A recent study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified a crucial protein linked to increased appetite and obesity in mice. The researchers found that mice lacking this protein, XRN1, exhibited leptin resistance, leading to insatiable hunger and weight gain.
Three new species of freshwater goby fish have been identified in Japan and the Philippines, with distinct color patterns indicating separate lineages. The researchers believe that different color patterns play a crucial role in maintaining these separate lineages during courtship and mate selection.
A new experimental method tracks the motion of fibers instead of particles to reveal previously hidden information about turbulent flows. The researchers developed an innovative solution using rigid fibers, which allowed them to measure the speed and direction of flow at two points a fixed distance apart.
Researchers identified 99 saliva metabolites related to energy synthesis, digestion, growth, and cell health, with 21 metabolites differing between young and elderly individuals. Age-linked salivary metabolites reflect biological aging, including a 1.96-fold increase in ATP production in the elderly.
Researchers at OIST and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology have developed a genetic resource for the kuruma shrimp, a species prone to white spot disease. The genome sequence has identified genes related to disease resistance, which could be used to establish a disease-resistant line of shrimp.
A new study published in PNAS has identified 33 metabolic compounds associated with dementia, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that levels of these metabolites differed significantly between patients with dementia and healthy elderly individuals.
Researchers have solved the mystery of chlorine's role in perovskite solar cells by imaging atoms at the surface. The team found that chlorine is incorporated into the material through grain boundaries, increasing stability and efficiency. An optimal concentration of chlorine was discovered to deliver high stability.
Researchers used granular physics to explain the diamond shapes of asteroids Bennu and Ryugu. The models, which previously failed to predict the shape, were improved by adding the concept of material deposition, resulting in a more accurate explanation.
Researchers developed a new model to study turbulent puffs, revealing the impact of temperature and humidity on turbulence. The findings suggest that buoyancy plays a significant role in shaping the behavior of tiny fluctuations within the puff, which can affect the movement of airborne droplets.
Researchers at OIST developed a hybrid material to improve lithium sulfur battery performance, reducing polysulfide dissolution and increasing efficiency. The new design resulted in shorter charging times, longer life between charges, and improved overall lifespan.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University develop robots capable of conducting complex experiments and analyzing data. The 'Nobel Turing Challenge' achieves significant advancements in scientific discovery by leveraging AI-driven robotics.
Scientists analyzed genomes of East Asian citrus varieties and found a new citrus species native to Okinawa that arose about two million years ago. This discovery may have commercial implications and opens the potential to create additional hybrids with favorable traits.
Scientists have observed individual stony coral cells engulfing single-celled photosynthetic algae, crucial for keeping corals healthy. Around 40% of coral cells incorporated the algae in 30 minutes and remained healthy for a month, providing insights into the partnership between corals and dinoflagellates.
A global study found that certain countries perform significantly better than their neighbors in the effectiveness of their protected areas. The research estimated that overall, protected areas established between 2000-2012 prevented 86,062 square kilometers of forest loss.
Researchers used genetic techniques to show that bobtail and bottletail squids share a recent common ancestor, with major biogeographic events influencing their evolution. The study found that these events led to the diversification of many species, with some lineages emerging in response to changes such as the closure of the Tethys Sea.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a new method to synthesize crystalline powder necessary for perovskites, resulting in higher quality and stable solar cells. The newly created perovskite-based solar cells achieved conversion efficiencies of over 23% and lifespan of more than 2000 hours.
Researchers discover that twisting liquid bridges breaks them more effectively than stretching, reducing contamination and speeding up the dispensing process. The 'edge fracture' mechanism is identified as the underlying cause of this phenomenon.
Researchers used simulations to explore the fate of landfalling hurricanes, discovering that cold cores grow from the bottom of the hurricane as it decays. This unexpected finding could help forecasters predict extreme weather events and distinguish between decaying and re-intensifying storms.
The OIST-BNV Innovation Hub will provide financial investment and tailored business services to deep-tech startups, aiming to create high-tech industry and generate 10-20 new companies in the next few years. Startups can apply via an online portal from June 2021.
Researchers discovered that clownfish develop white stripes faster in giant carpet anemone hosts due to higher levels of thyroid hormones and increased duox gene activity. Thyroid hormone levels correlate with duox expression, leading to faster bar formation in giant carpet anemone clownfish.
Researchers developed a system treating pig farm wastewater, removing odors and excess nitrates. The new process relies on bacteria to convert nitrates to nitrogen gas, offering a scalable and low-maintenance solution for the agricultural industry.
Researchers have successfully grown cells from stony coral Acropora tenuis, creating eight distinct cell types that can grow indefinitely. The cell lines hold promise for understanding coral interactions with photosynthesizing algae and bleaching processes.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have captured the first-ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton using a revolutionary technique. The image shows the distribution of an electron around a hole inside an exciton, providing new insights into the nature of these fleeting particles.
A recent study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that the triangular shape of coronavirus spikes plays a crucial role in its ability to spread. The research, conducted by scientists at OIST and Queen's University, found that the spikes' lower rotational diffusivity enables the virus to better attach itself to objects and people.
Climate change and poaching pressure are expected to significantly impact kangaskhan habitat suitability, according to a new study. Researchers used several species distribution modeling algorithms to predict the species' future survival.
Researchers found that the genetic foundation required for oral venom to evolve is present in both reptiles and mammals. Salivary gland tissues in mammals display a similar pattern of gene activity as snake venom glands, suggesting an ancient functional core shared since the two lineages split hundreds of millions of years ago.
Researchers discovered how trap-jaws evolved from simpler ancestral jaw mechanisms through minor changes in form and function, resulting in diverse trap-jaw forms across continents. High-speed videography revealed the fastest accelerating animal body part with resettable motion.
Researchers found a group of genes on chromosome 12 that reduces the risk of developing severe COVID-19 by around 20%, inherited from Neanderthals. These genes code for enzymes that help destroy viral genomes, and the Neanderthal variant is more efficient, providing protection against severe COVID-19.
Scientists at OIST have developed a new nanostructure that improves the silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries, increasing its charge capacity and lifespan. The vaulted structure formed by depositing silicon atoms on metallic nanoparticles increases the strength and structural integrity of the anode.
Researchers at OIST created a tiny setup with two microscopic cylinders to study fluid path selection around obstacles. The results revealed that the central gap size determines the fluid's choice between three available paths, offering insights into fluid transport in real-world systems.
Researchers created perovskite solar modules with improved stability and efficiency using a new fabrication technique that reduced defects. The modules showed high efficiencies for over 1000 hours, overcoming obstacles in scalability.
Researchers discovered that D1 and D2 neurons work together to perform reaching-and-grasping tasks, with D1 providing the early movement phase and D2 providing the final approach. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying motor function in the basal ganglia.
A new study has found small microplastics in the ocean surrounding Okinawa, with over 75% made from polyethylene. The plastics correlated more with population density than industrialized areas, highlighting potential leaching from fishing equipment and road dust.
Researchers in Japan have used machine intelligence to fine-tune algorithms for brain mapping by MRI, improving the accuracy and reliability of connectome estimation. The new technique generates more convincing results, particularly in detecting long-range nerve fibers, crucial for understanding brain function.
A new study has created the most complete annotated resource of proteins present in synapses, which could aid in early diagnosis and specific drug targets for brain diseases. Researchers identified 1466 synaptic vesicle proteins, many of which were previously unknown, and found that lower-abundance proteins often have crucial functions.
Researchers have directly visualized and measured elusive dark excitons in a new class of extremely thin semiconductors. This breakthrough technique could transform research and lead to significant advancements in fields like solar cells, LEDs, smartphones, and lasers.
Researchers found that serotonin release in these areas increases waiting time, particularly when reward timing is uncertain. A computational model explains the mice's behavior by predicting reward delivery timing and estimating probability.
A new study shows that warmer oceans cause hurricanes to weaken more slowly after making landfall, leading to more destruction inland. Researchers found that stored moisture is the key factor behind this phenomenon, allowing hurricanes to sustain themselves for longer.
Octopuses' arms may have a mind of their own due to their unique nervous system, with over two-thirds of neurons located in the arms. Researchers found that octopuses can learn to associate arm movements with rewards, suggesting some sense of self-movement from the arms.
Researchers found that loss of flight allowed ants to reorganize their thorax muscles, increasing strength and power. This adaptation enabled worker ants to carry heavy loads back to their colonies, a key factor in their social success.
Researchers sequenced and analyzed coral genomes, discovering genes that may help corals adapt to ocean warming. The study found that Acropora corals diversified when the world's oceans were warmer, suggesting they could handle temperature changes.
Researchers propose a framework for capturing mathematical structure underlying moving animals, finding unexpected connections to energy-conserving phenomena. Chaos theory suggests that animal behavior becomes increasingly unpredictable over time, with divergence occurring within a single second.
A recent study has found that pteropods, or 'wing-footed' sea snails and slugs, are much older than previously thought and survived past environmental changes in the ocean. The research suggests that these creatures may be more adaptable to ocean acidification than expected.
A new study reveals that genetic variants from a 50,000-year-old Neanderthal from southern Europe are associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. Carriers of these variants have up to three times the risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, highlighting the importance of genetics in disease severity.
Scientists at OIST have identified a new area of the brain involved in cost-benefit decision-making, revealing complex connections between regions. The ventromedial thalamus sends signals to neurons in the prefrontal cortex, influencing decision-making processes.
A team of scientists has developed a novel method for measuring ultra-cold temperatures using a single, super-cooled atom as a thermometer. This technique allows for the detection of minute changes in temperature, essential for harnessing quantum technologies and reducing noise in quantum experiments.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a rapid, reliable, and low-cost antibody test using lab-on-a-chip technology. The device can detect the presence and quantity of COVID-19 antibodies in diluted blood plasma within 30 minutes, making it feasible for nationwide testing.
Researchers found that CNOT3 protein silences genes that cause insulin-producing cells to malfunction, leading to diabetes. Knocking out CNOT3 in mice results in the development of diabetes due to the activation of normally silenced genes.
Researchers used two-photon imaging to study the activity of layer 6 neurons in mice, finding three distinct populations that reacted differently to visual stimulation. These neurons complement each other to regulate information flow from sensory organs to the cortex, influencing our ability to focus or lose attention.
Scientists have found a link between mutation rate and genome size in prokaryotes, with higher mutation rates associated with faster gene loss and smaller genomes. The study challenges the current idea that population size is the main factor driving genome reduction in prokaryotes.