A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University mapped molecular gas throughout Stephan's Quintet, a nearby group of interacting galaxies. They found that regions with turbulent gas formed stars less efficiently, even with abundant gas present. Turbulence prevents gas from settling and collapsing, creating fewer opportunities for star...
A scoping review found that only 77 studies validating 52 medical AI products reported demographic data, highlighting the need for more transparent reporting to confirm safe and unbiased performance. The review also showed that performance reporting for demographic subgroups is inadequate, posing a risk to patient care and outcomes.
Parasitic plants, such as dodders, steal genes from other plants and remodel them over time, retaining their original function. This process, known as horizontal gene transfer, allows the plant to adapt and survive, with the gene becoming an integral part of its genome.
Physicists at Osaka Metropolitan University have performed a full calculation within Glauber theory, overcoming computational challenges to accurately reproduce experimental data. The results demonstrate that the full Glauber calculation can provide a reliable framework for predicting nuclear collision outcomes.
Researchers found distinct patterns of bone density change after anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, with significant declines in bone mineral density over time in patients with osteoporosis. These findings suggest that optimizing osteoporosis treatment and monitoring bone density may improve long-term outcomes after re...
A team from Osaka Metropolitan University created a coconut oil-based fuel that can be added to jet fuel without lowering performance. The fuel blend showed comparable thermal efficiency and reduced hydrocarbon emissions, making it a promising alternative.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that a mitochondrial fusion protein called OPA1 plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and body weight. Mice lacking this protein exhibited increased food intake and age-related weight gain, highlighting the importance of OPA1 in maintaining energy metabolism.
A nationwide study in Japan suggests that fully remote work and stable long-term care costs can buffer life satisfaction in shrinking small and medium-sized cities. For adults, work-life balance became more strongly associated with life satisfaction, while for older adults, caregiving support became more important.
Researchers have developed a numerical model that explains how increasing ultrasonic power reduces chemical reaction rates in sonochemistry. The model shows that oscillating bubbles emit their own sound waves, generating unwanted noise that distorts the ultrasonic field and limits reaction efficiency.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that neighborhoods with stronger senses of safety tend to have longer sleep durations, while highly walkable streetscapes are associated with shortened sleep duration. Greenery and high enclosure are also linked to longer sleep and reduced insomnia symptoms.
Participation in community gathering places significantly reduces the risk of cognitive disability in older adults who don't regularly exercise. The study found that these groups had approximately half the risk of developing cognitive disability compared to non-participants.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a practical imaging technique to visualize surface plasmon polaritons, electromagnetic waves traveling along metal surfaces. The method uses quantum dots to create sensitizers that can capture images of the waves under normal laboratory conditions.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease where immune system attacks melanocytes, leading to skin patches. Researchers discovered dormant pigment cells that could be reactivated using pharmacological inhibitors. This finding suggests a new approach for treating vitiligo by restoring melanocyte function and pigmentation.
Researchers developed an AI that navigates ships using human-like decision-making, handling complex situations such as narrow channels and multiple vessels. The AI achieved compliance with maritime traffic rules and demonstrated unexpected behavior like local navigation customs.
A large-scale prospective cohort study found that patients with blood type A had lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, blood type O's reputation of being at lower risk is partially due to lower plasma von Willebrand factor levels, but this did not explain the increased risk in blood type A patients.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully generated red blood cell-like cells from canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking a significant step towards artificial cell production for blood bank reserves. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to target glycophorin A, allowing the team to visualize and tr...
The Osaka Metropolitan University, K.K. DNAFORM, and INRB have developed a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola virus disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. The system utilizes the GenPad POCT platform and can be used near outbreak sites without power infrastructure.
Research finds that medaka sperm velocity decreases by 20% after consecutive spawning, impacting fertilization rates. Sperm counts also vary between single and multiple-mating groups.
Scientists developed a device that controls heat radiation direction and switches this effect on and off, enabling 'heat programming' like microchip data. The new material exhibits different responses depending on light direction, improving efficiency compared to previous devices.
Masahiro Tatsumisago received the NIMS Award 2026 for his pioneering research on amorphous and metastable crystalline materials with high ionic conductivity. His work has established a unified design principle for high ionic conductivity, laying the foundation for practical applications in all-solid-state batteries.
Researchers found that ONIKURU's opening increased stay density near the facility and adjacent commercial areas, but decreased it around JR Ibaraki Station. The study used GPS trajectory data to measure the impact of walkable urban design initiatives on residents' behavior.
A novel approach using silica microspheres encapsulates colorants in plastics, allowing for easy recycling and selective separation of colors. This technology enables the reuse of high-value resources from previously downcycled plastics, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
A new molecule, TP-An, enables highly efficient triplet-triplet annihilation-based photon upconversion, converting low-energy green light to high-energy purple light. The molecule achieves a nearly comparable upconversion performance and works well even at high concentrations.
Researchers found that diapause eggs exhibit increased chromatin remodeling, reduced gene expression for neural development, and enhanced metabolism. This study sheds light on the developmental mechanisms underlying insect diapause, a survival strategy for cold temperatures.
A new study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that levoglucosan, a chemical formed from biomass combustion, loses up to 88% of its mass in the atmosphere due to degradation and volatilization. This suggests that conventional analyses may misidentify emission sources, particularly in tropical areas.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that Japan's Location Optimization Plan can lead to higher care burdens in small municipalities. Small cities with populations under 50,000 saw increased Long-Term Care Insurance certification counts after adopting the policy, indicating rising service demands.
A study found that south-facing green walls can improve indoor thermal conditions by up to 1.7°C and enhance outdoor thermal comfort through albedo effects. Low albedo exterior surfaces also improved outdoor thermal comfort by approximately 1.5°C, while high albedo surfaces reduced indoor temperatures.
Researchers found Escherichia albertii bacteria in 77% of water samples and 56% of wild raccoons, suggesting a pathway for transmission from wildlife to humans. The study's findings emphasize the need for a 'One Health' approach to address zoonotic diseases.
Scientists have successfully synthesized a new fullerene material that exhibits metallic behavior even under cryogenic temperatures. This discovery challenges conventional understanding of the Mott metal-insulator transition and has significant implications for future electronics and quantum technologies.
Researchers create self-regulating electrolyzer that produces solar fuels stably without relying on batteries, reducing costs and complexity. The new system autonomously adjusts its electrical behavior through thermal properties, keeping fuel production stable throughout the day.
A study of 4,967 community-dwelling adults aged 60+ found that being female, polypharmacy, and unintentional weight loss are associated with fragility fractures. Physical activity was not significantly linked to either fractures or falls, contradicting previous debate.
Large-scale simulations show that chemical impurities trigger graphitic interface formation in amorphous carbon, promoting low-friction surfaces. Hydrogen and oxygen-based impurities help stabilize tiny voids within the carbon network.
A team of researchers developed a method for creating realistic virtual tomato farms that automatically generate data for training agricultural AI systems. The approach uses advanced reconstruction methods and Unreal Engine 5 software to reproduce lighting, textures, and geometry, resulting in highly accurate object detection models.
A study published in Nutrients found associations between high homocysteine levels and fatigue-related outcomes, including physical fatigue in men and decreased motivation in women. Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 and folate is essential to prevent homocysteine level increases.
Researchers found medaka in semi-natural conditions ovulated 3.5 hours earlier than those in laboratory settings due to environmental differences in light and water temperature fluctuations. This study highlights the need to consider these factors when interpreting model organism research.
Research finds that feeding on non-native plants during larval stage influences adult wing coloration and reproductive behavior in Fischer's Blue butterflies. Native plant hosts appear more yellowish and have lower ultraviolet reflectance, attracting more mates.
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers developed a light-driven method to rapidly collect microscopic targets, outperforming traditional techniques. The technique concentrates bacteria between 1000-10,000 times faster than existing approaches, paving the way for early disease detection and analysis of nanoparticles.
A recent study published in Journal of Functional Foods found that paraprobiotics derived from Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 can protect against sperm toxicity caused by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. The researchers observed improved sperm motility and reduced oxidative stress markers when rats received FK-23 despite BPA exposure.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that varying particle sizes in solid electrolytes reduces tortuosity and enhances ion transport pathways, leading to improved battery performance. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the charging and discharging capabilities of electric vehicles.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that women with a higher proportion of LOX cells in their white blood cells had a lower likelihood of achieving natural pregnancy. The researchers suggest combining AMH analysis with LOX measurement may improve prediction of natural conception.
A study found that cefiderocol and levofloxacin improved survival rates and reduced bacterial burdens in mice with severe hemorrhagic pneumonia. However, instances of hemorrhage differed between the two treatments. The results suggest that levofloxacin may be more effective against this infection.
A research group developed an optimized signal transmission system for implantable medical devices, improving accuracy and strength of wireless signals. The approach uses ultra-wideband communication to coordinate multiple implants and reduce signal distortion, enabling more effective healthcare applications.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new AI-powered snake-like robot that optimizes its movement using deep reinforcement learning. The robot's 'rolling motion' achieves twice the travel speed per unit of power consumption compared to traditional slithering motion, making it more efficient on flat surfaces.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that mice preferred carbohydrates over standard chow, leading to increased body weight and fat mass. The researchers also discovered a decrease in energy expenditure and an accumulation of fat in the liver, which improved when wheat flour intake was discontinued.
A team at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered a new mechanism behind light-controlled plant growth. Light enhances adhesion between the epidermal and inner tissues in plant stems, allowing plants to strengthen their cell walls and regulate growth.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that combining on-demand transport with buses increases daily walking by an average of 1,730 steps. This synergistic effect occurs when DRT reduces the access barrier, leading residents to take buses more often and accumulate more walking through routine movements.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that dragonfly visual protein detects red light similarly to mammals. This finding has potential applications in medical fields relying on red light-sensing, such as optogenetics.
A study of 3,959 healthy Japanese workers found that longer working hours, including unpaid care and domestic work, are associated with a higher risk of nonrestorative sleep and poor mental health in women. The researchers call for policy changes to address time poverty and promote gender equality.
A study found that opening new train stations can lead to lower healthcare costs, but only for individual stations that serve as transfer hubs. Shigino Station showed a significant reduction in healthcare expenditure due to its strong connectivity.
The review highlights the potential of semiartificial photosynthesis in overcoming natural photosynthesis limitations. Biocatalysts play a crucial role in this technology, enabling more efficient CO2 capture, utilization, and storage. The research aims to develop new catalysts for producing fuels and valuable substances from sunlight.