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Kyushu University


Small molecules, giant (surface) potential

Scientists at Kyushu University have developed organic molecules that align in the same direction, creating a 'giant surface potential' when evaporated onto a surface. This alignment leads to a significant electric field, which can improve OLED efficiency and open new routes for realizing devices that convert vibrations into electricity.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Digging through patents to make mining greener

Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.

SourceKyushu University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

Breaking AIs to make them better

A team of researchers led by Danilo Vasconcellos Vargas has developed a new method called 'Raw Zero-Shot' to evaluate the robustness of artificial neural networks in image recognition. The study found that Capsule Networks produced the densest clusters, indicating improved transferability and potential solutions for improving AI robust...

SourceKyushu University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

Sniffing out your identity with breath biometrics

A team of researchers from Kyushu University has developed an olfactory sensor capable of identifying individuals by analyzing the compounds in their breath. The system, combined with machine learning, achieved an average accuracy of over 97% in authenticating up to 20 individuals.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Uncovering new details of the brain's first line of defense

A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Visible ocean plastics just the tip of the iceberg

A new study suggests that the majority of ocean plastics are on the seafloor or difficult to monitor, with an estimated 540 million metric tons trapped on land. The research estimates that large plastics and microplastics account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic waste.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Which came first, sleep or the brain?

Researchers found that Hydra exhibit characteristics at a molecular and genetic level associated with sleep in animals with central nervous systems. The four-hour cycle of active and sleep-like states in hydras indicates that sleep may have evolved independently of brain development.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 8, 2021

Long live the efficient, pure-blue OLED

Using a new combination of emitter molecules, researchers achieved devices that produce pure-blue emission with high efficiency, maintain brightness for relatively long times, and lack expensive metal atoms. The approach uses a tandem structure to effectively double the emission, leading to nearly doubled lifetime at high brightness.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 4, 2021

New mechanism of pain control revealed

Researchers at Kyushu University have discovered a unique population of spinal cord astrocytes that produce pain hypersensitivity. Stimulation of noradrenergic neurons activates these astrocytes, leading to enhanced pain transmission. The findings suggest that suppressing astrocyte signaling may enhance the effect of chronic pain drugs.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2020

To make amino acids, just add electricity

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully synthesized several types of amino acids using abundant materials. The process uses electric energy generated from renewable sources and involves titanium dioxide as the electrocatalyst and an organic acid called alpha-keto acid as the key source material.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 29, 2020

Atomically precise models improve understanding of fuel cells

Researchers at Kyushu University developed computer simulations using realistic atomic-scale models to understand reaction pathways in solid-oxide fuel cells. The study found that reactions are more likely to occur in layers with smaller pore sizes, but also identified a new degradation pathway that could impact performance.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2019

Want effective policy? Ask the locals

A survey of 37 nations shows that policy responses need to be tailored to the nation in which they are delivered, as regional factors greatly influence relationships among energy affordability, life satisfaction, health, and economic inequality.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 11, 2019

Organic laser diodes move from dream to reality

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully demonstrated the lasing by direct electrical stimulation of an organic film, overcoming previous performance limitations with improved materials and device structures. The breakthrough enables applications such as biosensing, displays, healthcare, and optical communications.

SourceKyushu University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateMay 31, 2019