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Kyoto University


Infants born prematurely may show less interest in others

A Kyoto University study found that premature infants, aged 6 and 12 months, showed reduced interest in social stimuli compared to full-term infants. This could be an early indicator of atypical social development, including autism. The research used eye-tracking technology to assess gaze patterns and social interaction skills.

SourceKyoto University·JournalInfancy·DateMar 31, 2016

Nanocage surfaces get 'makeover' in room temperature

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a method to replace surface ions of copper oxide nanocrystals with sodium sulfide, transforming them into hollow copper sulfide nanocages. This process allows for the creation of cadmium sulfide and zinc sulfide nanocages through subsequent chemical conversions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2016

How sweet can you get?

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Regrowing functional joints in frogs

Scientists have developed a method to regrow functional joints in frogs using a 'reintegration' mechanism. This approach could potentially be used to regenerate limbs in mammals and humans. The research paves the way for further studies on functional joint regeneration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRegeneration·DateJan 14, 2016

'Seeing' black holes with a home-use telescope

A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016

New plastic solar cell minimizes loss of photon energy

Researchers at RIKEN and Kyoto University have developed a new polymer that minimizes photon energy loss in solar cells, leading to higher efficiency and robust conversion of solar energy into electricity. The achievement marks a significant step towards commercializing cheaper and more efficient polymer-based solar cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2015

Seen once, never forgotten

Researchers adapted eye-tracking technology for apes, showing they could recall video clips after a 24-hour delay and anticipate what came next. The study suggests great apes can use their memories to avoid danger, interact socially, and navigate complex environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

The black box at the beginning of life

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a lab-based human germ cell development model, revealing specific key elements and events that occur at the beginning of human life. This breakthrough provides insight into how epigenetic marks are erased during early germ cell development, shedding light on conditions such as infertility.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 15, 2015