A study revealed that individual differences can be detected in same-shaped pottery vessels, with greater variation during the formation process than in the finished form. Researchers used video footage and hand movement analysis to identify unique patterns, shedding light on how individuals adapt traditional skills.
Researchers found that the orbitofrontal cortex, responsible for calculating economic value, also judges relationship value based on commitment signals. This suggests a neural overlap between economic and social value evaluation.
A research team at Kobe University has identified 'social cells' in the brain related to social behavior, including Social-ON cells that activate during social interactions. The study found that these cells were active when a stranger mouse was present, regardless of location.
Researchers successfully increased the catalytic activity of Rubisco in rice by transferring RbcS from C4 plant sorghum. This led to a 1.5-fold increase in catalytic rate and improved photosynthetic ability under high CO2 conditions. Further research is needed to apply this strategy to other major crops.
Researchers discovered a previously unrecorded seed dispersal mutualism between the dry-fruited Balanophora yakushimensis and its avian visitors. The birds obtain nutrients from larger fleshy bracts, while the plants benefit from seed dispersal.
A new vaccine candidate has been developed for HHV-6B, a virus that causes exanthem subitum in infants. The vaccine targets the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex and induces strong immunity against the virus. Animal experiments have shown that the vaccine prevents HHV-6B infection and activates dendritic cells to induce innate immunity.
A study finds that crickets and camel crickets help disperse the seeds of the early-diverging orchid Apostasia nipponica. This mutualistic relationship allows both species to benefit from the association, with the insects obtaining nutrients from the pulp and the orchid achieving long-distance seed dispersal.
Researchers reanalyzed image data from Voyager 1, 2 and Galileo spacecraft to investigate orientation and distribution of ancient tectonic troughs on Ganymede. A computer simulation suggests that the giant crater could have resulted from an asteroid impact with a radius of 150km.
Research highlights the link between Alport syndrome genotype and treatment effectiveness with ACE inhibitors and RAS blockers, showing varied responses to treatment depending on mutation type and age of progression to end-stage kidney disease.
Researchers found that aquatic beetle Regimbartia attenuata can actively escape from the vent of frog Pelophylax nigromaculatus via its digestive system. The beetle promotes frog excretion to facilitate its escape, and this behavior was observed in four other frog species.
Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.
A research group has identified a novel autoantibody as a major risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss, with the antibody found in 52 out of 227 patients. The discovery suggests that the antibody may be connected to RPL even after ruling out other common causes.
A collaborative study has identified NPHS1 as a disease-susceptibility gene for steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children. Variants in this region of chromosome 19 were found to be associated with the disease, and their impact on nephrin mRNA expression was confirmed.
Researchers at Kobe University have developed an exon-skipping therapy using antisense oligonucleotides to treat Alport Syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing urinary protein levels and suppressing kidney failure in model mice with severe mutations.
A new study reveals that eels can serve as a key indicator of freshwater biodiversity, and their protection could greatly contribute to the recovery of ecosystems. The research found that two species of eel were widely distributed in Japanese rivers, serving as umbrella, indicator, and flagship species for conservation.
Research at Kobe University reveals that metformin causes blood sugar to be excreted in the stool, promoting its removal from the intestine. This discovery contributes to understanding the mechanism of metformin's biological effects and may lead to the development of new drugs for diabetes.
Researchers created a multimodal digital holographic microscope that can produce 3D fluorescence and phase images of living cells without scanning. This technology has the potential to increase our understanding of stem cell processes in plants and revolutionize biology.
A study revealed that insufficient insulin action in adipocytes leads to the development of diabetes and NASH by hyperactivating the protein FoxO1. This finding could serve as a potential target for new drug development for these conditions.
Scientists successfully produced a photoanode with extremely high conductivity by annealing hematite mesocrystals to a transparent electrode substrate. This enabled the separation of electrons and holes quickly, promoting the oxidation reaction and achieving the world's highest solar water-splitting performance.
Researchers at Kobe University have demonstrated that 222nm UVC is safe for human skin and eyes, contrary to previous concerns about its carcinogenic effects. The study used xeroderma pigmentosum model mice to test the safety of repeated exposure to 222nm UVC, finding no adverse effects on their eyes or skin.
A new mouse model reveals that YAP activation exceeds a threshold for cancer development, suggesting a paradigm shift in understanding head-and-neck cancers. Inhibiting YAP may suppress cancer development and provide a target for treatments.
A Kobe University research team developed a method to produce high rates of D-lactate using cyanobacteria, which could lead to the creation of biodegradable plastics. The team used genetic engineering and dynamic metabolomics to optimize D-lactate production, achieving a rate of 26.6g/L from CO2 and light.
Research found fever, cold-like symptoms, and miscarriage threats during pregnancy are associated with congenital CMV infection in newborns. Blood tests may not be effective in predicting the likelihood of congenital CMV infection, highlighting the need for clinical factors to identify at-risk pregnancies.
Researchers developed a new strategy to control both target chemical production and microbe propagation, boosting muconic acid yield. The Parallel Metabolic Pathway Engineering approach allows for independent utilization of sugars for microbe growth and target chemical production.
Researchers created a human model of congenital pituitary hypoplasia using patient-derived iPS cells to illuminate the underlying mechanisms. The model revealed that a deficiency in FGF10 from the neighboring hypothalamus caused CPH, highlighting the importance of interactions between the pituitary and hypothalamus.
A new method to monitor residual disease after treatment in high-risk neuroblastoma patients has been developed using droplet digital PCR. This method enables precise monitoring of minimal residual disease and early diagnosis of tumor relapse/regrowth, leading to improved patient prognoses.
Researchers have developed a system to conduct fMRI scans on conscious mice, allowing for the study of brain network dysfunction and neural responses to social cues in autism-model mice. Administration of D-cycloserine was shown to improve social behaviors, highlighting potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered the orobanchol synthase responsible for converting non-canonical strigolactone carlactonoic acid into canonical strigolactone orobanchol. This breakthrough enables artificial regulation of plant growth and weed germination, with potential applications in improving crop production and mitigating...
Researchers used radiocarbon analysis to determine the carbon age of non-photosynthetic orchids, revealing they obtain carbon from dead wood via saprotrophic fungi. This finding overturns traditional views and opens a new perspective on how these plants have become ecologically successful.
Researchers at Kobe University developed a method to control protein anchorage position in engineered yeast cells, improving ethanol production by 30% and increasing potential applications in bio-production and medicine. This technique utilizes anchoring domains to manipulate protein location on the cell surface.
The new membrane separates water from various oily substances with high efficiency, rejecting 99.9% of oil droplets. It also shows great tolerance to acidic, alkaline, solvent, and salt solutions.
A study by Kobe University found that group apologies perceived as more genuine when costly to the organization, similar to individual apologies. The research used fMRI brain scans and participant ratings to determine that costly apologies activated key brain regions associated with cognitive empathy and intention processing.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict cancer drug side effects by analyzing genetic mutations in the UGT1A1 enzyme. The model was able to accurately predict the ability of UGT1A1 mutants to metabolize anti-cancer agents, offering potential for personalized treatment and reducing severe side effects.
Researchers have developed a method to produce astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, in a faster and more efficient way than previous methods. The new process uses the fast-growing marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 as a host and requires only water, light, and CO2 to produce the valuable substance.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered that histone modification H3K27me3 plays a vital role in regulating gene expression in Chinese cabbage, particularly in vernalization. The study found that H3K27me3 modifies gene expression during plant tissue development and represses gene activity.
Researchers analyzed Ryugu asteroid's impact craters to understand its geological history. The study revealed that the eastern hemisphere was formed earlier than the western hemisphere, with more craters found at lower latitudes.
Genetic analyses reveal a new species, Ryukyu-funori (Gloiopeltis compressa), and multiple unnamed species of Gloiopeltis in Japan, challenging previous classification. The study highlights the high diversity within the genus, with many populations previously misclassified as separate species.
Research identifies GCAM1 transcription factor crucial for secondary bud formation in liverworts, revealing a common mechanism with angiosperms. This breakthrough has potential applications for increasing crop production through controlled axillary shoot formation.
A study published in Scientific Reports has uncovered the role of FLC gene expression in regulating flowering time in B. rapa, a crucial trait for efficient cultivation under changing climate conditions. The research found that higher BrFLC gene expression is essential for inhibiting flowering in the absence of cold exposure.
Scientists have successfully created a highly efficient method to convert sunlight into hydrogen using hematite mesocrystal-based photoanodes. This breakthrough improves light-to-energy conversion efficiency and enables large-scale production of clean fuel hydrogen, making it a viable source of renewable energy.
The 'KARAPPO' gene is essential for initiating gemma development in liverwort, triggering cell elongation and asymmetrical cell divisions. This discovery has fundamental implications for understanding vegetative reproduction mechanisms and their potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.
A study published in GLIA found that myelin impairment causes uncoordinated electrical impulse transmission between neurons, affecting motor learning in mice. The research also showed that compensating for impaired motor learning by pairing actions with brain photo-simulation can promote synchronization of neuronal activities.
Research reveals HIV-1B originated in America, then developed into a unique Indonesian strain after introduction in the late 1980s. The study found multiple introductions of the virus to Indonesia via Thailand, Europe, and America throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Researchers at Kobe University have identified the chemical makeup of newborn babies' head odors, shedding light on their importance in mother-baby recognition. The study found that these odors can be used to distinguish between individual babies and are stronger in the first few days after birth.
A research group converts absorbed photons into twice as many excitons with an organic monolayer on a gold nanocluster surface, achieving high-efficiency energy conversion. The researchers also found that the newly formed excitons have a significantly longer lifetime compared to conventional surfaces.
Researchers discovered LH dipeptide as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from microglia, reducing brain inflammation and depression symptoms. Consuming foods rich in LH dipeptide may be a safe method for maintaining good mental health.
A research team has successfully identified an unknown population of the endangered Yamato salamander in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Using a combined methodology of GIS and eDNA analysis, they discovered five new potential habitats for the species.
The study successfully overcomes two bottlenecks in the production process by optimizing iron metabolism and using KdcA as a decarboxylase. The engineered yeast strain produces 1.7g/L of 1,2,4-butanetriol, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based production.
Chinese cabbage has an independent mechanism for flowering, differing from the model plant A. thaliana. IncRNA expression is induced by cold treatment, but not in the FLC locus.
Researchers developed a nonwoven fabric bioabsorbable spacer that creates a space between healthy and cancerous tissues during particle therapy, preserving distance between tumors and normal organs. The spacer safely absorbs by the body without causing serious complications.