Researchers at OIST Graduate University studied the Marangoni effect, which causes soap to spread on water's surface. They developed a method to quantify the phenomenon through three independent measurements, showing that surfactant dissolution and spreading affect its behavior.
Researchers at OIST have developed a simple way to create copper molecular wires of different lengths by adding or removing copper atoms one by a time. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of miniature computing devices and practical applications in microelectronics.
New research reveals heterochromatin is less dense than previously thought and features a velcro-like protein called HP1 that allows genes to be locked down. The study's findings have implications for understanding higher-order structures like nucleosome strings.
Researchers analyzed Okinawan textile Basho-fu using Scanning Electron Microscopes and X-ray diffraction to compare traditional and laboratory production processes. They found that traditional degumming is milder than laboratory methods, retaining more air voids and breathability.
Scientists at OIST Graduate University have used super-resolution nanoscopy to visualize the structure of bacterial cell division in E. coli. The study found that two key proteins, FtsZ and FtsN, form non-overlapping rings that play specific roles in the process.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University develop a method to image organic compounds in water vapor, avoiding the need for freezing or using thin windows. This approach enables ultrahigh resolution imaging and tilts samples for three-dimensional views.
A new international collaboration between neuroscientists from the Middle East and West is being launched to advance basic and translational life science research. The Science Bridge project, led by Mazahir Hasan, aims to foster a partnership between Western and Middle Eastern neuroscience communities.
Researchers decoded two worm genomes and found genetic similarities with vertebrates, including humans. They share genes involved in multicellularity and head development with deuterostomes, despite being distantly related. This discovery highlights the dynamic nature of animal genome evolution and our connection to ancient ancestors.
Researchers at OIST created a device to study small-scale whirlpools and found that adding polymers reduces vortex intensity, saving energy. The discovery has implications for optimizing flows in lab-on-a-chip devices and improving inkjet printer resolution.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been used to treat Okinawan pig farm wastewater, removing contaminants and generating electricity. The technology has shown promise in reducing the island's wastewater burden, with efficiency rates of up to 90%.
Scientists used remote acoustic monitoring to track bird activity on Okinawa, finding more animal sounds in less developed areas. The study also confirmed that human-caused noise can be disruptive for birds.
Researchers at OIST have identified genetic manipulation tools for B. bacteriovorus, a type of predatory bacteria that can be used as a living antibiotic to treat various infections. The study also explores potential applications in organic food production and industry.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to confirm that Ball's Pyramid stick insects are the same species as Lord Howe Island's, making them officially resurrected. The discovery provides hope for reintroducing the insect into its native home on Lord Howe Island.
Researchers sequenced a habu genome and compared it to its sister species, shedding light on the evolution of snake venoms. Genetic drift plays a significant role in the evolution of snake venom, according to the study.
Researchers studied the movement of acetone droplets on water using a simplified model and three independent approaches, finding that ignoring surface tension's curvature leads to accurate calculations. The study has implications for understanding complex phenomena like droplet gliding and measurements like the Langmuir balance.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers have developed turbines to convert ocean wave energy into clean, renewable electricity. By harnessing the power of Kuroshio ocean currents and waves, they aim to generate 10 gigawatts of energy, equivalent to 10 nuclear power plants.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) scientists have designed a novel silicon-based anode to provide lithium batteries with increased power and better stability. The new anode, featuring nanostructured layers of silicon, improves the battery's ability to charge and deliver energy over time.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have created 3D avatars of three new ant species named after key figures in African biodiversity conservation. The ants' virtual reconstructions allow for detailed study of their biology without damaging physical specimens.
Researchers at OIST have improved the stability of perovskite solar cells by inserting a thin polymer layer, extending their lifespan four-fold. They have also developed a new method to manufacture perovskite LEDs using chemical vapor deposition, which could lead to lower-cost and more efficient lighting solutions.
A study on ADHD used fMRI scans to examine the striatum, a reward center in the brain. Children with ADHD showed less activity in anticipation of a reward, making it harder for them to focus.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have decisively classified Dicyemida, a microscopic parasite in cephalopods, as part of the Spiralia clade and closest to Orthonectida. This classification sheds new light on the evolutionary history of Spiralia and the process of evolution.
Researchers found a clear correlation between winter temperatures and beak size, with the coldest winters associated with the smallest beaks. This study challenges previous theories on the driving forces behind beak evolution and provides new insights into the relationship between climate and morphological traits.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers created efficient catalysts based on inexpensive and abundant manganese to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and formamide, widely used in industry. The new catalyst can perform over 6,000 turnovers and is stable in air, opening possibilities for other CO2 conversions.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University developed a new printing method to create effective disease detection tools using microfluidic bioassay devices. The device is about the size of a postage stamp and can detect multiple biomarkers for complex diseases like cancer.
Researchers at OIST have discovered a new photosensitizer that targets brain cancer cells with improved efficiency, using the naturally occurring amino acid taurine to enhance its effectiveness. The study shows promise for developing more effective brain cancer treatments through photodynamic therapy.
Researchers elucidate mechanisms behind synaptic vesicle motion, finding that type, size of synapse and vesicle composition impact motility. Tracking vesicles reveals active transport to specific destinations, providing clues for neuronal diseases.
Researchers at OIST used one-atom-thin graphene film to drastically enhance the quality of electron microscopy images of biological specimens. The low-energy electrons interact strongly with the virus sample but not with the background graphene layer, providing high contrast and resolving tiny details.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified the precise toxic mechanism of alpha-synuclein, a key causative agent in Parkinson's development. The protein inhibits vesicle endocytosis, critical for neurotransmission, leading to its devastating effects on motor control and cognitive function.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers identified JunB as a key target to selectively disable toxic T Helper 17 cells, reducing the risk of auto-immune diseases. By inhibiting JunB, these cells can still accumulate in the gut and respond to infections without turning rogue.
The study simulates a complex quantum system that mimics classical physics and creates a 'necklace-like' state with spin-orbit coupling. The researchers found that there must always be an odd number of pearls in the necklace, depending on the strength of the spin-orbit coupling.
Researchers at OIST created self-assembling molecules that can be rearranged by ultraviolet light to form novel macroscopic structures. This breakthrough enables the creation of exotic nanostructures with tailored functions, holding potential for biological and pharmaceutical applications.
Using microfluidics, researchers can stretch and shear polymers at will, allowing them to study behavior at the microscopic scale. This enables the creation of a catalogue of diverse polymeric fluids with known relaxation times, facilitating the alignment and separation of molecules in biological fluids.
Researchers developed a new photoluminescent sensor material that retains properties over time and under repeated mechanical stress. The material incorporates a stress-sensing molecule into a common polymer, allowing for efficient triggering of light emission with increasing force.
Researchers have identified a key gene in zebrafish that causes congenital blindness, which could hold the key to treating a similar disease in humans. The study found that the gene affects cone photoreceptors and leads to degeneration without impacting rod cells.
Scientists from OIST and Australia have sequenced the COTS genome, revealing identical genetic material between Great Barrier Reef and Okinawa populations. The study identified water-borne molecules used by COTS for communication, which could be targeted to disrupt destructive spawning events.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University solved the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem, a centuries-old mathematical problem. The solution provides beautiful mathematical results that closely mimic the behavior of soap films in real-world situations, shedding light on energy-minimizing shapes and potential applications in biology.
Researchers developed high-speed computational software 'Parallel STEPS' to model neuronal interactions and functions. The new approach achieved significantly improved performance, enabling faster simulation of complex models and revealing new insights into individual neuron behavior.
Researchers from OIST Graduate University have developed a new approach to produce uniform iron nanocubes using magnetron-sputtering inert-gas condensation. These nanocubes exhibit high sensitivity and specificity in detecting NO2 gas, with potential applications in diagnosis of asthma patients and environmental pollution detection.
Researchers propose 'ballistic sorting' as mechanism underlying size-sorting of particles on asteroid Itokawa. The theory suggests that small pebbles rebound from boulders but sink into pebble-rich regions, leading to lateral separation of particles.
Researchers at OIST have developed a new strategy for producing photoluminescent compounds by combining the flexibility of weak aggregation-driven complexes with the controllability of conventional metal-ligand systems. This results in molecules that can be tuned to emit light of specific colors based on their structure.
A new classification system for viruses based on their structure could help identify and treat emerging viruses. The system uses computational tools to detect similarities in the genetic code of viruses with similar outer structures, suggesting a common ancestor.
Researchers at OIST have adapted a parent-training program for ADHD to support Japanese families, resulting in reduced child symptoms and improved parent-child relationships. The study suggests that the new program could become an effective mainstream treatment for ADHD in Japan.
A study on female Diacamma ants reveals that gene expression patterns primarily determine caste differentiation in nutrition-related genes. The research found that only a small number of genes differentiate the reproductive and worker castes, supporting the idea that increased energy requirement may drive eusociality evolution.
Researchers tracked lens epithelial cells in live zebrafish using genetically engineered fluorescent proteins to determine factors responsible for regulating eye development. The study reveals a complex interplay between E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins controlling cell movement and adhesion.
Researchers at OIST have developed a novel technique that targets lipid rafts on cancer cell membranes to block migration. The molecule works by physically pinning the cancer cell, causing it to rupture and leading to cell death.
Researchers create a frequency comb in the visible spectrum using a micro-bubble resonator, enabling precise optical measurements with low power consumption. The device has potential applications in medical science and optics research.
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about the movement of supercool electrons on a liquid helium surface, shedding light on their behavior and potential applications in quantum computing. The research aims to create a scalable system with mobile qubits, paving the way for significant advancements in the field.
Researchers have discovered a way to overcome the limitations of 2D materials in photovoltaics by adding a plasmonic metasurface, increasing absorption and efficiency. This innovation has huge implications for the future of optoelectronics, potentially revolutionizing the marketability of devices.
Researchers found that wind power fluctuations follow the same pattern as wind speed fluctuations due to shared eddies, affecting grid stability. This understanding has immediate implications for economic and political decision making in managing renewable energy.
A new study has found that iodide-based perovskites produce a gaseous form of iodine during operation, causing further degradation of the material. The researchers suggest that developing new materials with reduced iodine concentrations or reinforced structures could help address this issue.