Scientists have devised an elegant tool to quantify the movement and changing morphology of cells through time using machine learning. The software, Usiigaci, analyzes microscopic snapshots of migrating cells and detects their changing outlines, enabling single-cell tracking at unprecedented resolution.
Researchers discovered that C. elegans neurons fire action potentials, a more digital type of signaling, rather than analog signals previously thought. This finding opens doors to improved neural mapping and insights into how complicated brains operate.
Researchers discover a critical failsafe mechanism involving cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) that prevents excess force from disrupting cell division. The 'goldilocks zone' of tension ensures chromosomes are aligned and distributed evenly, allowing cells to divide into identical daughter cells.
Using a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, researchers identified unusual patterns of brain activity that appear to underlie its signature symptoms. The striatal neurons' normal pattern of activity warps when dopamine levels are low, leading to synchronized cell firing and repetitive movements.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have demonstrated how microwaves interact with matter, enabling the movement of electrons. This breakthrough may help improve quantum computing by controlling electrons with precision, leading to faster and more powerful technologies.
Scientists have discovered how DNA topoisomerase II and CKII enzymes in fission yeast interact to promote cell growth, a mechanism that may be similar in human cancer cells. Inhibiting these enzymes could lead to new cancer treatments.
Scientists parse animal behavior into digestible chunks using an adaptive model, spotting subtleties that would have otherwise been missed. The study found that complex dynamics can be broken down into simple linear patterns, allowing for the quantification of brain states and movement behaviors in various organisms.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that fasting increases metabolic activity, generates antioxidants, and may reverse some aging effects. Researchers discovered 30 previously unknown substances whose quantity increases during fasting, indicating various health benefits.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a new perovskite solar cell design that improves stability and scalability, enabling the creation of low-cost, large-area solar modules. The devices achieved an efficiency of over 20% and demonstrated their viability for commercialization in the near future.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified arrow worms as a new group of animals, challenging the classical view that complex organisms evolved from simple ancestors. The study reveals important evolutionary trends and sheds light on the phylogenetic position of these bizarre creatures.
A specific transcription factor called JunB helps control the activity of effector regulatory T cells, which suppress immune activity. Without JunB regulation, mice develop severe inflammation in their lungs and colons, suggesting JunB prevents autoimmunity in specific organs.
Möbius kaleidocycles are ring linkages that can be turned inside-out continuously, inspiring wonder in engineers and mathematicians. The objects have unique properties, such as a one-sided surface, and could be used for designing new mixing machines, energy transmitting devices, or robotic arms.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has unveiled a new web-based tool called ORTHOSCOPE, which quickly analyzes genomic data to estimate gene trees and identify sets of ancestral genes. This allows researchers to infer gene functions and understand species evolution.
Researchers found that vertebrate genomes underwent two whole genome duplications, driving the evolution of genetic characteristics. The study, published in Nature, also revealed regulatory mechanisms shared between lancelets and vertebrates, shifting our understanding of gene control along the evolutionary timeline.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a unified theory explaining the formation of pinch points and half moons in frustrated magnets. The theory reveals that these patterns arise from the same underlying physics, with pinch points representing equilibrium and half moons signifying violation of local conservation laws.
Researchers at OIST investigate viscoelastic fluid flow over wavy surfaces, revealing unexpected effects of elasticity. The critical layer, a region where vortices are amplified, is confirmed experimentally for the first time.
Scientists have identified three sub-types of depression using brain imaging, including one that is unresponsive to commonly prescribed serotonin boosting drugs. The study found that childhood trauma and functional connectivity patterns in the brain play a crucial role in determining treatment effectiveness.
Scientists have discovered how the Seneca Valley Virus interacts with tumor receptors, allowing it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The study provides detailed images of the virus and its receptor, enabling researchers to design improved cancer therapies.
Researchers at OIST and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have decoded the entire genome of the striped catfish, revealing new details about its evolutionary lineage and genes related to disease resistance. The genome data will enable aquaculturists to develop molecular markers for optimal breeding
Researchers at OIST modified bacterial cells to form elaborate shapes, including stars, triangles, and pentagons, demonstrating the adaptability of bacterial cell division machinery. These findings suggest that geometry is not an obstacle to ring formation and have implications for developing new antibiotics.
Scientists have imaged the Ebola virus protein structure at near-atomic resolution, revealing a complex with individual RNA nucleotides and amino-acid side chains. This clarity may help find targets for antiviral drugs, one step closer to understanding how the whole virus works.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered a molecular 'tuning mechanism' that helps control eye lens development in zebrafish. By studying the impact of a mutated gene, they found that a signaling pathway called TGF-ß became enhanced, leading to abnormal lens development.
Scientists at OIST have developed a method to fabricate low-cost high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, boasting an efficiency comparable to crystalline silicon cells. The technique uses a gas-solid reaction-based method to produce uniform panels with improved stability and production costs.
Researchers at OIST have discovered a new method to manipulate electrons on the nanometer scale using light. By inducing electric fields on material surfaces, they can control electron flow within specific areas, potentially leading to faster and better functioning devices.
Researchers mapped the evolutionary journey of animal guts to defend against microbial attack. They discovered that tunicates, a simple animal related to vertebrates, had an intermediate gut lining with both chitin and mucous coexisting. This finding suggests a missing link between invertebrate and mammalian gut defenses.
Researchers from OIST have developed a novel technique to record the activity of single neurons in awake animals, allowing for the detection of even the smallest changes in voltage. This breakthrough enables the study of how neurons function in living organisms, providing insights into brain function and behavior.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from OIST has developed a novel tool to monitor biofilm growth, allowing for more efficient testing of replacement antibiotics. By using nanostructured chips and localized surface plasmon resonance, the researchers can observe bacterial cells growing without disrupting their test subjects.
Researchers have identified 85 genes essential for fission yeast cells to maintain their ability to divide after being starved of nitrogen. The study sheds light on the genetic network required for resting cells like cancer stem cells to reactivate and has potential applications in developing new therapies to treat cancer. This discove...
A new model simulates Purkinje cells, helping researchers understand their function in controlling body movement. The model demonstrates that climbing fibers can teach these cells to fire with analogue information, enabling nuance and fine targeting.
Researchers mapped Okinawan habu genome to identify venom production genes, potentially leading to novel therapies for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The venom's hemotoxic properties destroy blood cells and tissues, causing severe pain and permanent damage.
A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that nocturnal fishes have larger eyes than day-active species, but smaller optic tecta, indicating a trade-off in brain power. This adaptation allows them to detect movement and navigate in low-light conditions.
A new study by researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University found that temperature shapes how mitochondrial DNA varies in nature. The study used fruit flies to demonstrate the selection of one mtDNA variant over another under different environmental temperatures.
Researchers at OIST have created a new sensor design using hollow glass bubbles to detect tiny particles, increasing sensitivity and efficacy. This technology has potential applications in detecting toxic molecules in water and blood-borne viruses in rural areas.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University challenge cohesin's ring-shaped model by demonstrating that a mutation can't break down the complex, suggesting it may have a different structure. A new hold-and-release model proposes cohesin is like a jaw that holds chromatids in place and then opens to allow chromatin to move.
A team of scientists from OIST discovered that crater rays form when small objects create shockwaves in the ground, focusing sand grains along radial streaks. They developed a theoretical model to predict ray patterns and even use it to estimate the diameter of lost meteorites.
A recent study validates a theory on quantum magnets behaving like photons of light, opening up new possibilities for understanding light's properties. The research team used neutron spectrometers to detect the presence of emergent electric and magnetic fields in a material called praseodymium hafnate.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that serotonin levels affect mice behavior when they believe there is a high probability of receiving a reward. When the reward timing was uncertain, serotonin stimulation increased mice's confidence in waiting for the reward, even if it took longer.
A team of scientists analyzed ant species distributions to understand why biodiversity is higher in the tropics. Their research suggests that time is key to species diversity, with tropical habitats having had more time to accumulate species.
Scientists at OIST have developed stable and efficient perovskite solar cells that could revolutionize the solar industry. The new material is made of inorganic components, making it more heat-stable than previous versions.
Researchers have designed and synthesized molecules that can interact together to assemble complex molecular structures at the nanoscale. By mimicking biological self-assembly processes, chemists can learn new methods of chemical synthesis for nano/micro-structures.
Researchers isolated striosome neuron activity using optical neural imaging technology to shed light on their role in reinforcement learning. The study found that striosomal neurons fire more actively in response to odor cues associated with water rewards, indicating they are involved in anticipating the outcome of a stimulus.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University found rapamycin can 'cure' cells with genetic defects, restoring normal cell function. The study identified 12 genes responsible for temperature-triggered defects in fission yeast cells.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered that polarization affects the motion of electrons in a two-dimensional system. By inducing rotation in both electrons and microwave fields, the team observed oscillations in electron current, indicating that electrons are indeed affected by polarization.
Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.
Physicist Yasha Neiman proposes a new vantage point on space-time geometry, combining holography and twistor theory to develop a full-fledged quantum gravitational theory. This framework aims to unify quantum mechanics and General Relativity, overcoming current challenges in fundamental theory.
A recent study published in Cell Reports sheds light on the poorly-understood part of vesicle recycling at synapses. The researchers found that refilling vesicles with neurotransmitters like GABA takes longer than reforming them, and this process is crucial for maintaining important brain functions.
Researchers modelled molecular basis of learning in cerebellum, a brain region coordinating voluntary movements. The study reveals communication must occur in both directions across synapses to control learning, with an automatic off-switch allowing the system to return to its resting state.
A team of scientists at OIST has created a new biosensing material that can detect interactions at the molecular level, allowing for real-time monitoring of cell proliferation. The material uses gold nanostructures coated with silicon dioxide and capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of substances.
Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.
Researchers at OIST have discovered a simple solution to the mystery of transitional flow, a phenomenon that has puzzled engineers for over 130 years. By analyzing individual patches of smooth and chaotic flow, they found that the law of resistance can be applied using Reynolds's original laws.