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Nagoya University


First switchable graphene nanoribbon that twists on demand

Researchers at Nagoya University have built a graphene nanoribbon that can switch its twist using a natural solvent, opening opportunities for new optical switches, chemical sensors, and spintronic components. The discovery uses a natural chiral liquid to lock in a single spiral direction, with a high degree of helical bias.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

New low-resistance contacts pave way for improved gallium nitride semiconductor devices

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new way to lower the resistance of p-type GaN contacts by depositing an ultrathin magnesium layer and applying a brief heat treatment. This approach achieves a contact resistivity of (1–3) × 10⁻⁴ Ω cm², a significant improvement over existing methods. The new process has promise for accelera...

SourceNagoya University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2026

Next-gen mRNA therapeutics get a new delivery vehicle

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new delivery vehicle for circular RNA (cirRNA) using a novel lipid nanoparticle, FL0445-LNP, which improves the stability and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics. The technology has potential applications in cancer vaccines, genome editing, and protein supplements.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Environmental rumbles: A risk to kidney health?

A recent study by researchers at Nagoya University found that low-frequency noise below 100 Hz can cause blood vessel damage to kidneys in mice. The study suggests that the frequency of noise matters more than its loudness, with high-frequency noise having no effect on kidney function.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

The brain's secret to staying motivated

A recent study by Nagoya University researchers found that orexin neurons play a crucial role in regulating motivated behavior. Using novel rat models, they discovered that activity in orexin neurons increases with effort, helping drive motivated behavior.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

AI and quantum chemistry identify efficient blue OLED materials

Researchers designed an end-to-end workflow to identify new blue OLED materials using AI and quantum chemistry. They developed a virtual library of over 19,000 molecules and used machine learning to select promising candidates, which were then experimentally evaluated and found to have high color purity and efficiency.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Cast away: Tracing the voyage of a plastic bottle cap and its hitchhiking marine species

Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeCase study·DateJul 7, 2026

Earth's ionosphere supplied vast majority of ring current ions during May 2024 super geomagnetic storm, study finds

A study published in Science Advances reveals that Earth's ionosphere contributed to the majority of ring current ions during a record-breaking super geomagnetic storm in May 2024. This finding highlights the importance of understanding how much Earth's ionosphere contributes to the ring current, as it may be essential for accurately p...

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2026

Researchers unravel a copper-based ’sensor’ that underpins signal detection in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a copper-dependent sensing system in plants that detects hydrogen peroxide, a key signaling molecule involved in stress responses and immunity. This finding paves the way for improving crop resilience and understanding plant responses to environmental stress and pathogens.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

Scientists show genes give neurons a ‘GPS’ to form the brain’s neural circuits

Researchers develop machine learning analysis method SPERRFY that combines datasets on brain region connections and gene activity. The study finds a 'GPS' system of genes that predict which brain regions are connected, supporting the chemoaffinity theory and offering new avenues for research into brain development and disease.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Existing drug shows promise for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia — memory and decision-making problems that affect over 80% of patients

Researchers discovered that KD025 restored neural connections and improved memory and visual recognition in mice with schizophrenia-associated gene variants. The drug also reduced ROCK2 overactivity without causing serious side effects common to current medications.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Study shows mechanisms of aortic aneurysm progression and potential drug therapies

Researchers found that clonal hematopoiesis accelerates aortic aneurysm progression and that commonly used osteoporosis drugs can slow or halt this process. The study identified a key mechanism by which macrophages contribute to extracellular matrix degradation, providing a potential non-surgical approach for treating aortic aneurysms.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2026

Japan delivers its sharpest X-ray telescope for the FOXSI mission, a US-Japan rocket program to observe the sun

Scientists in Japan developed a high-resolution X-ray telescope using precision mirror-making technology, capable of distinguishing objects 3.5 mm wide from 1 km away. The telescope was tested on the ground using a unique evaluation system before launch on the FOXSI sounding rocket mission.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026

Can AI learn to read ancient pottery the way an archaeologist does?

A new deep learning model classifies Japanese Sue ware from 3D scans with high accuracy, using three-dimensional point clouds directly. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 93.2%, performing almost perfectly on visually distinct categories, while focusing on regions that may correspond to expert archaeologists' considerations.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026

Stars like our Sun may maintain the same rotation pattern for life, contrary to 45 years of theoretical predictions

Researchers at Nagoya University found that magnetic fields keep the equator spinning faster than the poles in stars, preventing a rotation flip even as they slow down with age. This contradicts 45 years of theoretical predictions and could help scientists solve stellar mysteries.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 4, 2026

AI and brain control: A new system identifies animal behavior and instantly shuts down the neurons responsible

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an AI system called YORU that recognizes animal behaviors with over 90% accuracy. The system combines real-time video capture with optogenetics to selectively target brain cells driving specific behaviors, offering a major breakthrough in social behavior studies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Study reveals how chills develop and support the body's defense against infection

A recent rat study identified the neural mechanism underlying chills, a cold sensation that supports the body's response to infection. The findings suggest that prostaglandin E₂ boosts cold signals from the lateral parabrachial nucleus to the central nucleus of the amygdala, triggering chills and promoting warmth-seeking behavior.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

Why we sleep poorly in new environments: A brain circuit that keeps animals awake

Scientists at Nagoya University identified a brain circuit that keeps mice awake in unfamiliar environments, releasing neurotensin to maintain wakefulness and protect against potential dangers. This discovery may explain the 'first night effect' in humans, where the brain remains vigilant on the first night in a new place.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Food critics or food grabbers? When choosing food, wood mice split into careful examiners who sniff and handle, and quick nut grabbers

Researchers at Nagoya University found that about half of wood mice take time to examine nuts before selecting, potentially increasing their exposure to predators. Despite this risk, the extra time investment pays off as picky eaters are more likely to select undamaged chestnuts.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Common eye ointment can damage glaucoma implants, study warns

A new study from Nagoya University in Japan has found that petrolatum-based eye ointments can cause MicroShunt glaucoma implants to swell and potentially rupture. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid using these ointments on patients with the implant, particularly when it is exposed outside the conjunctiva.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGraefe s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology·DateJan 13, 2026