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Osaka Metropolitan University


Versatile, degradable polymers through novel domino polymerization

Researchers have created a novel monomer that allows for the synthesis of poly(disulfide)s with arbitrary side-chain structures through domino polymerization. The polymers exhibit degradability in reducing environments, including biological systems, making them suitable for drug delivery systems and medical applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026

How an alga makes the most of dim light

Researchers discovered a freshwater alga that captures far-red light for photosynthesis by rearranging ordinary chlorophyll. This unique strategy allows the alga to thrive in shaded forests and murky waters, making it resilient in tough environments. The findings have practical implications for sustainable bioenergy production and may ...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Predicting extreme rainfall through novel spatial modeling

Researchers developed a new method to predict extreme rainfall in Japan, using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation - Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (INLA-SPDE), which outperformed traditional kriging methods. The study used hourly precipitation data from 752 meteorological stations across four main islands of Japan and fo...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Hydrology Regional Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2026

Cleaner fish show intelligence typical of mammals

Researchers observed cleaner wrasse recognizing themselves in mirrors and experimenting with it, suggesting advanced intelligence known as 'contingency testing'. The fish also demonstrated flexible, self-referential processing, indicating widespread self-awareness across taxonomic groups, including fish.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

A holiday to better recovery

A study of 77,947 patients found that those over 80 and with low initial ADL scores benefited from holiday rehabilitation. This suggests prioritizing interventions for elderly and independent individuals can lead to better outcomes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Natto your average food

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that natto bacteria convert soybean proteins and other substances into supersulfide molecules. Heat-treated soybeans also showed an increase in supersulfides before fermentation, indicating a complex mechanism behind natto's health benefits.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNitric Oxide·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Double trouble: Tobacco use and Long COVID

Current smokers are more likely to experience four symptoms associated with Long COVID, including arthralgia, chest pain and dyspnea. Dual users of combustible and heated tobacco products also show a stronger correlation with symptoms, suggesting the added use may worsen symptoms.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

Tuning color through molecular stacking: A new strategy for smarter pressure sensors

Researchers have developed a new way to produce fluorescence by using molecular stacking, which can lead to the creation of smarter and more sensitive pressure sensors. The study focused on two crystalline organoboron compounds that exhibit piezofluorochromism, changing color in response to pressure.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

When aging affects the young: Revealing the weight of caregiving on teenagers

A COVID-19 survey found that young carers experience higher stress levels with greater care responsibilities. However, they also exhibit positive emotions like a sense of accomplishment and pride. The surveys revealed more pronounced emotional responses in 2024, suggesting growing societal understanding and support for young carers.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJan 19, 2026

Pioneering natural, degradable polymer capsules

A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University has pioneered a technology for preparing biodegradable polymer capsules using naturally occurring molecules. The new method produces stable, shelf-life-friendly capsules that can store target molecules and undergo photodegradation upon exposure to light.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

Automatic label checking: The missing step in making reliable medical AI

A team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University has created two models to detect and fix common labeling errors in large radiographic collections. The models achieved high accuracy rates for body-part classification and projection/orientation detection, showing promising results for improving deep-learning models in medical AI.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEuropean Radiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 24, 2025

RoboCrop: Teaching robots how to pick tomatoes

A new model developed by Osaka Metropolitan University Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga enables robots to accurately pick tomatoes, with an 81% success rate. The system evaluates the ease of harvesting for each tomato, taking into account factors such as fruit clustering and stem geometry.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSmart Agricultural Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2025

Prevalence of dysfunctional breathing in the Japanese community and the involvement of tobacco use status: The JASTIS study 2024

A cross-sectional survey of 29,268 participants found a significant association between dysfunctional breathing and respiratory conditions, as well as non-respiratory diseases like epilepsy. Tobacco use was also linked to increased prevalence of DB, particularly among those with comorbidities.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRespiratory Investigation·DateNov 24, 2025

Fair fare

A 7-week randomized controlled trial found that a train fare subsidy program significantly increased daily walking steps among prime-aged adults by 711.43 steps/day for those subsidized with 1000 points. However, middle-aged and older adults did not experience significant increases in step count.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalResearch in Transportation Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2025

Anti-amyloid therapy does not change short-term waste clearance in Alzheimer’s

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that lecanemab treatment does not change short-term waste clearance function in Alzheimer's patients. The glymphatic system, which carries away metabolic waste like Aβ, is already damaged in AD patients, and treatment may not be enough to restore lost function.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2025

How plastics grip metals at the atomic scale

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how polyamides adhere to alumina surfaces, finding that adhesion strength depends on polymer chemistry and surface termination. The study offers practical design guidelines for selecting surface treatments and polymer types, enabling the creation of stronger, lighter joints.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2025

Henna’s hidden healing: Treating fibrosis with a chemical derived from Lawsonia inermis

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that Lawsone, a chemical derived from Lawsonia inermis, can reduce markers of liver fibrosis and promote antioxidant functions in hepatic stellate cells. The study suggests that Lawsone could be used to control and even reverse the effects of fibrosis.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025

Photosynthesis without the burn

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that marine green algae possess a unique pigment called siphonein, which helps quench triplet states and protect photosynthesis from excessive light. This finding opens the door to developing bio-inspired solar technologies with built-in protective mechanisms.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2025

Methane from overlooked sources higher than predicted in Osaka

Researchers measured methane and ethane concentrations in Osaka using mobile measurements and found a discrepancy between observed emissions and official estimates. Several areas of elevated methane concentrations were detected, attributed to various overlooked contributors such as industrial plants, restaurants, and biological sources.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2025

Changes in gut microbiota influence which patients get AIG-related neuroendocrine tumors

Researchers found that specific bacteria, such as Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium species, are associated with AIG-related neuroendocrine tumors. The study suggests that changes in host metabolism occur before alterations in the gastric microbiota, potentially creating a microenvironment that favors tumor growth.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 8, 2025

The importance of a leader–follower relationship for performing tasks

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that pairs outperformed individuals in a robotic arm-transporting task when roles naturally emerged. Role specialization was key to superior performance, rather than paired interaction. The research has implications for human-robot collaboration and rehabilitation settings.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Stronger together: Community involvement is key for new transport adoption

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals that community involvement is a powerful driver of acceptance among people with poor health. The research found that increasing the density of stops in residential areas can make demand-responsive transport more accessible to those with limited mobility. The study's findings suggest that...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2025

The insomnia trade-off

A study found that longer commutes and smaller living spaces are associated with poor sleep health among Tokyo residents. Housing choices that balance location and size may help improve sleep health, according to researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2025

Physically cold, mentally strained

A recent study found that cold temperatures combined with mental fatigue impair endurance exercise performance. Individuals experiencing increased subjective fatigue showed decreased performance. The Sympathetic Adrenal-Medullary system is involved in the increase of fatigue rather than the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2025

Achalasia diagnosis simplified to AI plus X-ray

Researchers developed an AI model that diagnoses achalasia using plain chest X-rays, outperforming physicians' reviews. The diagnostic performance of the AI model demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity, enabling early diagnosis and potentially improving treatment efficacy.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

A gene mutation found in East Asian people increases liver disease risk by an ‘aldehyde storm’

A genetic mutation found in East Asian people, ALDH2*2, impairs the detoxification of aldehydes produced by environmental exposure, leading to an 'aldehyde storm' that causes severe liver damage. Healthy choices like increasing antioxidants and limiting smoke exposure may reduce the risk.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025