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Osaka University


It takes a neutron beam to find a proton

A team of researchers has used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of a large oxidase protein with high-resolution structural details. They found unusual proton behavior between a cofactor and an amino acid residue, and established a complete picture of topa quinone 30 years after its discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Developing human corneal tissue

Scientists at Osaka University have developed a new method to isolate and generate human corneal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells. By using specific proteins and magnetic-activated cell sorting technology, researchers were able to purify corneal epithelial cells and produce highly pure corneal sheets for therapeutic purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 2020

Modeling the human eye in a dish

Scientists from Osaka University created a new cellular model of the human eye using hiPSCs, enabling them to isolate specific cells involved in eye development and study related diseases. The novel model uses PITX2, a key protein during eye development, to track cell expression and differentiate between eye cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2020

Made to degrade (eventually)

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a marine biodegradable plastic using starch and cellulose, demonstrating excellent water-resistance and high strength. The new material has the potential to significantly reduce marine debris accumulation and contribute to sustainable development goals.

A flexible brain for AI

Scientists at Osaka University created a flexible computing device from field-programmable gate arrays, increasing circuit density by 12 times and reducing energy usage by 80%. This innovation may lead to custom machine learning hardware with enhanced performance and reduced electricity consumption.

Simple N-terminal modification of proteins

Researchers at Osaka University have reported a straightforward approach to protein modification by targeting the N-terminus, providing a new tool for protein engineering. The method uses a single-step reaction to conjugate functional molecules to proteins, resulting in highly efficient site-specific labeling under mild conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemBioChem·DateFeb 13, 2020

A new approach to calm that angry nose

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that semaphorin protein contributes to allergic reactions and development of nasal polyps in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Elevated levels of semaphorin protein were associated with disease severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Making sense of flexible sensor systems

Researchers developed a thin, soft magnetic sensor matrix sheet system with tenfold improvement in sensitivity, enabling real-time visualization of magnetism. The system can be attached to the skin without causing discomfort and has high spatial resolution due to its high permeability.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 27, 2020

Getting to the heart of epinephrine use in pediatric cardiac arrest patients

Researchers found that prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with improved return of circulation in pediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, there was no significant improvement in 1-month survival rates. The study suggests that prehospital epinephrine administration should be included in interna...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2020

Peering into the genome of brain tumor

Researchers at Osaka University developed a machine-learning algorithm that uses MRI images to predict genetic mutations in glioma tumors. This breakthrough may lead to more suitable treatment for patients, giving better outcomes. The study was published in Scientific Reports.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2020

(Noise-) less is more

Researchers at Osaka University developed a high precision 3D circuit simulator to quantify electromagnetic (EM) noise and its origin. The simulator allows for the visualization of EM noise generation and propagation, enabling intuitive understanding of why and where noise occurs, leading to noiseless circuit design.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2019

Genomic cut and paste using a Class 1 CRISPR system

Japanese researchers have developed a Class 1 CRISPR gene editing system that enables efficient DNA repairs in human cells with minimal off-target effects. The Cas3 protein-based approach achieves superior genome editing efficiency compared to traditional Class 2 systems, opening doors for new therapeutic applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019

Protein defect leaves sperm chasing their tails

A team of researchers from Osaka University identified a key protein required for electrical signal sensing in sperm, which is defective in individuals experiencing reduced fertility. The study's findings suggest that the protein regulates ion channel activity, affecting sperm motility and potentially leading to new fertility treatments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

A trick for taming terahertz transmissions

Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel receiver that overcomes obstacles in terahertz radiation, enabling record-breaking transmission speeds of 30 gigabits per second. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize next-generation 6G cellular network technology and various other applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

Seeing the world's smallest universal joints

Osaka University researchers use electron cryomicroscopy to solve the structure of the bacterial flagellum's 'universal joint,' a crucial component in transmitting rotary power. This breakthrough has important implications for developing new antibiotics and biomimetic self-propelled nanomachines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2019

When your microbiome and your genome aren't a good combination

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a novel link between the gut microbiome and host genome in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that bacteria belonging to the genus Prevotella were abundant in the gut microbiota of Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateNov 27, 2019

Nanocatalyst makes heavy work of formic acid

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a palladium-based alloy nanocatalyst that promotes the selective production of deuterium isotope compounds from formic acid. The catalyst enables a cost-effective and scalable process for producing these gases, which are useful in fine chemical production and research applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2019

Multidrug resistance: Not as recent as we thought

Researchers from Osaka University found that a relatively ancient Haemophilus influenzae drug efflux pump AcrB confers resistance to antibiotics similar to its more evolved counterparts. The study highlights the evolution and mechanism of multidrug efflux systems, suggesting a 'one size fits all' approach is not suitable.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 13, 2019