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Kyoto University


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

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Just part of a larger picture

Researchers found a moderate increase in anxiety and depression among the general population during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on mental health varied significantly by population after that period.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2022

Diego bows to ancestral sabretoothed mammal

A new fossil specimen discovered in California reveals that the first saber-like canines evolved in an early nimravid around 40 million years ago. This finding highlights the quick diversification of carnivorous mammals after the middle Eocene climatic optimum.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

Computers calling time on isolation

A new simulation models the potential risks and benefits of ending early isolation for Covid-19 patients using antigen tests. The study finds that shortening isolation periods can reduce unnecessary disruption in people's lives while minimizing the risk of infecting others.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Focusing on complex waves

A team from Kyoto University has demonstrated that deep-water wave groups can propagate independently, regardless of interference. This finding challenges existing understanding of ocean waves and has implications for fields like offshore engineering and plasma physics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Same same but different

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to detect intraspecies genomic diversity, or microdiversity, of uncultivated bacteria. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology and evolution, as previously overlooked variations are now being studied.

SourceKyoto University·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Gamers can have their cake and eat it too

A study by Kyoto University and BonBon Inc found that complex games like Potion can measure distinct cognitive skills such as stealth behavior and abstract thinking in young players. However, older players did not exhibit the same level of engagement, challenging existing beliefs about gaming's impact on cognition.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2022

Regulation is the name of the game

A new study by Kyoto University found that Regnase-1 gene expression is low in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), mirroring the pathology of humans. The protein's mRNA degradation leads to PAH inhibition, offering a potential new treatment for heart failure and premature death.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Breaking DNA Goldilocks-style

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a phosphorylation pathway that regulates meiotic double-strand break activity, ensuring genome stability. Enzymes ATR kinase and PP4 phosphatase work together to maintain a balance of DNA breaks, allowing for successful meiosis.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022

Nanodisks should not be taken lightly

A novel light-manipulating technology using nanodisk periodic structures has been developed by an international team, including Kyoto University. By controlling bound states in the continuum, researchers can systematically control light distribution states and manipulate near-infrared light within a nanodisk.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Cameras candidly capture bushmeat mammals to avert crisis

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cameroon used camera trap surveys to predict the total biomass of large rodents and duikers in southeast Cameroon. They developed six candidate indicators, including the ratio of red duikers to blue duikers, which showed positive linear correlations with total bushmeat biomass.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2022

Boosting performance with a dash of rock salt

Scientists have found a novel structure in bismuth oxychloride, featuring a sextuple Bi-O layer composed of rock-salt and fluorite units, which enhances photocatalytic activity. This discovery could lead to improved hydrogen production material designs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Reading RNA modifications more precisely

Scientists at Kyoto University developed two methods to identify RNA modifications impacting gene regulation and disease. Their approach uses probability algorithms with high-throughput sequencing technology, distinguishing pseudouridine substitutions from other base changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenomics·DateAug 23, 2022

Simplified voice box enriches human speech

Researchers found that human larynx evolution led to stable voices and controlled pitch without adding new structures. This simplification allowed for the development of complex vocal information, enabling humans to communicate effectively.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

A smashing solution for cancer therapy

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a cancer therapy model that utilizes a protein degrading system to transiently degrade and reduce the PD-1 protein, which blocks immune function. This approach has shown high therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth in mice.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNAR Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Clearing the mist hiding the genome

A new mathematical method, RECODE, eliminates noise in single-cell RNA sequencing data, enabling precise understanding of cell activity. The method outperforms other analysis methods and is simpler to use, with potential implications for basic science, clinical applications, and drug discovery research.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2022

Three strikes and acid is out

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new protocol for synthesizing dialkyl ethers using three catalysts that hydroxylate alkenes quickly and cheaply. This method enables the precise control of electrons and protons to convert unactivated alkenes into reactive carbocation equivalents under mild reaction conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

New egg recipe to boost fertility research

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology have developed a new method to culture human fetal immature germ cells into oocytes. The study found that essential controlling mechanisms are similar across mouse, monkey, and human species, while certain genes are expressed only in humans and monkeys.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Nanodiamonds are a cell's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed the smallest nanodiamonds capable of detecting temperatures on the nanoscale inside cells and organelles. These nanodiamonds utilize silicon-vacancy color centers to gauge luminescence, enabling precise temperature sensing with sub-kelvin accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2022

To tax or not to tax, is that even a question?

A team at Kyoto University has developed a formula to express the marginal cost of public funds, measuring the impact of taxation on social welfare. The framework focuses on imperfect competition and provides insights into the behavioral constraints imposed by taxation on producers and consumers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2022

Using holograms to illuminate de Sitter space

Scientists at Kyoto University propose a novel approach using holograms to approximate the universe's expansion in de Sitter space. The model uses conformal field theory and a positive integer for the cosmological constant, enabling the identification of the first example of two-dimensional CFT.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2022

The yin and yang of empathy

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that social ties can have a bipolar effect on relationships, with positive interactions strengthened by negative ones. Cognitive flexibility may help mitigate the dark side of social ties, such as empathic distress and stigma-related anxiety.

SourceKyoto University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

Females itch less than males

Research at Kyoto University found that estradiol suppresses severe skin inflammation in females compared to males, revealing its therapeutic potential. The hormone regulates immune cells and reduces IL-17A and IL-1β cytokines production.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

Biological clocks set for skin immunity

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the skin's natural protection from nighttime bacterial invasion in mice, which may provide a basis for developing a drug treatment. The team found that epidermal CXCL14 is produced in a circadian rhythm-dependent manner, providing antimicrobial function against Staphylococcus aureus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

More than one way to skin a tumor

Researchers at Kyoto University identified the mechanism behind active inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. EP2/EP4 inhibitors suppress tumor growth by allowing regulatory T cells to infiltrate and activate within tumors, benefiting patients with certain cancers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Mapping the foundation for new life

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi) have gained new insights into how totipotency is programmed in germline cells. They found that DNA methyl groups are removed and DNA strands are unwound to create a 'clean slate' for embryo development, while also building insulation to prevent earl...

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Never too odd to learn how to swim

Researchers have developed a new formula for swimming based on their study of odd elasticity, allowing microswimmers to exhibit autonomously directional and deterministic motion. The team used Purcell's swimmer model to demonstrate that any odd elastic micromaterial can spontaneously generate locomotion in a fluid.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

Kyoto scientists discover ‘crack team’ of kidney cells that are key to disease recovery

Researchers at Kyoto University identify a distinct subpopulation of fibroblasts responsible for producing the hormone erythropoietin (Epo), which stimulates red blood cell production. This discovery provides insight into renal anemia and may lead to novel treatment methods for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceKyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Some monkeys might pull a poker face

Researchers developed a tool to analyze facial movements in common marmosets, finding they have more facial expressions than previously thought. The study suggests that facial expressions may be more ancient and prevalent among social animals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Species thrive through social connections

A Kyoto University study shows that even though biodiversity increases with more interactions, mean interaction strength decreases. The interaction capacity hypothesis proposes that this weakening of interspecific interactions may be due to increased community diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

New process revolutionizes microfluidic fabrication

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences developed a novel photolithography technique to create self-enclosed, porous channels in microfluidic devices. This process enables the creation of high-resolution channels capable of carrying aqueous solutions and separating small biomolecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2022