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Kyoto University


High stakes, high risk, and a bad bet

Gambling addiction is characterized by excessive risk-taking despite negative results, according to Kyoto University research. The study found that addicts have a poor ability to assess and adapt to high-risk situations, leading to an unhealthy bent towards risky choices.

SourceKyoto University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2017

Charting the skies of history

Researchers at Kyoto University and Japan's National Institute of Polar Research used ancient texts to track past solar events, including prolonged auroras. They found clear patterns in solar activity and discovered that auroras were more prevalent during maximal solar cycles.

SourceKyoto University·JournalSpace Weather·DateApr 5, 2017

Born to love superheroes

Human infants demonstrate an innate ability to recognize heroic acts from early stages of development, drawn to figures protecting the weak. As they grow, their understanding of justice becomes more complex.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 5, 2017

Choosing a simpler path to drug discovery

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has developed a simpler approach to drug discovery using decision trees, achieving high predictive ability with reduced data sets. The new method could lead to significant cost savings in the drug development process.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFuture Medicinal Chemistry·DateMar 29, 2017

Membrane lipids hop in and out of rafts in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed fluorescent compounds that demonstrate how membrane lipids hop in and out of specialized regions called raft domains at unexpectedly fast rates. This discovery reveals a large paradigm shift in the research field, suggesting that raft-associated lipids are not stably localized in these domains.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 23, 2017

Visualizing nuclear radiation

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

New platform for culturing stem cells

A new platform for culturing human pluripotent stem cells has been developed at Kyoto University, combining micro and nanotechnologies to precisely control the culture environment. The Multiplexed Artificial Cellular Microenvironment (MACME) array mimics extracellular environments with nanofibres in fluid-filled micro-chambers of preci...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·DateMar 14, 2017

One synthetic molecule, two doorways into cell

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic ion channel molecule with two distinct openings, allowing for different-shaped paths into a cell. The molecule's rotation and attachment to lipids control its conductance states, offering potential insights into the unique functioning of these channels in living organisms.

SourceKyoto University·JournalChem·DateMar 13, 2017

Learning how to fine-tune nanofabrication

Researchers developed a computational method that allows for controlled fabrication of tiny electrical wires and other nanomaterials. By analyzing intermolecular interactions, the team was able to predict the outcome of molecular self-assembly with high accuracy, leading to potential breakthroughs in device manufacturing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017

A nanofiber matrix for healing

A new nanofiber-on-microfiber matrix enables the scalable expansion of human pluripotent stem cells, resulting in high-quality cells with robust growth. The innovative system allows for easy exchange of nutrients and reduces stress on the cells, making it suitable for large-scale production.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 14, 2017

A big nano boost for solar cells

Researchers have developed a new nano-sized semiconductor that concentrates visible light energy, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This breakthrough doubles current efficiencies to at least 40%, offering benefits in energy efficiency and design.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

Out of gas and low on sperm?

Researchers at Kyoto University found that the Myc gene regulates stem cell self-renewal in mice, leading to a slower rate of proliferation and impaired energy production. This discovery may lead to new treatments for infertility by stimulating sperm cell metabolism.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 27, 2016

Proteins at the movies

Researchers have successfully filmed protein folding in three dimensions for the first time, enabling them to observe minute changes in protein structures during transformation. The technique, developed using Japan's XFEL facility, has significant implications for drug development and studying membrane transport proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

The sea roils and life returns

After the 2011 tsunami, Japanese researchers found that small fish with short lifespans recovered first, followed by larger fish with longer lifespans, stabilizing populations and increasing body lengths. The study also discovered a brief invasion period, but ultimately, cold-water species began to prey on invading species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2016

Safety in darkness

A Kyoto University team has demystified the process of melanin transport to epidermis using video cameras and chicken tissue. Melanin pigments protect skin from DNA damage by surrounding keratinocyte nuclei, a discovery that could lead to effective dermatological treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2016

Growing stem cells on a chip

A team of researchers has created a microfluidic device that allows for the growth of human pluripotent stem cells in optimal, three-dimensional conditions. This technology enables fine-tuning of the culture environment and creates an ideal artificial microenvironment for hPSC analysis.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 24, 2016

Mt. Aso could erupt much sooner, scientists warn

New faults in Mt. Aso's magma chamber and volcanic cones alter spatial and mechanical properties of the volcano, potentially changing its eruption dynamics. The study suggests that the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake accelerated the timing of a future eruption by creating new channels for magma venting.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016

Great apes can 'read minds'

Researchers found great apes can predict false beliefs and actions, similar to human infants, indicating a shared cognitive skill that may be millions of years old. This challenges the notion of human exceptionalism and opens up new avenues for studying animal cognition.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2016

Drinking green tea to prevent artery explosion

A Kyoto University study found that green tea polyphenol reduces inflammation and promotes elastin production, protecting against aneurysm progression. The researchers suggest daily green tea intake as a new preventative strategy for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateAug 23, 2016

Homosexual termite regicide

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that male Japanese termites form same-sex pairs when females are absent, allowing them to survive and potentially reproduce. This behavior is believed to be an adaptive strategy for future reproduction in the absence of females.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 18, 2016

Smiling baby monkeys and the roots of laughter

Researchers at Kyoto University observed spontaneous smiles in newborn Japanese macaques, suggesting that this behavior has been present for over 30 million years. These early smiles are believed to be related to the development of cheek muscles, enabling the production of real smiles and laughter.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·DateAug 4, 2016

Hey robot, shimmy like a centipede

The study reveals that taming instability is a key factor in the centipede's success, allowing it to move quickly and over obstacles with ease. By harnessing instability, the creature produces an undulating movement that enhances its locomotion maneuverability.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2016

Understanding tsunamis with EM fields

A Kyoto University study shows tsunami-borne EM fields can extract key information about earthquake hypocenters, including fault dip direction, which helps with early warning systems. This discovery could lead to improved tsunami forecasting and timely evacuations.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2016

Flipping a protein switch to illuminate brain functions

Scientists at Kyoto University have engineered an artificial switch that can selectively activate neurotransmitter receptors, a breakthrough that could contribute to the development of new drugs for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. This innovation sheds light on the role of these receptors in memory formation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2016

Seeing 'living' nanofibers in real time

Researchers at Kyoto University have observed artificial nanofibers sorting themselves into organized structures under artificial conditions, a phenomenon similar to that seen in living cells. This achievement elucidates the mechanism of self-sorting and has potential applications in developing intelligent biomimics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2016

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