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Institute of Science Tokyo


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

How Macau strengthened its typhoon resilience without massive seawalls

A study by researchers at Science Tokyo found that non-structural disaster measures in Macau significantly improved coastal resilience and reduced storm-surge impacts. The city's emphasis on evacuation guidance, communication, monitoring systems, and public awareness helped build trust and reduce disaster impacts.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeSurvey·DateJun 4, 2026

How mechanical stress can accelerate bone destruction in periodontitis

Researchers found that traumatic occlusion combined with periodontitis leads to significant bone loss due to upregulated inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that excessive bite force does not directly cause damage but exacerbates existing dysregulation, making clinical applications of occlusal adjustment in treatment more relevant.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Toward power-generating displays: a single device that harvests and emits light

Researchers have developed a single device that can harvest light and emit bright visible light, achieving high efficiency in both power conversion and electroluminescence. The device uses a novel organic semiconductor material with controlled energy flow, enabling it to operate at standard lithium-ion battery voltages.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

A new strategy for synthesizing polyfunctionalized biaryls without transition-metal catalysts

Researchers develop substrate design strategy to selectively promote benzidine-type sigmatropic rearrangement of nitroarenes, enabling efficient synthesis of polyfunctionalized biaryls. The method achieves high yields without expensive transition-metal catalysts or complex prefunctionalization.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Foldable origami-inspired antennas for CubeSat satellites

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a 5.8 GHz foldable antenna designed to provide high antenna gain while remaining compact enough for small satellites. The system aims to improve communication capabilities of small satellites used in applications such as space-based internet services and disaster monitoring.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

How a key regulatory protein guides cartilage formation during embryonic development

Researchers mapped how Sox9 guides cartilage formation in mouse embryonic limbs, finding that it dynamically targets different genes depending on developmental timing and cell type. The study provides a foundation for understanding skeletal development and may contribute to future research on bone and cartilage diseases.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

How fetal reversion supports intestinal regeneration and preserves stem cells

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo discovered a unique mechanism in which conventional stem cells can temporarily switch into a specialized regenerative state called revival stem cells, driving tissue repair. This process, known as fetal reversion, enables efficient regeneration without exhausting the stem cell pool.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2026

Deep learning model predicts how individual cells influence disease outcomes

A computational method called scSurv links individual cells to patient outcomes using bulk RNA sequencing data, identifying cell populations associated with survival across several cancers. The model estimates the contributions of over 10,000 individual cells to disease risk and prognosis, providing a foundation for precision medicine.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2026

Researchers use NMR, mathematical modelling and simulations to reveal how a tryptophan-rich allosteric communication network helps activate a major drug target receptor

A study using NMR, mathematical modeling and simulations reveals the role of tryptophan-rich residues in activating the human adenosine A2A receptor, a key drug target. The research provides new insights into the mechanisms of GPCR function and could lead to next-generation pharmacology.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2026

How materials informatics aids photocatalyst design for hydrogen production

A new photocatalyst design using machine learning interatomic potential calculations has successfully identified suitable dopants for a novel tin oxide material. The resulting aluminum-doped material produces 16 times more hydrogen under visible light than the undoped material, paving the way for next-generation clean energy applications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Describe the vibe, see the look: An AI-based system projects makeup onto the user’s face

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo created a system that turns spoken impressions into personalized makeup colors, combining AI and projection technology. The system shows realistic makeup previews on real skin under natural light, making it easier for users to find suitable colors.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2026

Subglacial weathering may have slowed Earth's escape from snowball Earth

A new study suggests that chemical weathering beneath thick continental ice sheets may have consumed atmospheric carbon dioxide and prolonged global glaciations during the snowball Earth event. This process could have slowed atmospheric warming and delayed deglaciation, helping to explain the long durations of some snowball Earth events.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026