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Kyoto University


Optimizing tomato plant growth with microbes

A team of researchers from Kyoto University created a machine-learning model to design microbial communities that promote tomato growth and stress tolerance. The communities, composed of six bacteria and the tomatine metabolite, were found to improve tomato growth and tolerance to high-temperature stress in laboratory and outdoor trials.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Looking into the eyes of gibbons

A non-invasive eye-tracking study reveals that gibbons gaze into the eyes when looking at others, a behavior shared with humans, great apes, and macaques. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary foundations of face perception and social information processing in primates.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnimal Behavior and Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2026

A transistor that operates at 600°C

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a transistor that can operate at 600°C, leveraging the intrinsic properties of SiC to improve controllability and reduce leakage currents. The bottom-gate design significantly enhances the device's performance, paving the way for practical use in extreme-temperature electronics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAPL Electronic Devices·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2026

Kyoto's gardens provide habitats for local amphibians

Research at Kyoto University's gardens revealed seven species of frog and one species of newt, highlighting the importance of culturally managed water features as habitats for urban amphibians. The study's findings emphasize the need to consider these sites as biodiversity hotspots, promoting coexistence with nature.

SourceKyoto University·JournalUrban Ecosystems·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Assessing hurricane wind damage from above

A recent study by Kyoto University researchers used high-resolution drone and satellite imagery to assess the effectiveness of the 2001 Florida Building Code in reducing wind damage from hurricanes. The results showed that homes built under the new code were 22% less likely to suffer wind damage and had lower damage severity. Additiona...

SourceKyoto University·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2026

Mapping the upper atmosphere

Researchers at Kyoto University use public Starlink satellite data to estimate thermospheric density around 1,200 satellites. The resulting two-dimensional snapshot provides the first tomographic analysis of its kind, demonstrating high consistency with European Space Agency observations.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEarth Planets and Space·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 4, 2026

Searching for dark matter with the world's biggest detector

Researchers at Kyoto University used the Earth's magnetic field to search for axions and dark photons, two leading candidates for dark matter. The team set new limits on axion mass, rivaling previous constraints from astrophysical observations, and detected potential signals from dark photons.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProgress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

Unraveling the mysteries of habit formation

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new training method to study habit formation in mice, revealing two distinct brain circuits managing different aspects of habits. The first circuit determines whether behavior becomes a habit, while the second controls execution levels.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2026

Treating hepatitis C in former medical experiment chimpanzees

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully eliminated hepatitis C virus in six chimpanzees using direct-acting antiviral therapy, improving their liver function and health. However, two chimpanzees died of liver cancer, highlighting the need for further study and potential drug resistance.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2026

Organized when awake, chaotic when not

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that traveling waves in rat brains are linked to information transfer in consciousness, but the amount of transfer entropy is higher during anesthesia than wakefulness. The study suggests that the awake brain selectively regulates information for reliable communication.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Riding a miniature magic carpet

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a hybrid graphite-based substance with aligned particles that demonstrates stable diamagnetic levitation. The team successfully created the substance by aligning micro-crystals in a uniform direction and applying a magnetic field, resulting in a miniature flying carpet-like effect.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnalysis & Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Dolphins dropping in to the Sea of Japan

The study found that dolphins visit two coastal communities along the Sea of Japan, with detection rates occurring once every ten days. The researchers recorded unique whistle characteristics in each bay, suggesting differences in sound environments or animal behavior.

SourceKyoto University·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Mainshock locations shape earthquake size distributions

Researchers from Kyoto University and ETH Zurich analyzed large earthquake sequences in Japan, finding that b-values are controlled more by mainshock location than time-dependent changes. The study suggests local geological conditions play a key role in shaping earthquake size distributions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

How tall and short trees can coexist in old growth forests

Researchers found that taller trees have an advantage in younger forests due to increased light capture, but shade-tolerant species thrive under tall canopies in older forests. This study reveals a mechanistic explanation for forest succession and offers insights into climate modeling and forest management.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

A common culture of cave dwellers

Researchers discovered evidence of cultural exchange between Neanderthals and modern humans at Üçağızlı II Cave, including shared use of non-utilitarian materials like marine seashells. The findings suggest a deep level of interaction between the two species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2026

Narrower, brighter, better

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new organic molecule with an ultranarrow emission spectrum, achieving monochromatic light without strong excitation. The breakthrough opens up possibilities for OLEDs with extremely high color purity and advanced functionality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

Finding the best habitats for humpbacks

Researchers at Kyoto University used visual survey data to predict the most suitable habitats for humpback whales around Chichijima Island. The analysis revealed shallow water depths with gentle slopes as critical areas, supporting conservation efforts in the Ogasawara waters.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMammal Study·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2026

How hospital admission affects persons with dementia

A study by Kyoto University researchers found that hospital admissions for persons with dementia result in higher healthcare spending, with a $2,500 increase in 30-day costs after an emergency room visit. However, there was no conclusive evidence linking hospital admission to 30 or 90-day mortality rates.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 8, 2026

Not too sunny, not too shady, just right

In a study on Japanese macaques, researchers found that semi-shade is an important thermoregulatory option under hot, dry conditions. The macaques preferred semi-shade over full shade or sun when it was hot and dry, but not humid. This suggests that semi-shade may play a significant role in helping endotherms cope with heat stress.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2026

The development of mirror-image pain

A study published in Communications Biology found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exacerbates chronic pain and drives mirror-image pain after a stroke. The researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to visualize LPA and other molecules, revealing a sequential pathological process that leads to bilateral pain.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Lost in an orange blur

A study by Kyoto University researchers found that the bright orange tail of tadpoles serves as a lure to distract predators, allowing them to avoid more vulnerable parts of their body. The team observed that dragonfly nymphs were more likely to attack the tails than other body parts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAmphibia-Reptilia·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

The 700-million-year history of our blood cells

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has reconstructed the family tree of blood cells over a 700-million-year span, revealing their evolutionary history. They found that early blood cells emerged around the same time as multicellular animals and were macrophage-like.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2026

Understanding the mechanisms of collective cell movement

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has discovered that the protein ZO-1 plays a crucial role in collective cell migration by riding ERK activation waves to podosomes on the basal cell surface. This movement enhances force generation, extracellular matrix degradation, and invasive cell migration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2026

Restructuring hospitals to help the elderly

Researchers at Kyoto University found that hospital restructuring improved local capacity for elderly hospital admissions and enabled more efficient bed management. The study suggests that reorganization can alleviate regional healthcare disparities in the elderly population.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Gaming monkeys' curiosity

A team of researchers created a touchscreen-based game task inspired by hide-and-seek to elicit curiosity in resident Japanese macaques. The monkeys preferred moderate uncertainty, spending nearly 100 trials without rewards. This study supports the goldilocks principle, where animals seek moderately complex or uncertain stimuli.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

A new mechanism regulating beta cell mass under stress

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that ATF6α plays a critical role in enabling the survival and proliferation of beta cells under sustained stress, leading to impaired beta cell mass expansion. The study highlights the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies to preserve and restore beta cell mass in diabetes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

Positive experiences can help break the cycle of abuse

Research at Kyoto University found that individuals with fewer positive childhood experiences are more likely to perpetrate elder abuse, while those with more community-related positive experiences have a lower risk. The study suggests that multiple forms of positive experiences across different domains may be necessary to break the cy...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2026

Why stars spin down, or up, before they die

Astronomers using astroseismology have found that massive stars' rotation rates decrease with age, but a new study suggests this may not be the case. The research team used 3D simulations to investigate how magnetic fields affect rotation inside massive stars, revealing that some configurations can spin the core up.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2026

Origin of the stellar Fe Kα line revealed!

A team of researchers at Kyoto University used NICER and Hisaki to study a superflare on the star UX Arietis, finding that photoionization is the dominant mechanism behind the iron Kα line. This discovery provides a diagnostic tool for astronomers to infer flare locations on stellar surfaces.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

New insights into how earthquakes stop

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a previously unrecognized feature in near-fault seismic records of large earthquakes: a distinct stopping phase. This phase represents a systematic signal associated with the termination of rupture, demonstrating that many near-field recordings contain this coherent stopping phase.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2026

Covid snacking habits and their consequences

A Japanese study examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals with glucose intolerance, revealing a clear divergence in clinical trajectories among those who worsened and improved. Flexible lifestyle adaptation is crucial for restoring metabolic health, suggesting personalized support may improve glycemic control.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

Chaos in the heart and brain

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chaotic component of heartbeat variability is sensitive to cognitive brain activity, providing a new indicator of brain-heart interaction. Chaos-based measures revealed clear and reproducible changes associated with task engagement, contrasting with conventional HRV indices.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026

How to remove a metabolic tattoo

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that exposure to high-fat diets induces persistent metabolic stress in killer T cells, but also discovered a pathway for protection through purine metabolism. By recycling xanthine, killer T cells can produce antioxidants to boost their ability to fight tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2026

Giving a voice to vocal fold regeneration

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has identified multiple types of stromal and secretory cells in the larynx, revealing new insights into vocal fold regeneration. The study's findings provide potential stem cells for treating vocal cord dysfunction and other voice disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Unraveling the complexities of the Borna disease virus 1

Researchers at Kyoto University have detailed the structure of Borna disease virus 1's nucleoprotein-RNA complex, revealing a distinct binding mode and incremental model of viral replication. The study provides a molecular framework for targeting viral RNA synthesis and assembly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Avoiding the very hungry caterpillar

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that predatory mites avoid laying eggs on plant leaves bearing traces of caterpillars. Additionally, they discovered that even when predators are unlikely to encounter caterpillars, they still avoid their traces.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

How Jupiter cultivated more large moons than Saturn

Researchers found that Jupiter's strong magnetic field created a cavity in its circumplanetary disk, which captured the largest four moons, including Ganymede. In contrast, Saturn's weaker magnetic field failed to form a cavity, resulting in only one large moon, Titan. This discovery provides insight into the formation of satellite sys...

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2026

Modeling mangroves' capacity to protect coastal communities

Researchers from Kyoto University developed a numerical model to evaluate mangrove wave attenuation, revealing that root submersion and water depth significantly impact wave reduction. The study's findings suggest that mangroves can mitigate disasters and help communities adapt to climate change.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026

It takes a village for Lake Tanganyika fish

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that cooperative breeding in Lake Tanganyika's lamprologine cichlids first emerged around 4 million years ago. The study reveals a link between cooperative breeding and smaller body sizes, as well as reduced clutch size.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2026

Chimpanzees can be multitalented musicians

Researchers at Kyoto University's EHUB center analyzed the musical performances of a 26-year-old male chimpanzee named Ayumu. The study found that Ayumu's instrumental sound-making was not random and exhibited isochronous intervals, similar to a metronome.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2026

Move finances to shift energy

A collaborative team of researchers from Kyoto University analyzed the net-zero transition in Southeast Asia, finding that a flexible grid paradigm allows vertically integrated utilities to accept natural gas as flexible energy. The study also highlights the need for synchronized changes in energy systems and financial systems to achie...

SourceKyoto University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Redox reactions in chains of chalcogens

A new NMR method has enabled the direct observation of heterochalcogen bonds in redox systems, revealing strong redox activity. This innovative approach allows for the generation and characterization of trichalcogenide molecules containing sulfur, selenium, or tellurium.

SourceKyoto University·JournalACS Measurement Science Au·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

Optimus protein

Researchers at Kyoto University identified DHX29 as a central regulator of codon-dependent gene expression. They found that DHX29 preferentially interacts with ribosomes decoding non-optimal codons and recruits a protein complex to selectively repress mRNAs enriched in these codons.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 19, 2026