Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Osaka Metropolitan University


How eye-less corals see the light

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University discovered a novel light-sensing mechanism in reef-building corals, where opsins use chloride ions as counterions to detect visible light. This unique functionality suggests that coral light sensitivity can adjust according to the algae's photosynthetic activity.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2025

Asia steps into the global carbon cycle conversation

A new large-scale open dataset of Asia's terrestrial ecosystems is now available, providing a long-awaited foundation for understanding the region's role in the global carbon cycle. The JapanFlux2024 dataset combines 683 site-years of eddy covariance data from 83 locations across Japan and neighboring regions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

Stepping for digital rewards

A study found that users who exchanged daily walking steps for digital train tickets increased their walking by an average of 626.2 steps/day. Those using shopping coupon incentives walked 715.2 steps/day more on average than non-users. The results suggest effective promotion of active travel through well-designed mHealth apps.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

AI detects fatty liver disease with chest X-rays

A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed an AI model that can detect fatty liver disease from chest X-ray images with an accuracy rate of 0.82-0.83. This breakthrough has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of the disease, which affects one in four people worldwide.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRadiology Cardiothoracic Imaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 27, 2025

Insulin on edge: Study identifies stress-triggered gene behind diabetes

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have identified the REDD2 gene, which is activated by metabolic stress and damages pancreatic β-cells, leading to reduced insulin secretion and the onset of diabetes. Suppressing REDD2 expression protects β-cells from damage, even under stress from overeating, preventing the onset of diabetes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

A leap in canine medicine: Method for reproducible mesenchymal stem cells found

A team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University has successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cells from canine somatic cells and produced high-quality mesenchymal stem cells with high proliferation capacity. The study found that the highest quality MSCs were obtained from urine cells, offering a promising approach for reg...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRegenerative Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2025

New plant leaf aging factor found

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found a mutant protein that helps plants fight mildew, but also accelerates leaf aging and yellowing. The discovery could contribute to crop yield improvement and sustainable agriculture.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

Kyoto conundrum: More hotels than households exist in ancient capital

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals six neighborhood-units in Kyoto's southeastern area have a disrupted balance between residences and accommodations, with hotspot locations near transportation hubs. Effective zoning policies are recommended to address overtourism's adverse social effects.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2025

So, our city’s shrinking—Now what?

A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Urban Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2025

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Development of a novel modified selective medium cefixime–tellurite-phosphate-xylose-rhamnose MacConkey agar for isolation of Escherichia albertii and its evaluation with food samples

A novel selective medium was developed to isolate Escherichia albertii, a previously uncharacterized species. The CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar selectively differentiated E. albertii from other bacteria, including those in food samples. This finding has significant implications for the identification and study of this pathogen.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateApr 11, 2025

Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Ocean Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2025

Ottoman Empire’s religious ‘tolerance’ another form of control

The Ottoman Empire's recognition of diverse religions was a means to monitor and control non-Muslim populations. Research by Osaka Metropolitan University Associate Professor Masayuki Ueno found that this 'tolerance' was actually a form of control, utilizing public presence of religious diversity to conduct surveillance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComparative Studies in Society and History·TypeCase study·DateMar 28, 2025

Nature’s viny vampire: Discovering what drives parasitic Cuscuta campestris

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified the CcMCA1 gene as a key player in the development of haustoria, structures that allow Cuscuta campestris to feed on host plants. Suppressing this gene expression can reduce the number of haustoria per centimeter, offering potential for controlling invasive plant species.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Build it and they shall come

A study conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University found that the opening of a multifunctional facility called ONIKURU significantly increased residents' daily walking time, especially among female young adults. The results suggest that such architecture-scale interventions can contribute to building health-promoting environments.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2025

Green recipe: Engineered yeast boosts D-lactic acid production

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an engineered yeast that can produce record-high yields of D-lactic acid from methanol, a key compound used in biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. The optimized yeast strain achieves a 1.5-fold boost in production compared to other methanol-based methods.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Deep dive into space turns up new Spitzer bubbles

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University used a deep learning model to discover new bubble-like structures in the Milky Way galaxy, providing insights into star formation and galaxy evolution. The study also revealed shell-like structures formed by supernova explosions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Tools to succeed: Learning support for new nurses

A new self-assessment questionnaire has been developed to evaluate the progress of novice nurses during on-the-job training. The Modeling Scale for Novice Nurses assesses four subscales and 21 Likert scale questions to understand the nurses' behavior and growth, enabling senior nurses to provide targeted support.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBMC Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Democracy first? Economic model begs to differ

Historical analysis of bureaucracy suggests that quality nation-building holds more importance than democratic institutions in economic growth. The study found a negative correlation between universal suffrage and the quality of current institutions in nations with low-quality bureaucracies.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2025

Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared

A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2025

Urban exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Dr. Haruka Kato found that households with children during the COVID-19 pandemic prioritized migration destinations with favorable communities and strong community ties. Social interaction-related factors emerged as significant determinants of migration, contrasting with work, environment, and housing determinants.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPopulation Space and Place·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025