaucoma development in patients with OSAS.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a key to understanding molecular evolution in space by revealing the temperature-dependent energy-state conversion of molecular hydrogen on ice surfaces. This finding challenges existing theories and opens new horizons for studying molecular formation and evolution.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new kind of hydrogel that bonds spontaneously and strongly to defected bones. The gel overcomes the problem of bonding with other surfaces by adding hydroxyapatite to its surface.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that biglycan molecule attracts tumor cells to blood vessel walls, facilitating metastasis formation. High biglycan expression linked to poor prognosis in breast, lung, and colorectal cancer patients.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have created light-powered molecular motors that repetitively bend and unbend, bringing us closer to molecular robots. The development enables complex tasks and autonomous chemical reactions, which may lead to applications in medicine and other fields.
Researchers built a gene expression database of a stag beetle species and identified key genes involved in sex determination and differentiation. The study found that the intersex gene plays a crucial role in determining female-specific traits, while the transformer-2 gene affects more than just sex-specific characteristics.
A team of researchers from Hokkaido University found that a receptor, known for its role in mediating dioxin toxicity, also regulates the body's innate immune response to viral infections. The activation of this receptor negatively regulates the production of an antiviral protein called type I interferon.
Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technique to unleash silenced genes, changing cell fates. They used DNA repair mechanism MMEJ with CRISPR/Cas9 to replace off-switches with on-switches, enabling efficient gene expression in cultured cells.
Researchers created a new method to switch strontium cobalt oxide between an insulating state and a metal magnet state at room temperature, enabling double the storage capacity of conventional USB flash drives. This technology could increase mobile phone storage by storing more photos and videos.
Scientists at Hokkaido University found that ARL3 facilitates STAT3 transport into the nucleus, regulating gene expression and cell proliferation. This discovery offers promising candidates for novel therapies targeting STAT3-related diseases.
Scientists at Hokkaido University and Duke University discovered the structure of MraY enzyme and its interaction with natural inhibitor MD2. This finding could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting bacteria.
Researchers discovered that cutting parallel fibres in normal mice results in three distinct phases of degeneration, hypertrophy, and remodelling. In contrast, mice lacking the GluD2 receptor remain stuck in the degenerative phase. This suggests that GluD2 plays a crucial role in regulating nerve regeneration.
Researchers from Hokkaido University developed a new method to track the switching on and off of circadian genes in freely moving mice, enabling the monitoring of gene expression patterns in specific tissues. This technique has significant implications for understanding clock gene function and its effects on mouse behavior.
Scientists discovered a unique tumour-suppressor gene, alternative reading frame (ARF), that remains active in naked mole rat induced pluripotent stem cells. Reprogramming these cells into human-like iPSCs may lead to safer cell-based therapeutics by avoiding tumour formation.
Researchers at Hokkaido University created all-solid-state solar cells that are highly durable and can efficiently convert sunlight into energy. The devices were made using atomic layer deposition and featured a gold nanoparticle antenna.
A new tool by Japanese researchers predicts the risk of Zika virus importation and local transmission for 189 countries, identifying subtropical and tropical nations as high-risk. Countries with a history of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases face the greatest risk of infection.
Researchers found that IL-17A stimulates skin cells to express genes maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment, leading to psoriasis. The study identified NFKBIZ gene as playing a significant role in the IL-17A pathway.
Researchers at Hokkaido University are developing perovskite ceramic capacitors with improved insulating properties. The process involves sintering and annealing the material to exhibit ferroelectricity, a promising dielectric property for multi-layered ceramic capacitors.