Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered that elusive neutrinos can interact with photons in ways not previously detected under extreme conditions. This finding has implications for understanding quantum mechanical interactions of fundamental particles and may help reveal details of the solar corona heating puzzle.
A machine learning model has been developed to distinguish the composition ratio of solid mixtures of chemical compounds using only photographs. The model was trained on a small dataset and achieved accuracy roughly twice that of human experts.
Researchers have discovered that estrogen promotes tumor growth in ERα-negative cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Anti-estrogenic therapies, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, drastically suppress tumor progression in mice models.
Researchers found that nematode worm larvae can leap through the air and attach themselves to passing insects when exposed to certain electric fields. They observed dauer larvae consistently moving towards the lid of a petri dish, some reaching it in a fraction of a second.
Scientists have successfully created macro-rotaxanes with multicyclic wheels, which hold long molecular chains together to modify the properties of soft polymers. These new structures offer improved damping efficiency and potential applications in next-generation polymers and molecular computing.
A research team from Hokkaido University has found an exceptionally preserved fossil forest of Wataria parvipora, which was predominantly accompanied by Byttneriophyllum leaves. The discovery helps reconstruct a whole Eurasian plant from the late Miocene epoch and sheds light on the taxonomic identity of plants.
Researchers at Hokkaido University unveil unprecedented carrier protein-mediated ring-forming step in actinopyridazone biosynthesis. The dihydropyridazinone ring is formed through a novel machinery involving Apy3, Apy4, and Apy6 proteins.
Researchers from Hokkaido University developed a centralized, interactive platform to explore and analyze chemical reaction pathways. The Searching Chemical Action and Network (SCAN) platform utilizes AFIR calculations to provide an interactive reaction pathway map that can be searched and viewed.
A study published in Cancers found that a combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is effective against oral malignant melanomas in dogs. The treatment strategy increased overall survival time compared to immunotherapy alone. Researchers are now exploring the optimal protocol for this therapy to increase its effectiveness.
Scientists from Hokkaido University propose a cheap and effective alternative for monitoring glacial runoff by analyzing audible sounds generated at the proglacial run-off site. The method has shown promising results in detecting changes in glacier discharge with high accuracy.
Researchers have identified a new group of mitochondrial viruses confined to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomeromycotina, which may represent an ancestral lineage of mitoviruses. These large duamitoviruses possess distinct characteristics and are globally distributed in ecological niches occupied by glomeromycotinian fungi.
A research team at Hokkaido University has developed a system to deliver antioxidants to mitochondria in the liver, reducing oxidative stress and damaging caused by ROS. The system, called CoQ10-MITO-Porter, was found to be more effective when downsized particles were used.
Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.
Acylceramides and protein-bound ceramides play a vital role in forming the oral barrier, similar to their function in the skin. Researchers found that these molecules protect against pathogens, chemicals, and allergens in mice.
Hokkaido University researchers evaluate a material used to build model arteries, finding it suitable for medical education and surgical practice. The study also highlights the potential for improved assessment of 3D printing technology in creating highly accurate models of individual patient's artery structure.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simplified Birch reduction method that avoids liquid ammonia and can be carried out in ambient air, making it faster and more eco-friendly. The mechanochemical approach uses a ball mill to break through the surface layer on lithium metal, enabling the Birch reduction to proceed.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kyushu University have developed a technique to synthesize potential molecular switches from anthraquinodimethanes (AQDs), a group of overcrowded organic molecules. The synthesized derivatives can stably form twisted and folded isomers, as well as other isomeric forms, in different solvents.
Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.
Scientists have detected uracil and nicotinic acid in asteroid Ryugu samples collected by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. The discovery suggests that important building blocks for life were created in space and delivered to Earth via meteorites, supporting current theories on the source of nucleobases.
A recent study published in The Science of Nature found that parasites and body condition are crucial factors in determining the vulnerability of fish to angling. The research revealed that fish with high body condition and parasites, as well as those with low body condition but no parasites, were less likely to be caught by anglers.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered itaconate's modulatory effect on T helper and T regulatory cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found that itaconate inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell development, reducing disease symptoms in mice models.
Chemists have developed a high-performance catalyst specifically designed for solid-state mechanochemical synthesis, achieving efficient reactivity at near room temperature. The approach uses a metal catalyst attached to a long polymer molecule, which traps the catalyst in a fluid-phase, enabling fast and energy-efficient reactions.
Gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9 lipid nanoparticles has been shown to be highly effective in reducing target protein expression in mice. The new delivery system increases the efficiency of in vivo gene therapy, paving the way for safe and effective treatment.
Researchers at Hokkaido University used hydrogel materials in combination with neural stem cells to grow new brain tissue in areas of brain damage. The study showed that immune cells and blood vessels grew within the hydrogels, leading to some degree of integration between the hydrogel and host brain tissue.
A research team at Hokkaido University has created a stable and effective solid-state electrochemical thermal transistor that can control heat flow with electrical signals. The device outperforms current liquid-state thermal transistors in terms of stability and efficiency.
A new mathematical model uses wastewater samples to predict COVID-19 cases five days in advance, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA with high sensitivity. The approach could help authorities tailor infection control policies when clinical surveillance is lacking.
Research reveals hydrothermal vents as a previously undiscovered source of dissolved black carbon in the oceans, transporting it thousands of kilometers away. This discovery sheds light on the ocean's role as a carbon sink and provides insights into the formation of recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon.
Researchers developed a 'scanning and direct derivatization' method to target polymyxin, an antibiotic of last resort, for treating diseases resistant to conventional drugs. The method generated hundreds of peptide derivatives with varying effects, accelerating drug development.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...
Researchers developed a machine learning model using advanced 2D chemical descriptors to predict highly selective asymmetric catalysts without quantum chemical computations. The model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting catalyst structures and selectivity, outperforming existing methods.
Scientists have developed a technique to detect RNA structures in live cells, shedding light on the role of G-quadruplexes in neurodegenerative diseases. The method uses fluorescent spectroscopy and resolves existing limitations in studying these structures in real-time.
Dimethyl sulfide levels have increased in Arctic air over the past five decades, according to a study led by Hokkaido University. The team tracked the rise in emissions through measurements of methane sulfonic acid in Greenland ice cores, finding higher levels between 2002 and 2014.
A new analysis of seismic data recorded after the Tonga eruption has revealed two distinct sequences of events, including quasi-periodic explosions and a massive final event. The study used back-projection techniques to tease out details from teleseismic P waves, shedding light on the volcano's internal dynamics.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hybrid hydrogel combining natural squid tissues with synthetic polymers, exhibiting hierarchical anisotropy and toughness.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new pathway to forming presolar grains, which could help scientists better understand the interstellar environment and develop more efficient nanoparticles. The study suggests that these grains formed through a non-classical nucleation pathway, involving three distinct steps.
A study found that Ezo red foxes and Japanese raccoon dogs infected with HPAI virus had different outcomes due to varying diets. The fox died, while the raccoon dog survived but suffered damage to its eyes. The findings suggest that monitoring programs should be expanded to understand HPAI ecology and identify risk factors.
Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new class of antibacterial compounds targeting MraY, effective against MRSA and VRE. The findings provide a promising lead for the development of more effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Inhibiting imitation of others can increase understanding of others by allowing them to recognize facial expressions in others regardless of their situations. Imitation-inhibition training has been shown to enhance the ability to distinguish between oneself and others, as well as increase empathy.
A study by Hokkaido University reveals that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has caused more frequent heavy rainfall in the Mekong Delta, resulting in increased flooding risk. The findings suggest that better weather predictions and preparation can help mitigate the negative effects of floods and droughts in the region.
Researchers demonstrate the expanded use of a computational method called AFIR, predicting pericyclic reactions with accurate stereoselectivity based on target product molecule information. The technique successfully handles molecules up to 52 atoms and predicts stereochemistry for reactions that break Woodward-Hoffman rules.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a novel sex-determination mechanism in the Amami spiny rat, a species lacking the Y chromosome and Sry gene. The mechanism involves the upregulation of Sox9 gene on chromosome 3, induced by a new regulatory element similar to Enh14.
A new model reveals that warmer Arctic Ocean evaporation transports moisture south, leading to increased snowfall in northern Eurasia. The study sheds light on the mechanism of this phenomenon and its impact on severe weather events.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simple radical-based reaction to create unsymmetric variants of molecular compounds used in transition metal catalysts. This method opens up new avenues for designing catalysts and utilizes abundant ethylene feedstock.
A team of researchers discovered that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in driving granulopoiesis, a process formation of granulocytes, in mice models. The study found that alterations in the gut microbiome composition induced by neutropenia stimulate reactive granulopoiesis via interleukin 17A secreted by T cells, promoting neu...
Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel branched ionizable lipid that significantly increases the efficiency of mRNA delivery by LNPs. The new lipid, CL4F 8-6, was found to enhance protein expression in mice and achieve stable formulations.
A study reveals that interleukin 34 (IL-34) modulates the balance between two myeloid-derived suppressor cell populations, leading to immunosuppression and chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Neutralizing IL-34 with a drug reduces tumor growth and susceptibility to chemotherapy.
A europium-based thin-film coating has been developed to convert UV light to red light, accelerating plant growth. The technology was tested on Swiss chard plants and Japanese larch trees, showing a 1.2-1.4 times greater plant height and biomass in winter conditions.
Researchers from Hokkaido University have identified a link between succinyl-CoA levels and energy metabolism in heart cells affected by chronic heart failure. Supplementation with 5-aminolevulinate acid improved heart function and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in mice with surgically blocked blood supply.