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Osaka University


Making the physics of glass more transparent

Koun Shirai bridges conventional physics and nonequilibrium materials to provide robust thermodynamic description of glasses. He redefines equilibrium as energy extraction impact, allowing tools of thermodynamics to apply to glasses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFoundations·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2025

Driving the CAR to fight acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Osaka University identify a specific molecule, HLA-DRB1, that can be targeted by CAR-based therapy for AML. Engineered CAR T cells showed strong and specific anti-AML effects in vitro and in vivo with mice, without overt toxicity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025

Humans as hardware: computing with biological tissue

A team of researchers from Osaka University has demonstrated that human tissue can be used to solve complex equations and process information, outperforming traditional computing methods. This breakthrough uses the concept of reservoir computing, where data is input into a complex 'reservoir' that encodes rich patterns.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Nickel(0) and boron, together at last in square-planar complexes

Scientists from Osaka University have reported a new class of transition metal complexes featuring direct nickel-boron bonds without additional support. The resulting square-planar geometry allows for efficient catalysis in the synthesis of high-value materials like polymers and pharmaceuticals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

No place like home—how proteins that plasma cells express at their origin affect migration

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that plasma cells are programmed from birth to migrate to protected sites in the body, where they produce large amounts of antibodies. High expression of integrin β7 is an excellent marker for these cells' ability to home to the bone marrow.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Hard evidence of soft teeth: the oral symptoms of hypophosphatasia

Researchers from Osaka University analyzed dental issues faced by Japanese patients with hypophosphatasia, finding two distinct groups: odonto-type disease (early tooth loss) and non-odonto-type disease (tooth misalignment and softening). The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for this often misunderstood disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2025

Building bridges in physics

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a connection between strain equations for atomic dislocations and the Biot-Savart law in electromagnetism. This link enables researchers to use a well-known formula to analyze the effects of dislocations, leading to new findings on material science.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

Uncovering the protein complex critical to male fertility

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein complex crucial for male fertility, revealing the TEX38/ZDHHC19 interaction regulates sperm development and structure. The study found that disrupting this complex can cause sperm deformity and infertility, providing insight into the causes of male infertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

Unraveling the origin of extremely bright quantum emitters

A multi-institutional research team from Osaka University has discovered the origin of extremely bright color centers at an oxide/semiconductor interface. The study reveals a correlation between the luminescence of color centers and the density of electron traps, suggesting a specific carbon-related defect as the most promising candidate.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAPL Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

A newly discovered mechanism rejuvenates aging cells

A newly discovered mechanism has identified a key protein, AP2A1, that toggles between 'young' and 'old' cell states. By suppressing AP2A1 in older cells, researchers were able to reverse senescence and promote cellular rejuvenation. This breakthrough may lead to new treatment targets for diseases associated with old age.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCellular Signalling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Peristaltic pump flow induces amyloid formation

Researchers from Osaka University found that peristaltic pump action promotes amyloid nucleation in supersaturated fluids, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid. High shear stress caused by the pumping motion mechanically breaks supersaturation to induce amyloid formation.

SourceOsaka University·Journalnpj Biosensing·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

A simple supplement improves survival in patients with a new type of heart disease

A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research found that tricaprin improved long-term survival and recovery from heart failure in patients with triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy. The supplement reversed structural changes and improved heart muscle function, leading to higher survival rates compared to controls.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2025

New immune-probing technique could boost treatment discovery

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new technique called single-cell suppressive profiling of regulatory T cells (scSPOT) that can pinpoint the effects of Tregs on all other immune cells. The study found that Tregs most strongly affect CD8-EM T cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Shut the nano gate! Electrical control of nanopore diameter

Scientists from SANKEN at Osaka University created an electrically controlled nanogate that can be tailored for specific molecules. The gate's diameter was adjusted using voltage, leading to distinct ion transport behaviors. This technology has the potential to enable precise control over molecule transport and reaction systems.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Selenoproteins: The fountain of youth?

Researchers from Osaka University found that selenoproteins are essential for counteracting lipid peroxides and maintaining hematopoiesis in human cells. The study also showed that dietary Vitamin E can protect hematopoiesis and repair impaired B cell differentiation, providing potential strategies for fighting age-related diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBlood·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Japan’s “soft” but not ineffective approach to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers from Osaka University found that Japan's state of emergency declarations led to increased hygienic behaviors and risk perception, which persisted even after the policy was lifted. However, older people became less fearful of COVID-19 and were less likely to wear masks.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2025

Bioluminescent cell imaging gets a glow-up

The researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to expand the color palette of bioluminescent protein to 20 distinct colors, enabling advanced simultaneous multi-color imaging. This innovation makes it significantly easier and more cost-effective to monitor multiple targets or track individual cells within a population.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 22, 2025

Crossing the Uncanny Valley: Breakthrough in technology for lifelike facial expressions in androids

Researchers at Osaka University developed a dynamic facial expression synthesis technology using waveform movements, allowing androids to exhibit mood changes and convey emotions. This innovation enhances emotional communication between humans and robots, potentially leading to more natural interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Robotics and Mechatronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2024

The longevity factor Foxo3 mediates “unfit” cell elimination to ensure healthy body construction

Researchers from Osaka University found that Foxo3 mediates erroneous cell elimination during vertebrate development, ensuring precise development and cancer prevention. The study identified a specific pathway involving Foxo3, N-cadherin, and reactive oxygen species to eliminate unfit cells with abnormal Shh activity levels.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024

High-tech tracking technology streamlines drug discovery

Researchers have developed a large-scale drug screening technique that tracks drug targets inside cells, allowing for the identification of potential new drugs. The technology screens candidate drugs 100 times faster than standard manual techniques, enabling the discovery of previously unknown drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2024

Keeping close watch on stem cells

Researchers at Osaka University have created an innovative device called INSPCTOR that enables real-time remote monitoring of cell growth in incubators. This technology allows for effective quality control and precise measurement of cellular transformation, which is crucial for advancements in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 30, 2024

Turning up the signal

Osaka University researchers develop a new method for long-range enhancement of fluorescence and Raman signals using Ag nanoislands protected with column-structured silica layers. This leads to an astonishing ten-million-fold increase in signal strength, making it ideal for sensitive biosensing applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

No wasted effort: Effective wastewater surveillance methods for monitoring infections gleaned from COVID-19 case study in Japan

A study from Osaka University found a reliable wastewater surveillance method, tracking regional infection trends with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The research team concluded that at least three samples per week are required for accurate monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2024

Mechanism behind autophagy trigger unveiled

A research team led by Osaka University has identified a new mechanism crucial for the initiation of autophagy, a self-degradation process cells use to eliminate unneeded or damaged components. The palmitoylation of ULK1 by ZDHHC13 plays a critical role in this process.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

Walking in lockstep

Study reveals the brain controls leg coordination during walking only when discoordination exceeds a certain threshold. Researchers found that not actively intervening improves energy efficiency and maneuverability.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2024

Size matters: bioinformatics accurately detects short, fat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to assess the shapes, sizes, and other physical features of bacteria based on microscope images. The results showed that antibiotic-resistant strains were fatter or shorter than their parental strains, especially those resistant to quinolone and β-lactams.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

Smart supramolecular assemblies

The researchers synthesized supramolecular polymers with the ability to form larger complexes in response to external stimuli, which may shed light on biomolecular self-assembly and other ‘smart’ materials. The resulting shape of the assemblies can be controlled based on the concentration of a specific additive.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024