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Kyoto University


Decoding quantum advantage

Researchers at Kyoto University have characterized quantum advantage by proving an equivalence between its existence and the security of certain cryptographic primitives. This breakthrough implies that when quantum advantage does not exist, many conventional cryptographic primitives are broken, including post-quantum ones.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2025

It's never too late to start playing an instrument

Research from Kyoto University found that continuing to play a musical instrument into old age preserves brain function and prevents atrophy in the putamen. Long-term practice showed no decline in verbal working memory performance or gray matter volume, while short-term practice improved memory function for four months.

SourceKyoto University·JournalImaging Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 4, 2025

Bulking up for solar power

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a new artificial heterostructure device that mimics broken spatial and time-reversal symmetry, enabling new bulk photovoltaic effects. The device shows promise for next-generation solar cells with improved efficiency and multifunctionality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2025

Hey Doc, you got something for snails?

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has identified four species of snail parasites in Japanese sea cucumbers, including two previously unknown species. The study provides insights into the geographic distribution and invasion routes of these tiny parasites, which have a significant impact on the health of their host species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE·DateJun 18, 2025

Lizards of Madagascar

A study found that three lizard species in Madagascar consume fruits from over 20 plant species and expel viable seeds, indicating their potential crucial role as seed dispersers. This discovery is significant as environmental degradation affects large frugivores like lemurs, but lizards can continue to inhabit degraded environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiotropica·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

The purrfect gene

A study published in PLOS One reveals that cats' purring behavior is linked to genetic variation, specifically the short-type androgen receptor gene. Cats with this gene exhibit higher owner-assessed purring scores than those with the long-type gene.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2025

Something's fishy here

A Kyoto University study reveals that seasonal timing of terrestrial invertebrate resource subsidies can mediate life-history variation in wild organisms. The researchers found that early subsidies led to the highest life-history variation, while later or no subsidies resulted in lower variation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Making insulinomas a thing of the past

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new non-invasive diagnostic method for insulinomas, which achieved 100% diagnostic accuracy in a Phase II clinical trial. The new method using positron emission tomography (PET) probe successfully detected cases difficult to diagnose through existing methods.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2025

Summer in the city

Researchers at Kyoto University found that reducing urban heat release can control summertime local precipitation, with potential to mitigate extreme weather issues. By systematically decreasing sensible heat fluxes over urban areas, the team demonstrated a link between urban heat island effect reduction and less intense rainfall.

SourceKyoto University·JournalTheoretical and Applied Climatology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2025

Bubble control

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed an experimental setup to precisely adjust the distance between microbubbles, enabling the manipulation of liquid flows. By controlling bubble vibrations, they were able to synchronize their movements and alter the surrounding flow, providing a new fluid control tool for medical an...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2025

Therapist in your pocket

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a smartphone app that teaches core techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat subthreshold depression and anxiety. The app, RESiLIENT, was tested in the largest-ever individually randomized trial of its kind, showing promising results with no serious adverse effects.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 23, 2025

Woodn't that be nice

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a simple but effective method for detecting early wood coating deterioration, which can extend the life of wooden structures and improve sustainability. The approach combines mid-infrared spectroscopy with machine learning to predict the extent of deterioration, allowing for early...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2025

Your cells can hear

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that cells can hear and respond to sound waves, leading to potential applications in medicine and healthcare. The study used acoustic pressure to induce cellular responses, revealing the suppression of fat cell formation and activation of mechanosensitive genes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

There must be some otter way

A study by Kyoto University researchers found that captive otters in Japan are coming from Thailand, highlighting the country's role in illegal trade. The discovery sheds light on the risks posed by otter demand and aims to protect vulnerable species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Remember ebola?

Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Relax, I'm cool

Researchers at Kyoto University develop thermomajorization theory to unify different distance measures, eliminating ambiguities in previous studies. The approach reveals the Mpemba effect is not restricted to specific temperature ranges, but can emerge across a wide spectrum of thermal conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2025

Fluorescent dope

Researchers from Kyoto University and Cambridge University developed a fluorescent dopamine sensor to monitor dopamine signals in primate brains. The study found that dopamine signals varied depending on the location in the striatum, with distinct patterns observed in the anterior putamen and caudate head.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Do you see what I see?

A study published in PNAS found that young children perceive colors similarly to adults, with consistent structure across age groups and cultures. The researchers developed a touch panel interface to evaluate conscious experiences, revealing robustness in their approach.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Don't let this stress you out

Researchers at Kyoto University investigated the effects of two-hit stress on mouse behavior, revealing significant changes in the cerebellum. The study found increased microglia turnover, neuronal loss, and decreased brain connectivity, correlating with anxiety-like behaviors and mental disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2025

Want some salt with that?

Researchers found evidence of sodium carbonate, halite, and sodium sulfates on Ryugu, indicating liquid saline water once existed within its parent body. This discovery provides insights into the chemical history of Ryugu and sheds light on the loss of liquid water in the outer Solar System.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2025

Scratching through the negative emotions

A study on six Japanese macaques reveals that bodily responses like self-scratching predict pessimistic judgment bias, but not vice versa. This suggests an evolutionary conserved system where monkeys address immediate needs through bodily responses before engaging in cognitive information processing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2025

Drug testing evolved

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a human iPS cell-derived kidney organoid-based proximal tubule-on-chip that mimics in vivo renal physiology. This model exhibits enhanced expression and polarity of essential renal transporters, making it a powerful tool for assessing drug transport and nephrotoxicity.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Stacked up against the rest

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to reduce optical interference and measure the quantum coherence time of moiré excitons, which are electron-hole pairs confined in moiré interference fringes. This breakthrough enables the realization of quantum functionality in next-generation nano-semiconductors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

There is mathematical proof in the pudding

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a mathematical expression for the blockchain trilemma, revealing ways to improve scalability without compromising security and decentralization. The formula offers new perspectives on solving the long-standing problem of balancing these competing values.

SourceKyoto University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2024

Can big cats sing parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme?

A study by Kyoto University found that snow leopards consume the plant genus Myricaria in their feces when hungry. This suggests a link between prey and plant intake in these large alpine cat carnivores. The research provides insight into improved captive environments and suitable conservation plans for snow leopards.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Check and checkmethane

A research team at Kyoto University has developed an AI method to automatically detect methane emissions globally, resolving trade-offs with existing detection methods. The system can identify small methane plumes, paving the way for systematic quantification of global warming.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

Double-edged effects of boundary-spanning

A recent study by Kyoto University reveals that expatriates' boundary-spanning activities can lead to role stress, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of being an outsider among local employees. The study highlights the need for careful management to mitigate these negative impacts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2024

Don't matter if you're this or that

A research team at Kyoto University found that interactive AI programs can reduce prejudice and anxiety among historically divided ethnic groups in Afghanistan during online interactions. Participants in the AI intervention group showed more engagement and significantly less prejudice and anxiety compared to the control group.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2024

Built-in bionic computing

Researchers have created a method to control pneumatic artificial muscles with embedded bifurcation structures, which can generate diverse dynamics and patterns. This breakthrough enables robots to exhibit more adaptable and flexible movements, streamlining hardware and software development.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Cells putting on a face

Researchers have developed a method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into cell populations that form patterns resembling the facial primordium. This allows for the creation of an in vitro model to study early facial development and potential treatments for craniofacial disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

Connecting the dots to shape growth forces

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a signal protein called ERK that plays an active role in causing growing lung tissue to curve. This finding reveals a previously unknown regulatory system governing the development of intricate branching patterns in mouse lungs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

If you can't beat them, mock them

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a microfluidic co-culture vasculature chip that mimics the microenvironment of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer. The chip enables scientists to study cell-to-cell interactions and angiogenic mechanisms, which may lead to new strategies for treating ASPS patients.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Sting operation out of gas

Researchers question whether micronuclei activate the cGAS-STING pathway, a key innate immune response to foreign nucleic acids. The study found that MN more commonly recognizes DNA during cell division without triggering STING activation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

Toward understanding sperm quality

A new screening system enables researchers to investigate sperm cell development and health at the molecular level, identifying a crucial gene Rd3 for maintaining sperm integrity during development. The study uses CRISPR technology to disrupt genes in living animals, revealing its significance in regulating oxidative stress.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Genomics·DateMar 5, 2024

New tool helps decipher gene behaviour

Researchers have created a new tool called epidecodeR to analyze epigenetic marks and predict their impact on gene activity. The tool can identify correlations between specific modifications and gene responses in various conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·DateFeb 28, 2024

Diamonds are a chip's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have determined the magnitude of spin-orbit interaction in acceptor-bound excitons in a semiconductor. The study revealed two triplets separated by a spin-orbit splitting of 14.3 meV, supporting the hypothesis that two positively charged holes are more strongly bound than an electron-and-hole pair.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

A clutch stretch goes a long way

Researchers at Kyoto University have observed a unique phenomenon where talin constantly moves over focal adhesions as a single unit, contradicting prevailing notions. This discovery reveals that talin manages to simultaneously maintain the intercellular connection while transmitting force through dynamic molecular stretching.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Lights, detector, action!

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel method for quantum infrared spectroscopy, generating a wider range of infrared photons with improved sensitivity. This breakthrough enables compact, high-performance scanners for various applications in environmental monitoring, medicine, and security.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Like kids in a candy store

Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed queries on Yahoo! Chiebukuro and found that users were seeking information on overdosing from OTCs to alleviate physical pain or experience psychosomatic changes. The study highlights the need for reliable information on OTC abuse to be effectively disseminated.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJMIR Formative Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2023

Moderation surpasses excess

The study identifies FAM53C as a cytosolic-anchoring inhibitory binding protein of the kinase DYRK1A, regulating its activity and cellular location. This finding may provide potential clinical insights into treating Down syndrome and related diseases.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

More than skin-deep

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Meteorites likely source of nitrogen for early Earth

A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Can't un-cook an egg

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new reactant demonstrating efficacy on proteins with drug-resistant mutations. The new inhibitor, ArNASA, reacts with lysine residues and is highly stable in physiological environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Leaving on a jet plane in genes

A team of researchers from Kyoto University found that the pituitary vasopressin system is crucial for building a robust circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This discovery has led to the development of potential treatments for jet lag, which currently target only the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

Quick as a snail

Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2023

More is not always better

A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023