Scientists discovered that radioresistant cancer cells' invasiveness increases following radiotherapy, thanks to upregulated lysosome trafficking. The Arl8b molecule plays a key role in this process, while the BORC complex is required for its interaction with lysosomes.
Researchers from Hokkaido University and the US used computer simulations to show that high pressure can reduce light scattering in silica glass fibers by over 50%. This could enable longer distance data transmission without amplification, revolutionizing global communication.
A study by Hokkaido University scientists found that age is independent of COVID-19 susceptibility, but age-dependent factors contribute to severe symptoms and higher mortality rates. The researchers modeled data from Japan, Spain, and Italy to demonstrate this point.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that carbon-carbon covalent bonds can expand and contract flexibly, a new phenomenon that could confer unique properties on organic compounds. The study found that these flexible bonds exhibit reversible expansion and contraction in response to external stimuli.
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive brain cancer with low five-year survival rate due to rapid development of radioresistance. Researchers from Hokkaido University and Stanford University identified Rab27b and epiregulin as key molecules contributing to radioresistance.
Research by Hokkaido University scientists finds that warming waters and sea ice-free conditions in the Pacific Arctic will lead to significant changes in marine community compositions. Larger fish and invertebrates are expected to expand their ranges towards the pole, altering ecosystem structure and functions.
Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a saliva test that detects asymptomatic COVID-19 cases with high sensitivity and specificity. The study found that saliva samples can accurately identify infected individuals without symptoms, reducing the risk of viral transmission to healthcare workers.
A study of genetic variation across populations has found no significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and severity. Preexisting medical conditions, individual histories, and environmental factors are more likely contributors to morbidity and mortality.
The ISMIP6 study used 14 models to estimate changes in Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets under different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. By 2100, the GrIS may raise sea levels by 4-14 cm, while the AIS could decrease or increase sea level by 7.8-30 cm.
A team of scientists has unraveled the molecular basis underlying colorectal cancer by discovering how mutations in RNF43 activate the Wnt signaling pathway. This finding provides potential treatment options for certain types of colorectal cancer.
Macrophage activation syndrome plays a key role in COVID-19's cytokine storm, which causes systemic hyperinflammation. Researchers found that therapies targeting IL-6 and TNFα show promise in reducing severity of the disease.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in untreated wastewater samples from two treatment plants in Louisiana, USA. The virus was only found in untreated waste and not in treated wastewater, indicating standard processing may remove or destroy the virus.
A Japanese expedition has identified a surprising melting hotspot in East Antarctica, with ice beneath Shirase Glacier Tongue melting at an alarming rate of 7-16 meters per year. This finding could significantly impact predictions of sea level rise and climate change, as the Antarctic ice sheet is Earth's largest freshwater reservoir.
A study by Hokkaido University scientists found that Interleukin-34 is a prognostic marker and drug target for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. High levels of IL-34 were associated with poor prognosis in TNBC patients.
A new modular iridium catalyst allows unprecedented control over fatty acid derivative modification, enabling the production of valuable compounds from renewable resources. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for pharmaceuticals and plastics synthesis.
A team of scientists from Hokkaido University has successfully developed an adsorption-extraction technique to efficiently detect SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater. This breakthrough method, using a surrogate virus like murine hepatitis virus, offers a fast and economical way to track the spread of COVID-19 at a larger scale.
The study found that nutrient-poor water is pooled in the intermediate layer, allowing for vertical mixing and transport of nutrients to the surface. This process helps maintain high biological productivity in the subarctic Pacific region.
Scientists have discovered a correlation between high blood lead levels in children and increased methylation of DNA, which affects gene expression. This finding reveals a previously unknown mechanism for lead poisoning and its devastating effects on children's health.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that mimics the human brain's dynamic memory function, encoding information that fades with time depending on intensity. The hydrogel's memory system can be programmed by temperature and learning time, allowing for stable memory establishment and controlled forgetting processes.
Scientists have found that heating interstellar organic matter can produce abundant water and oil, challenging the cometary origin theory of terrestrial water. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used chemical reagents to mimic interstellar organics and demonstrated the formation of water droplets at high temperatures.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that inflammatory changes in tumors caused by chemotherapy trigger drug resistance in blood vessels, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes. The team also discovered a treatment strategy involving the combination of an ABCB1 inhibitor and anticancer drugs to overcome this resistance.
A significant loss of intestinal goblet cells following allogeneic stem cell transplantation leads to bacterial invasion and poor prognosis. Administering IL-25 prior to transplantation can significantly reduce bacterial invasion by maintaining the mucus layer.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized a non-natural fluorinated amino acid using a novel computer-assisted method. The Artificial Force Induced Reaction (AFIR) method predicts feasible reaction pathways, significantly reducing synthesis time and cost, with yields of up to 99.99%.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a novel, silica-supported catalyst that enables efficient propane dehydrogenation without catalyst deactivation. The catalyst maintains high propylene selectivity and stability even at temperatures above 600°C.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed an adenovirus that specifically replicates in and kills cancer cells using RNA-stabilizing elements. The virus, AdARET, was found to be effective against a range of cancer types, including those without a mutated RAS gene.
A team of researchers found that dinosaur skulls from northern Alaska belong to the genus Edmontosaurus, not a newly proposed genus. The discovery suggests these plant-eating dinosaurs existed over a broad range, extending from northern Colorado to the Arctic.
The study found that global mean climate velocities in the deepest ocean layers have been 2-4 times faster than at surface over the past 20th century. Climate velocities are projected to continue accelerating even under strong greenhouse gas emission mitigation scenarios, posing significant threats to deep sea biodiversity.
A recent review paper highlights the potential of using wastewater to monitor COVID-19, detecting low levels of virus particles and asymptomatic cases. The method offers several advantages over clinical testing, but challenges include a lack of standardized protocols and knowledge on viral decay in water environments.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a new method to detect anti-avian influenza virus antibody, which could be used to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The technology uses a portable fluorescence polarization analyzer that can examine multiple samples and detect the antibody in just 20 minutes.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a paper-based device to measure lithium ion concentration in blood, which can help treat bipolar disorder patients. The device is user-friendly, low-cost, and comparable in detection ability to conventional instruments.
Researchers propose a molecular mechanism that causes COVID-19's most destructive complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), through a massive release of proinflammatory cytokines triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus's entry into human cells via ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 enzyme.
Researchers fabricate crystal that flips back and forth in response to lighting conditions, enabling complex task prosecution. The discovery sheds light on the arrangement of azobenzene molecules within the crystal, which plays a crucial role in initiating the periodic behavior.
Researchers found that atmospheric tidal waves formed from solar heating on the planet's dayside and cooling on its nightside maintain Venus' super-rotation. The study also reveals a dual circulation system that transports heat across the globe.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a lipid gradient in tears that helps form and maintain the tear film's inner liquid layer and outer lipid layer. This finding could lead to new treatments for dry eye disease by targeting the lipid layer.
Researchers found that exercise only improves muscle strength when specific muscle cells age, report Hokkaido University scientists. A cell-aging drug combined with exercise restored FAP aging and improved muscle function and regeneration in mice with chronic inflammatory myopathy.
Researchers developed a novel technique to study how deformed microtubules affect their function, shedding light on traumatic brain injuries and Parkinson's disease. Microtubules, like train tracks, transport molecular cargo, but become deformed in certain diseases.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kao Corporation discovered that bound water on cotton surfaces causes cross-linking between single fibers, leading to stiffness. The study used atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the bound water's unique properties.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have found that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can selectively separate gases like propane and propene under real-world conditions. The study reveals that water does not significantly impact the material's performance, contrary to previous theories.
A new study projects significant shifts in fish species distributions due to climate change, with tropical countries losing up to 40% of their species by 2100. The researchers highlight the need for international cooperation and strict greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable nations.
A protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. Suppressing IL-6 expression can enhance anti-tumor immune functions and improve patient survival.
A study found that HPV vaccination rates dropped significantly after the government's suspension of proactive recommendations, leading to potential 5,000 additional deaths. Restoring high-level political support and proactive recommendations could prevent most of this damage.
A bovine embryo successfully regenerates its placenta-forming cells, demonstrating a high regenerative capacity compared to mice. The study opens up possibilities for genetic testing and breeding cattle with improved qualities.
Researchers found that iPSC-derived thymic epithelium cells can regulate immune response to skin grafts, extending their survival. The introduction of Foxn1 gene helps efficient differentiation of such cells.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a method to grow nanosized semiconductors on a gold surface using a gold butterfly-shaped nanostructure. The approach uses localized heat to trigger hydrothermal synthesis, enabling precise control over semiconductor formation.
Hokkaido University scientists have discovered the missing link in a rare hereditary disease that impairs the skin's barrier function. They found that fatty acid transporter member 4 (FATP4) plays a critical role in synthesizing acylceramides, key skin lipids that prevent water loss and protect against pathogens.
Researchers found that West Nile virus (WNV) inhibits autophagy to induce protein aggregation, leading to cell death and brain inflammation. A drug inducing autophagy can prevent cell death and reduce inflammation.
Researchers successfully used deep-sea osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) to control biomolecular machines over a wide temperature range. TMAO suppresses thermal denaturation of kinesins in a concentration-dependent manner, allowing them to propel microtubules for a prolonged time.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a stacked nanocarbon antenna that makes europium shine brighter than previous designs, with potential to create more efficient photosensitizers. The new design uses low-energy blue light absorption, reducing energy loss and enabling photodynamic therapy applications.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new way to start chemical reactions using mechanical force, eliminating the need for organic solvents. The method, called mechanoredox reaction, generates highly reactive radicals that undergo bond-forming reactions with high efficiency.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that stiffens 1,800-fold when exposed to heat, inspired by thermophilic proteins. The material, composed of polyelectrolyte poly(acrylic acid), transforms from soft to rigid upon heating and can be reversed with cooling.