Scientists have discovered a new non-blooming orchid species, Gastrodia amamiana, on Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima islands. The unique plant has hard buds instead of opening its flowers, suggesting it may have evolved to conserve resources in a forest environment.
Research at Kobe University reveals that protein secretions by skin cells, keratinocytes, regulate the differentiation of subsurface skin fat cells into white or brown adipose tissue. The study found that suppressing growth factor proteins BMP2 and FGF21 can decrease white fat cell numbers and increase brown fat cells.
During the Earth's last geomagnetic reversal, high-energy particles from space increased cloud cover, leading to stronger winter monsoons in Siberia. This suggests that galactic cosmic rays can influence climate changes.
Researchers found that people of all ages tend to overestimate the strength of others' emotions when actions are intentional, but not when actions are accidental. This 'egocentric bias' can lead to miscommunication and affect social behaviors like helping others.
Researchers discovered rhodopsin forms transient clusters within disc membranes in retina, acting as platforms for light to chemical signal conversion. These clusters are concentrated in the center of disc membranes and exhibit properties similar to rafts.
A recent study published in Plants revealed that electrons flowing through the reaction center chlorophyll (P700) in photosystem I undergo a charge recombination, producing chemical energy used in photosynthesis. This finding suggests an alternative pathway to suppress reactive oxygen species production and mitigate plant stress.
Researchers at Kobe University successfully grew precursors for human pigment cells, providing a stable supply of melanocytes for research on melanoma and other pigment cell-related illnesses. These precursor cells can be used to study the causes of albinism, freckles, and melanoma.
Researchers discovered that self-fertilization helps two Asiatic dayflower species coexist in the wild, countering reproductive interference caused by shared pollinators. Both species can produce enough seeds to survive through self-pollination, even when one is heavily impacted by the other's flowers.
Scientists at Kobe University created a metabolic pathway and engineered enzymes in microbes to optimize pharmaceutical raw material production. They used a 'Design, Build, Test, Learn' workflow to systematically optimize production processes, resulting in improved alkaloid yields.
Researchers have successfully created 'humanized' antibodies that can neutralize human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection. The antibodies target the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 protein complex and CD134 receptor, essential for HHV-6B infection.
Researchers at Kobe University have successfully produced xylitol and cellulose nanofibers from Kraft pulp using a modified yeast strain that displays enzymes on its cell surface. This breakthrough reduces the need for costly commercial enzymes, making the process more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Researchers discovered that resurrection plants control their water structure to survive dehydration by accumulating water molecular dimers and molecules with 4 hydrogen bonds. This regulation allows them to preserve tissues against dehydration-induced damages, enabling survival in dry states.
Researchers used environmental DNA to track Japanese eel populations in 10 rivers, detecting 91.8% of confirmed locations and providing insights into abundance and biomass estimation. This non-lethal method is ideal for monitoring endangered species, including invasive foreign eels.
Scientists at Kobe University found a unique protein in Striga hermonthica that enables it to steal water and nutrients from its hosts. The team identified the ShPP2C1 gene, which blocks ABA signaling and allows high transpiration rates, leading to new potential control methods for this devastating parasitic weed.
Elevation of blood sugar levels triggers muscle atrophy by increasing KLF15 protein abundance, slowing down its degradation via WWP1. This leads to diabetes-induced skeletal muscle mass decline.
Researchers at Kobe University found that vitamin D signaling fuels the growth of macrophages in bone marrow, leading to myelofibrosis and bone hardening. A low-vitamin D diet can prevent or treat the condition.
A highly sensitive method for detecting cancer biomarkers in exosomes has been developed using molecular imprinting technology. The device, created by Kobe University researchers, can detect about 150 exosomes in 10 microliters and achieves unprecedented high-sensitivity detection of 6 picograms per milliliter.
A new optical microscope system called SIFOM stimulates multiple cells simultaneously using holographic method and monitors cell activity using 3D measurements. The system has potential applications in reconstructing lost nerve pathways, constructing artificial neural networks, and developing food resources.
A study published in Life Science Alliance found that the enzyme D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) promotes cellular senescence and aging by producing reactive oxygen species. By inducing DNA double-strand breaks, researchers found increased expression of DAO is dependent on p53, a cancer-suppressing protein.
A Japanese research team identified a plant peptide that helps lateral roots grow with the right spacing. The TOLS2 gene was found to be expressed in lateral root founder cells and inhibits their formation, while the RLK7 receptor suppresses nearby cell growth.
Researchers developed a new method to identify significant ties in social networks, controlling for individual activity levels. This approach accurately mimics real-life school class clusters and has applications in various complex networks, including interbank markets and face-to-face interactions.
Researchers identified a giant streak structure among Venus' clouds using Akatsuki spacecraft data, which was replicated by high-resolution climate simulations. The study suggests that the streak structure is formed from baroclinic instability and jet streams in the planet's atmosphere.
The Japanese infrared satellite AKARI has detected hydrated minerals containing water in a number of asteroids, providing insight into the distribution of water in our solar system. The study reveals that C-type asteroids were formed by the agglomeration of rocks and water ice, followed by aqueous alteration and dehydration.
Researchers developed a new EPR method using a nanomembrane to analyze metalloproteins with minimal liquid sample. The technique detects changes in magnetic properties and enables sensitive measurements across a wide frequency range, shedding light on the mechanisms behind these vital proteins' functions.
A study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine found that regular exercise among Japanese expatriates can reduce time spent sitting down and improve mental health. Compared to non-exercisers, those who exercised regularly spent 135 minutes less time sitting and had a higher quality of life score.
A study by Japanese researchers found that males who harass females during mating can cause a drop in reproductive ability and a decrease in population size. Females with long reproductive pockets are more resistant to male harassment, but populations tend to be smaller when males have longer genitalia.
A team of researchers has used cryo-electron microscopy to study how microtubule-associated proteins regulate cell structure and transport. They found that MAP4 stabilizes microtubules while blocking kinesin's movement, which could lead to new treatment strategies for cardiac hypertrophy and neurodegenerative diseases.
A species of seed-feeding fly is critically damaging orchid seeds, threatening their reproduction. The fly reduces seed production by over 95% in five species, putting already-endangered orchids at risk.
A new plant species, Thismia kobensis, has been identified from a preserved specimen in a Japanese museum. The discovery suggests that this species may be extinct, as it was reported as extinct by Hyogo prefecture in 2010.
The GRAINE collaboration launched a balloon-borne nuclear emulsion telescope to observe high-energy cosmic gamma rays. The experiment successfully completed a record-long flight of 17 hours and achieved high-resolution observations, marking a significant milestone in the field of cosmic gamma-ray research.
Researchers have identified a group of genes strongly related to childhood nephrotic syndrome, an incurable disease with unknown cause. The study found that specific HLA haplotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing the condition.
Researchers found that neural inflammation caused by innate immune system triggers depressive behavior through activation of microglia and expression of inflammation-related cytokines. This discovery could lead to the development of new antidepressants targeting innate immune molecules.
Researchers discovered that increasing cyanobacteria growth temperature boosts succinate production by 7.5 times, thanks to genetic engineering and dynamic metabolome analysis. The study uses Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a model organism to develop more efficient metabolic pathways.
Researchers found dominant strains of equine-like G3 rotavirus infecting children in Indonesia, genetically different from human strains, shedding light on virus travel and evolution.
Researchers found that between 5-20% of stick insect eggs were excreted unharmed after being fed to a bird species. The study suggests that this process could contribute to the dispersal of stick insects across different habitats, similar to how plants use animals for seed distribution.
A Japanese research group has developed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to target and block HIV-1 production in infected cells. By targeting two regulatory genes tat and rev, they were able to significantly lower the expression and functions of both genes.
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a Möbius aromatic molecule that exhibits strong antiaromatic properties when exposed to light. The twist in the molecule's structure allows for high energy levels and magnetism, which could be utilized in eco-friendly organic devices such as solar cells and electroluminescent elements.
A 3-year initiative aims to develop an airflow control system based on AI sensors detecting human movement and air currents in the underground complex Santica. The goal is a 50% cut in energy and CO2 emissions.
The non-photosynthesizing orchid Gastrodia pubilabiata mimics rotting mushrooms to attract fruit flies for pollination. It also survives by absorbing nutrients from fungal hyphae of mushrooms. This unique trait allows the plant to thrive in environments with limited sunlight.
A study by Kobe University found that children aged 5-6 prefer distributing resources so everyone ends up with the same amount, rather than giving equal amounts regardless of initial amounts. This suggests that young children prioritize fairness and equality in resource distribution.
Researchers from Kobe University confirm a giant lava dome created 7300 years ago in Japan's Kikai Caldera, with a volume of over 32 cubic kilometers. The composition of the dome matches that of nearby Satsuma Iwo-jima Island, suggesting a possible current magma buildup.
A new species of orchid has been found to be a different identity from previously thought Lecanorchis nigricans var. patipetala. The closed-flower variety has smaller flowers and distinct petal features that set it apart from the open-flower variety.
Three non-photosynthetic plant species use camel crickets as their main seed disperser. The seeds are preserved unharmed in the excrement, allowing the plants to occupy a unique biological niche. This discovery highlights the dramatic changes that occur when photosynthesis is lost.
The Aspidistra elatior flower attracts insects by pretending to be a mushroom, with fungus gnats being the primary pollinators in its native habitat. This discovery clarifies that like most plants, A. elatior is mainly pollinated by flying insects.
Researchers at Kobe University created a double network within ionic liquid, combining inorganic silica particles with organic polymers, resulting in a gel that can withstand over 25 MPa of compressive strength. The gel's stability makes it suitable for applications in CO2 separation membranes and rechargeable batteries.
Researchers found norovirus in healthy Indonesian volunteers with no symptoms, suggesting they are a source of outbreaks. The virus was also detected in recombinant variations, indicating high infection rates among asymptomatic individuals.
Researchers discovered evidence of rapid climate changes on a millennial-to-centennial scale that occurred 780 to 760 thousand years ago. The findings suggest that this interglacial climate could be useful in predicting the Earth's future climate.
Researchers discovered a new chromium-based superconductor with an unusual electronic state, characterized by linear magnetic resistance at ultralow temperatures. This finding could contribute to the development of new superconductors and materials with unique properties.
Researchers found standard maternal screening methods can overlook cases of congenital CMV infection in up to 70% of women. A more comprehensive approach, including PCR tests on all newborns, is needed for early detection and treatment.
A new species of non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, Sciaphila sugimotoi, has been discovered on Ishigaki island in Okinawa, Japan. The plant, which stands 5-10cm above ground, feeds off the roots of host fungi and is named after Mr. Takaomi Sugimoto, one of its discoverers.