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Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University


Beyond color: Fluorescence lifetime imaging expands multiplex imaging in living plant cells

Researchers distinguish multiple fluorescent proteins with overlapping emission colors by their lifetime using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). FLIM successfully distinguishes several fluorescent proteins with overlapping color emissions within plant cells, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple proteins.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026

Chemists control supramolecules using vapors

Researchers design a vapor-controlled reversible host–guest chemistry system that controls the optical and physical properties of a functional molecular liquid. The FML's optical and physical properties change immediately upon forming a host–guest complex, but can be restored by exposing it to hexane vapors.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026

Neutral lipids enable precision control over supramolecular polymerization

Scientists have successfully created programmable supramolecular polymers in neutral lipid environments, such as triolein-rich lipid droplets. This breakthrough provides a new method for regulating cellular functions and has potential applications in treating diseases involving lipid droplets.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026

Conquering the final frontiers in nanographene synthetic methodologies

Researchers have developed a new methodology for selective molecular transformations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeting the challenging L-region. This enables the creation of larger PAH structures and new nanographenes, increasing versatility in technological applications.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

New chemical treatment reduces number of plant pores that regulate water loss

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a chemical compound that regulates stomatal density in plants, reducing water loss through transpiration. The compound, Stomidazolone, inhibits stomatal development without affecting plant growth, offering a promising solution for drought-prone environments.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Controlling lipid levels with less side effects possible with new drug

Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

How listening for the right buzz keeps mosquitoes from mating with the wrong species

Researchers discovered that male mosquitoes listen for specific sound frequencies made by females of their own species to avoid mating with the wrong species. This finding has implications for developing innovative mosquito control strategies using artificial flight sounds. The study aims to prevent mosquito populations from reaching u...

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2024

Discovery of near-infrared light that absorbs and emits antiaromatic molecules potentially applicable to next-generation medical devices

Scientists develop antiaromatic molecules that exhibit absorption and fluorescence bands in the near-infrared region, enabling deep biological imaging and photothermal therapy. This breakthrough holds potential for diverse NIR luminescent materials and applications in fields like healthcare, optoelectronics, and materials science.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Fluorescent aromatic nanobelts with unique size-dependent properties

Researchers at Nagoya University have synthesized methylene-bridged [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]MCPPs) with varying ring sizes, exhibiting unique properties such as fluorescence and paratropic belt currents. The discovery has significant implications for studying magnetic properties of aromatic nanobelts.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Development of technologies for automatic measurement and non-destructive observation of stomata in Arabidopsis thaliana

Researchers developed an image analysis algorithm that can automatically measure Arabidopsis thaliana stomatal aperture with high accuracy and speed. The technology also includes a portable imaging device for non-destructive observation using intact plants, allowing for rapid measurement of subtle changes in stomatal aperture.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Scientists find unlikely pairs of DNA elements and regulator proteins make small plant stem cells destined to become tiny mouths

Researchers have elucidated a mechanism that makes tiny plant stem cells destined to give rise to stomata, cellular valves of plants. The discovery reveals two DNA codes and regulator proteins working together to lock in the fate of a plant cell.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Unraveling the selective transport of sugar and hormone that underlies male fertility in plants

The study reveals that SWEET13 transporter is necessary for pollen production, highlighting the importance of sucrose transport. Researchers used molecular docking and simulation to understand how SWEET13 selectively transports sucrose over gibberellin.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 25, 2022

Hitting the brakes on the cell cycle for the formation of plant stomata

Researchers discovered that a transcription factor called MUTE induces a cell cycle inhibitor SMR4 to slow down the cell cycle, allowing for asymmetric division. A variant with excess SMR4 showed a longer cell cycle during symmetric division, revealing a crucial regulatory mechanism in plant stomatal development.

New live analysis system for plant stomata, signals exciting progress in climate-change resistant crop development

Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.

A new synthesis method for three-dimensional nanocarbons

Scientists developed a new method to synthesize three-dimensional nanocarbons using palladium catalyst, enabling precise and practical creation of superior material properties. The octagonal structure is expected to lead to discovery and elucidation of novel properties and development of next-generation functional materials.

Training instance segmentation neural network with synthetic datasets for seed phenotyping

A team of scientists has developed a system utilizing image analysis and artificial intelligence to analyze the shape of large numbers of seeds from a single image. The trained model detected and segmented individual seeds with high accuracy and analyzed seeds of other crops, accelerating crop breeding and analysis.

Flexible warped nanographene developed for bioimaging

Researchers have developed a water-soluble warped nanographene molecule that induces cell death when exposed to blue laser light, showing promise for fluorescent cell imaging and possibly eradication of cancer cells. The molecule exhibits green fluorescence under ultraviolet or blue light and has low cytotoxicity.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 19, 2018

Shining rings: A new material emits white light when exposed to electricity

Scientists at Nagoya University developed a new material that conducts electricity and emits white light when exposed to electricity. The 'responsive porous host' method allows for predictable synthesis of stimuli-responsive materials with potential applications in memory devices, artificial muscles, and drug delivery systems.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 24, 2017

Live cell imaging of asymmetric cell division in fertilized plant cells

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully visualized asymmetric cell division in fertilized plant cells using live cell imaging. The study reveals how the direction of this division determines the body axis of flowering plants, with a small cell forming on top and a large cell at the bottom.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2016