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Institute of Science Tokyo


Making polymers fluoresce with stress

A simple blending strategy enables reversible fluorescence in block copolymers, allowing visualization of mechanical stress without altering material properties. The approach preserves mechanical properties and offers a practical route for stress-sensing functions in existing polymer materials.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Elucidating the underlying mechanism of Atg2-mediated lipid transfer in autophagy

Researchers have discovered the underlying mechanism of Atg2-mediated lipid transfer in autophagy, revealing two distinct mechanisms that enable proper growth of the autophagosomal membrane. The phosphorylation of a specific region of Atg2, mediated by Atg1, enables its binding to the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent lipid transfer.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Why do some proteins accumulate even on protein-resistant surfaces?

A study published in Advanced Materials Interfaces reveals that proteins with exposed arginine residues selectively accumulate on protein-resistant coatings, compromising biocompatibility of medical devices. Researchers developed a new design guideline for predicting and controlling protein corona formation at the molecular level.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2026

A spatially programmable microfluidic chip for multi-stage particle and cell separation

Researchers developed a spatially programmable microfluidic chip for temperature-controlled separation of particles of multiple sizes in a single device. The device successfully separated multiple particle populations and isolated viable cancer cells, white blood cells, and red blood cells from diluted whole blood.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2026

Iron hydride enters an exotic state of matter under Earth’s inner-core conditions

Researchers have discovered that iron hydride may become superionic under Earth's inner-core conditions, with hydrogen moving through a solid iron lattice. This finding provides new insights into the composition and dynamics of Earth's deep interior, and has implications for our understanding of the core's formation and evolution.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2026

Supramolecular nanofibers paired with nanohole substrate improve exciton transport in organic solid

Researchers at Science Tokyo have developed anthracene-based self-assembling nanofibers that enable excitons to migrate hundreds of nanometers, doubling exciton diffusivity. This breakthrough overcomes the limited diffusivity of singlet excitons in organic semiconductors, offering a new strategy for improving optoelectronic technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

The dynamic duo: “Weaving” hierarchical DNA materials with two classes of biomolecular nanomachines

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo and Kyoto University created hierarchical DNA networks using DNA polymerase and kinesin nanomachines. The study demonstrates the importance of active molecular motion in network formation, a step toward materials that assemble and organize themselves like living systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

One-step synthesis of catalysts that turn carbon dioxide into useful methane

A team of researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo has developed a novel, one-step synthesis method for producing highly active nickel-cerium oxide catalysts. These catalysts achieve outstanding methanation performance while being suitable for large-scale production, offering a practical route toward carbon-neutral fuel technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalFuel·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Floating colonies: engineering three-dimensional microbial architectures in liquid cultures

A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

How changing environments can preserve an ancient microbial survival strategy

Researchers found that alternating periods of nutrient-rich conditions and starvation can stabilize a self-destructive survival strategy in yeast, allowing it to persist for hundreds of millions of years. This theory suggests that changing environments play a crucial role in shaping the evolution of complex ecological strategies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2026

Decoding the brain’s timekeeping machinery

Researchers discovered that brain regions switch between shared and independent timing, allowing for flexibility in coordination. This finding provides a new framework for understanding how brain regions communicate and enables the development of brain-inspired artificial intelligence and robotic control systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Reversible switching of chirality in semiconductor material using electrochemistry

A team of researchers from Science Tokyo has developed a new method to reversibly switch the chirality of semiconductor materials using electrochemistry. This innovation enables the creation of spin-polarized currents in layered non-chiral semiconductors, opening up new directions for developing ultrafast and energy-efficient devices.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

Postbiotic foods for improving gum health

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

LiON: A fluorescent molecule for tracking iron and oxygen levels in individual cells

Researchers developed LiON, a fluorescent reporter that visualizes biologically active iron and oxygen inside living cells. The tool revealed striking differences in iron and oxygen distribution across organs and cells, offering new opportunities to study diseases like cancer, liver disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Developing clinical-grade intestinal organoids for regenerative medicine applications

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a novel culture system to produce stable, scalable, and low-cost clinical-grade intestinal organoids from patient biopsy samples. The innovative approach uses clinical-grade collagen and synthetic peptides to enhance growth and improve scalability.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Revealing optical activity in achiral crystals

A team of researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that Raman optical activity can occur in nonmagnetic, centrosymmetric crystals with ferroaxial order, which introduces an internal directional property. This effect depends on the orientation of the crystal and is linked to the direction of internal rotational order.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026