Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Nagoya University


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

Joint research validates new semiconductor etching process, achieving five times speed improvement

Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.

SourceNagoya University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2026

Is aging an act of genetic sabotage for the greater good? Scientists find a gene that turns off food detection after reproduction

Researchers identified a gene that actively causes a decline in food-seeking behavior after reproduction, potentially benefiting the population by reducing competition for resources. This discovery challenges traditional views on aging and offers new insights into programmed mechanisms driving age-related decline.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Reproduced human neural circuits show the crucial role of the thalamus in shaping the cortical circuit

Scientists have successfully replicated human neural circuits using assembloids, a type of miniature organoid derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The study shows that the thalamus plays a crucial role in shaping cell-type specific neural circuits in the human cerebral cortex, promoting cortical growth and maturation.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2025

Historical geography helps researchers solve 2,700-year old eclipse mystery

Researchers used historical geography to accurately measure Earth's rotation speed during a total solar eclipse in 709 BCE, providing new data about the Sun's activity. The study also supports recent solar cycle reconstructions and independently validates previous findings using radiocarbon analysis.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2025

Laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces blood loss and improves jaundice recovery for severe newborn liver disease

A new study by Nagoya University researchers found that laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces blood loss and improves jaundice recovery compared to traditional open surgery for treating biliary atresia. The study analyzed data from 356 children who had surgery at two months old, tracking their outcomes for an average of 13 years.

SourceNagoya University·JournalHepatoBiliary Surgery and Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 25, 2025

Researchers discover enlarged areas of the spinal cord in fish, previously found only in four-limbed vertebrates

A recent study by Nagoya University researchers has revealed that zebrafish have enlarged areas in their spinal cords, corresponding to the paired pectoral and pelvic fins. The findings suggest an evolutionary theory: when tetrapods evolved from fish, only the paired fins transformed into limbs, while unpaired fins disappeared.

SourceNagoya University·JournalBrain Behavior and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2025

Room-temperature terahertz device opens door to 6G networks

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully developed a resonant tunnel diode that operates at room temperature using Group IV semiconductor materials. This breakthrough paves the way for terahertz wireless components that can deliver unprecedented speed and data handling capacity with superior energy efficiency.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2025

GaN-based electron beam technology from Nagoya University startup poised to overcome critical semiconductor manufacturing challenges at KIOXIA

A new GaN-based e-beam technology has been developed through joint research between Photo electron Soul and Nagoya University, enabling non-contact electrical inspection and metrology during semiconductor manufacturing. The technology is expected to improve yield and defect detection, leading to increased efficiency in the industry.

Scientists date the origin of Jupiter by studying the formation of “molten rock raindrops”

Researchers at Nagoya University and the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics have determined how molten rock droplets formed in Jupiter's early days. Their study shows that chondrule characteristics are influenced by the water content of impacting planetesimals, providing a clearer picture of solar system formation.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2025

Scientists create ‘virtual sorting nanomachines’ using electron beams to manipulate graphene oxide

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an interface that creates programmable electric fields to sort graphene oxide without fixed microfluidic devices. The findings allow precise sorting of GO sheets, which can capture pollutants, solvents, and biomolecules based on their size-dependent properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalColloids and Surfaces A Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Stretched in a cross pattern: Our neighboring galaxy is pulled in two axes

Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that Cepheid variable stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud are moving in opposing directions along two distinct axes, indicating the galaxy is being stretched by multiple external gravitational forces. The findings challenge previous theories of the galaxy's structure and dynamics.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

Tiny vibrations have a massive impact: Transmitting clear signals over long distances using nonlinear math

Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that combining two tiny vibrating elements can amplify their signal up to 100 million times, enabling the transmission of clear signals over long distances. This finding could innovate long-distance communications and remote medical devices without requiring high energy consumption.

SourceNagoya University·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateMay 7, 2025