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Hokkaido University


Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers

Scientists at Lund University and Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized 2D gold monolayers with remarkable thermal stability and potential catalytic utility. The team used a novel bottom-up approach combined with high-performance computations to create macroscopically large gold monolayers with unique nanostructured patterns.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Sorghum's bioactive compounds could improve modern diets

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered unique lipids in sorghum that have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests that incorporating sorghum into diets could promote cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolic health.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

A holy grail found for catalytic alkane activation

Hokkaido University researchers have developed a novel method to activate alkanes, making it easier to convert these building blocks into valuable compounds. The new technique utilizes confined chiral Brønsted acids, improving efficiency and selectivity in producing desired products.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Syrian hamsters reveal genetic secret to hibernation

Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a key gene, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), that enables Syrian hamsters to survive extreme cold by limiting cellular damage. The discovery could lead to new treatments for human health, such as improving organ preservation and using hypothermia as a therapeutic tool.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024

Climate change may lead to shifts in vital Pacific Arctic fisheries

Climate change is expected to shift the distribution of eight commercially important marine fish and invertebrate species northwards due to warmer water temperatures and loss of sea ice habitat. This could lead to changes in the abundance and economic viability of fisheries, with some species potentially benefiting while others decline.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2024

Shaping nanoparticles with enzymes

Scientists at Hokkaido University have created a new technique for building nanoparticles using enzymes, enabling the production of various nanomaterials with controlled size and properties. This method has potential applications in technology, medicine, and quantum computing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge ash

A new method recovers phosphorus from sewage sludge ash through chemical and heat treatment, providing a valuable resource for industries. The process can be implemented with lower energy requirements and costs than conventional technologies, making it an attractive solution for addressing the depletion of phosphorus ores.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Ocean currents threaten to collapse Antarctic ice shelves

A new study reveals that meandering ocean currents and the ocean floor induce upwelling velocity, transporting warm water to shallower depths, contributing to rapid melting of Antarctic ice shelves. This process poses a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide due to rising global sea levels.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2024

Lipids with potential health benefits in herbal teas

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified 341 different molecular species of lipids in four types of herbal tea, which may contribute to the teas' health benefits. The study reveals significant variations in lipids among the teas, with some containing novel short-chain fatty acid esters and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2024

New route to recyclable polymers from plants

Researchers have created a method to make fully recyclable polymers from plant cellulose, which can replace some plastics and reduce plastic pollution. The new polymers have various structures that offer different applications, including high-performance materials for optical, electronic, and biomedical uses.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Key protein linked to immune disorders

Researchers found that STAP-1 plays a crucial role in activating T cells, which are white blood cells critical to defending against infections and maintaining overall health. The study suggests that STAP-1 may be involved in the development of immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and asthma.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

Light stimulates a new twist for synthetic chemistry

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new category of molecules that can undergo internal rotation on interaction with light, opening possibilities for photochemical switching functions and bioactive molecules. This breakthrough could lead to precisely targeted applications in biological systems and eventual therapeutic p...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Modeling tree masting

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed new computer-based models of masting to understand its effects on ecosystems and food webs. The models predict that masting can affect tree mortality, population dynamics, and animal-forest interactions, with implications for mitigating negative impacts of climate change.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEcological Modelling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024

Mitochondrial activation in transplanted cells promotes regenerative therapy for heart healing

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a technique to promote cardiac regeneration by activating mitochondrial function in transplanted cells. The study found that activated mitochondria improved cardiac function and suppressed myocardial fibrosis, suggesting a new approach for treating severe heart failure.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Gas on the run – ALMA spots the shadow of a molecular outflow from a quasar when the Universe was less than one billion years old

Researchers observed molecular gas outflow from quasar J2054-0005 using ALMA, revealing suppression of star formation in its host galaxy. The findings confirm theoretical predictions and provide strong evidence for powerful molecular gas outflows in early Universe quasars.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss

Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2024

New technology makes cancer easier for immune system to find and destroy

A new CRISPR-based technology, TRED-I, has been developed to increase visibility of cancer cells to the immune system by augmenting MHC class I molecules. This technology has shown promising results in animal cancer models, reducing tumor sizes and enhancing treatment efficacy when used with existing immunotherapy.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Cancer GPS method evaluates model tumor malignancy

A new cancer GPS method uses a water-soluble, luminescent europium complex to evaluate the malignancy grade of model glioma tumor cells without causing harm. The method measures changes in the lifetime of the complex's red-light emission, revealing differences in tumor activity and growth processes between different malignancy grades.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

The first domino falls for redox reactions

Researchers have successfully transmitted a domino effect in redox reactions for the first time. The new mechanism involves a two-part molecule that undergoes structural changes upon oxidation, triggering further oxidation in neighboring groups. This discovery has potential applications in nanoscale computing and energy systems.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Turning plastic trash into chemistry treasure

A team at Hokkaido University has developed a method to reuse plastic waste while improving process safety and efficiency. The approach uses common plastic materials to initiate radical chain reactions, detoxifying hazardous chemicals and reducing toxicity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 24, 2023

A new bacterial species from a hydrothermal vent throws light on their evolution

A new bacterial species, Hydrogenimonas cancrithermarum, discovered at a deep-sea hydrothermal vent site provides insights into bacterial evolution. The strain represents the first mesophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium in its genus, expanding physiological and metabolic characteristics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Cancer stem cells trigger macrophage aging

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cancer stem cells cause macrophages to age, suppressing their antitumor activity. Supplementing mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide restored macrophage function and prevented tumor growth.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries could be produced at low temperatures

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has developed a new method to synthesize layered lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) at low temperatures, reducing synthesis time from hours to minutes. The hydroflux process produces crystalline LiCoO2 with properties only marginally inferior to commercially available materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023

Marine bacteria take a bite at plastic pollution

Researchers at Hokkaido University found a bacterium that can break down the eco-friendly polymer polybutylene succinate in marine environments. The discovery of the enzyme PBSase has the potential to improve recycling technologies and develop new marine biodegradable polymers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

Shining a light on tiny, solar-powered animals

A study by Hokkaido University researchers has discovered a wide diversity of symbiotic, photosynthetic microalgae associated with small, worm-like animals called acoels. Acoels form relationships with single-celled microalgae, storing them below their outer surface and creating energy using sunlight.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Carbon atoms coming together in space

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a mechanism for carbon atoms to come together on the surface of interstellar ice grains, producing complex organic molecules. This process occurs at temperatures above 30 Kelvin and may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023