Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Japan Science and Technology Agency


Theoretical prediction of conditions for “sleep learning”

Researchers used computational simulations to investigate changes in synaptic connections during sleep-wake states. They found that synaptic connections are strengthened when specific levels of neural activity accompanied typical synaptic learning rules, enabling theoretical predictions of sleep learning conditions.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2025

New method for marking neurotransmitter receptors expressed in the living animal brain

Researchers have developed a new method to label naïve neurotransmitter receptor proteins in living animal brains without genetic manipulation. This technique, known as ligand-directed acylimidazole chemistry (LDAI chemistry), uses pulse-chase analysis to track the movement and fate of proteins in real-time.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Elucidating the mechanism of autophagosomes shaping with a flexible web

A research group reconstituted autophagosome formation in vitro, showing that Atg8 protein and enzymes play a central role in shaping the membrane structure. High-speed atomic force microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed flexible complexes on membranes, which work together to form autophagosomes.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Novel near-infrared light detection method using upconversion materials is demonstrated

Researchers have developed a novel near-infrared light detection method using core-shell lanthanide nanoparticles to convert weak near-infrared light to visible light with high efficiency. This achievement promotes the proposal of a new resource- and energy-saving near-infrared light detection method, improving optical sensor sensitivi...

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

A high-performance catalyst that dissolves polyester and realizes chemical recycling

A Japan Science and Technology Agency research group developed high-performance catalysts for efficient synthesis of value-added chemicals from polyester and vegetable oil. These catalysts enable nearly 100% selectivity in converting polyester into raw materials, offering a promising solution to chemical recycling.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Classification of 16 adult sleep patterns based on large-scale sleep analysis

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify 16 distinct adult sleep patterns based on arm acceleration data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants. These patterns can be used to diagnose insomnia and develop personalized treatment methods, offering new insights into human sleep behavior.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

New oncogenic mechanisms in lymphoma via extracellular vesicles discovered

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of action for extracellular vesicles in the development and progression of lymphomas. sPLA2 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages degrades EV-derived phospholipids, enhancing EV function and inducing vital phenomena. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for cancer treatment.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Contributing to solve the heat concentration problem in power semiconductors

Developed a highly efficient boiling immersion cooler using lotus metals, increasing critical heat flux from 200 W/cm² to 530 W/cm² or more. The technology is expected to solve the heat concentration problem of in-vehicle power semiconductors and be applied to CPUs for workstations and large-scale servers.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Simple creation of a super multi-element catalyst homogeneously containing 14 elements

Researchers developed a nanoporous super multi-element catalyst containing 14 elements through de-alloying. This alloy exhibits excellent water electrolysis properties due to the multi-element superposition effect. The breakthrough creation has potential for future development into an omnipotent and versatile catalyst.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Researchers developed photoirradiation-based super-resolution gene analysis technology

Researchers developed a technology called Photo-Isolation Chemistry (PIC) to detect genes in very small cell populations and intracellular microstructures. This new method has high potential for applications in various fields, including cancer diagnosis, and requires only minimal cost compared to existing techniques.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Theoretical prediction of reverse intersystem crossing for organic semiconductors

Researchers developed a prediction method for reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) in organic semiconductors, leading to improved light emission efficiency for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). The method demonstrated accurate predictions for various TADF materials, with some presenting RISC rate constants of over 10^7 per second.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2020

Un-natural mRNAs modified with sulfur atoms boost efficient protein synthesis

Researchers have developed modified mRNAs with sulfur atoms that accelerate protein synthesis by at least 20 times, paving the way for efficient protein production and mRNA therapeutics. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical treatments, including vaccine therapy and protein replacement therapy.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 16, 2020