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Kyoto University


Cancer's sweet Achilles heel

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that a deficiency in the enzyme B4GALT3 inhibits tumor growth in mice. The study shows that reduced glycosylation on T cell surfaces correlates with increased CD8+ immune cells infiltrating tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Three's company in burrows

Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.

SourceKyoto University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

Roots of Bloody Mary

Scientists have identified a bacterial strain that can break down the toxic tomatine in tomato roots, providing new understanding of how soil microbes interact with plants. This discovery could lead to the development of new bioactive compounds for human applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Enlighten me

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that liverwort Marchantia polymorpha uses gibberellin precursors to produce a signaling molecule aiding survival under shaded conditions. This metabolic pathway inheritance provides insight into the evolution of plant hormone responses.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Two-of-a-kind strike oil

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.

SourceKyoto University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Calcium acts as missing link to dead cell clean-up

Scientists at Kyoto University have found that extracellular calcium mediates the activation of Xkr4, a protein that triggers an 'eat me' signal for immune cells to clean up dead cell debris. The binding of calcium ions to Xkr4's transmembrane helices enables its full activation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2023

Unveiling the mechanism of 3D folding of cell sheets

A Kyoto University team reveals the Dumpy protein as the key factor in controlling 3D tissue structures through external cues. This finding challenges traditional understanding of morphogenesis and opens up new avenues for manufacturing controllable 3D tissue folding with coordinated cell behaviors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Cell interactions in abnormal structures in aged kidneys

Researchers investigated the role of tertiary lymphoid tissues in aging kidney disease, identifying proinflammatory interactions between renal cells and immune cells that promote inflammation and injury. The study suggests targeting proinflammatory cytokines for potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Some like it hot

Researchers from Kyoto University have demonstrated the thermal quantum Mpemba effect in a wide range of initial conditions, where hotter quantum systems cool faster than initially colder ones. The team used a quantum dot connected to a heat bath and observed anomalous thermal relaxation at later times.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 29, 2023

De-code of the crop

A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Total recall on HIV

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully synthesized the structure of Lancilactone C, a rare anti-HIV compound. The team's method revealed an incorrect initial structure and showed that electrocyclization occurs in both synthesis and biosynthesis, leading to potential development of novel antivirals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Fusion model hot off the wall

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new fusion model that accurately predicts the rotational temperature of hydrogen molecules near the walls of tokamaks. This innovation enables the effective management of heat load and extends the lifetime of future fusion devices.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNuclear Fusion·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Food size matters

A study by Kyoto University found that Daphnia's phenotypic plasticity is strongly related to its body size and the type of predator. Medium-sized Daphnia are more vulnerable to predation by both Chaoborus larvae and fish, which prefer larger prey.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFreshwater Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

Zeus also plays billiards

A research group led by Kyoto University collected data on gamma-ray glows from thunderstorms, which may help explain the origins of lightning. The team proposes that high-energy particles from space could trigger lightning discharges.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023

The Ising on the cake

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and international institutions has developed a mathematical solution to the temporal asymmetry of nonequilibrium disordered Ising networks. This breakthrough offers insights into the behavior of biological systems, machine learning, and AI tools.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 4, 2023

Test animals, hold your breath!

Researchers from Kyoto University developed a microchip using human iPS cells to measure transport capacity of membrane proteins, potentially giving test animals respite. The model simulates glucose reabsorption and drug excretion in renal proximal tubules, enabling patient-specific disease modeling and personalized medicine studies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Know a shortcut to Paris?

A recent study by Kyoto University has raised concerns about the authenticity of Big Oil's net-zero emissions claims. The research team found that oil majors are not making sufficient progress in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy, despite their pledges to achieve net-zero by 2050.

SourceKyoto University·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Illuminating the molecular ballet in living cells

The new ultrafast camera technology allows scientists to observe the movement and binding of molecules within living cells with unprecedented precision. This enables researchers to study cancer spread and develop new drugs by revealing deeper understanding of cellular structures like focal adhesions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 6, 2023

Flat fullerene fragments attractive to electrons

Researchers at Kyoto University created flat fullerene fragments that can accept up to an equal number of electrons as the five-membered rings in their structure without decomposition. These molecules display enhanced absorbance of UV, visible, and near-infrared light, making them suitable for photochemistry applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2023

Fungus has a host of issues

Researchers identified four fungal proteins responsible for suppressing host plant immunity in infectious diseases, leading to distinct host specificity in over 70% of plant diseases. Understanding the mechanism of this specificity may lead to new crop protection technologies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

A multiomics approach provides insights into flu severity

Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Hanging by a purple thread

The native gromwell plant, a crucial element in traditional Japanese culture, is facing severe threats from disease and cross-breeding with non-native species. Researchers at Kyoto University are leading efforts to raise awareness of the plant's significance and promote conservation initiatives.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 18, 2023

In-scent-ive to avoid danger

Research at Kyoto University found that spider mites avoid caterpillar traces due to a repellent effect, lasting days. This discovery may lead to the development of a safer and longer-lasting spider mite repellent derived from natural substances.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2023

Eco-computing

A study at Kyoto University has demonstrated the computational power of ecological networks, providing a new direction for rapidly developing AI technologies. The researchers developed two types of ecological reservoir computing that efficiently process information and can be utilized as a computational resource.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 19, 2023

Stay CALM when the heart skips a beat

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a genetic mutation that causes lethal arrhythmia in humans. The study found that a novel variant of the CALM2 gene produces robust arrhythmogenicity in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCirculation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Two-organ chip to answer fatty liver questions

Researchers created the integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to examine how gut and liver cells interact, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed significant changes in gene expression and DNA damage when free fatty acids were introduced, leading to cell death similar to severe cases of NAFLD.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023

Survival is a disgusting matter

A recent study published in Journal of Animal Ecology has identified disease avoidance strategies in various animal species, including humans. The research provides insights into how emotions like disgust help protect against diseases and has implications for human health and conservation efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Cooking up plasmas with microwaves

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created stable plasmas using microwaves, a key step towards harnessing nuclear fusion's massive energy potential. The team identified three crucial steps in plasma production and used Heliotron J to generate the dense plasmas.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProblems of Atomic Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Thinking big and dark by starting small and light

Scientists at Kyoto University have established a new experimental method to examine ultra-light dark matter, addressing the challenging problem of detection. By applying millimeter-wave sensing technology in cryogenic conditions, they were able to detect dark photons with a mass range previously unexplored.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Connecting the dots

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has established a method to identify individual inbred medaka killifish by analyzing the characteristic patterns of dark spots on their heads. This identification method may contribute to biometrics for medical and drug discovery research.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Kleptomaniacs can even take a hint

Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.

SourceKyoto University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Charting a course in the brainy frontier

Kyoto University researchers have created a map comparing circuit structure with neural activity in mammals, revealing a new mechanism behind visual cortex activities. This discovery sheds light on the hidden connections between neurons and could provide directions for constructing power-efficient deep neural networks.

SourceKyoto University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Sowing the seeds of fruitful labor

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that the brown lemur is responsible for regenerating large fruit trees in Madagascar's Ankarafantsika National Park. The study shows that lemur seed dispersal can lead to a 1.5% survival rate of seeds, contributing significantly to forest diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Accepting anxiety for peace of mind

A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Sculpting the human body plan in a dish

Scientists at ASHBi have successfully generated a 3D model that recapitulates the early stages of human body plan development, including somite formation and axial skeleton development. The study revealed the importance of retinoids in this process and demonstrated its potential for understanding congenital spine disease.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Flip-flopping cholesterol in the cell membrane

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a vital role of two proteins, ABCA1 and Aster-A, in maintaining the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within cells. This process allows for selective control over substances entering and leaving cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Finding faults deeply stressful

Researchers at Kyoto University have found that the Tohoku earthquake may have occurred upon a complete stress release, with data suggesting normal faults in both sedimentary formations above and below the plate boundary fault. This discovery provides insights into how fault slipping contributed to the devastating tsunami.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Basho in the machine

A study led by Kyoto University researchers found that AI-generated haiku poems, created without human intervention, were often indistinguishable from those penned by humans. In contrast, human-AI collaboration produced more creative works.

SourceKyoto University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Material separates water from … water

A Kyoto University research group has developed a material that effectively separates heavy water from normal water at room temperature. The discovery uses an adsorption-separation method based on copper-based porous coordination polymers, which utilize the flipping action of linkers to separate molecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2022

Stay away! Ants were here

Researchers at Kyoto University found that two species of spider mites avoid food plant leaves with active ant chemical traces and walking along ant-traveled stems to evade natural predators. This avoidance behavior may be comparable to direct consumption by the ants, highlighting a non-consumptive effect of predators on prey.

SourceKyoto University·JournalExperimental and Applied Acarology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022