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Osaka University


Study sheds light on bacterial propeller assembly

A Japanese research team has uncovered new molecular details and provided a model explaining how stepwise flagellar assembly occurs in bacteria. The proposed model suggests that subtle changes in the ring's shape determine which proteins are exported to the growing flagellum, enabling its construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2018

Even short travel can spread colistin-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Osaka University found that short trips to developing countries significantly increase the appearance of colistin-resistant bacteria in Japanese travelers. The study tracked 19 participants who traveled for less than 2 weeks and discovered nearly 90% of travel events resulted in resistant strains.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInfection and Drug Resistance·DateApr 10, 2018

Helpful B cells lend a hand to developing neurons

B cells play a key role in helping neurons develop by stimulating axon myelination, suggesting a potential link between B cell dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that specific B cell antibodies promote oligodendrocyte proliferation and neuron myelination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 2018

Multiple optical measurements reveal the single cell activation without contrast agent

The researchers developed a label-free multimodal microscopy platform that allows non-invasive study of cellular preparations. The platform enables the study of fine cellular processes, such as macrophage cells activation upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), at single-cell level through phenotypic and molecular characterization.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2018

Direct observation of topology hidden inside materials

A joint research group has successfully observed topology hidden inside materials using soft X-rays. This achievement enables the direct determination of material topology without relying on surface appearance, which is expected to lead to the discovery of more diverse topological electronic phases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 7, 2018

Magnesium makes chromosomes

Researchers develop MARIO, a fluorescent probe that measures magnesium ion concentration, showing its critical role in chromosome condensation. The study provides a new mechanism for chromosome organization and may help understand diseases like cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 1, 2018

A simple new approach to plastic solar cells

Researchers at Osaka University redesigned a polymer to improve its hole conductivity, enhancing solar power conversion performance. This design enables mass production through simple printing methods, potentially lowering costs and increasing adoption of plastic solar cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 24, 2018

Snapshot of DNA repair

Researchers at Osaka University and The University of Tokyo describe the unique binding of RNF168 to lysine 63 chains, which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions that assure the recruitment of DNA repair proteins.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2018

Ultrathin black phosphorus for solar-driven hydrogen economy

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel catalytic system to split water and make hydrogen using normal sunlight. The new catalyst combines nanostructured black phosphorus for water reduction and bismuth vanadate for water oxidation, achieving an ideal 2:1 ratio of hydrogen and oxygen production.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2018

Growing organs a few ink drops at a time

Osaka University researchers develop an enzyme-driven approach to sticking biological ink droplets together, enabling the 3D printing of highly complex biological structures with a wide variety of cell types. The method overcomes compatibility problems with sodium alginate and results in high viability rates for cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateDec 27, 2017

A radical approach to methane oxidation into methanol

Researchers at Osaka University have created a radical reaction that converts methane into methanol and formic acid using a clean, low-temperature process. The process achieves this goal without the need for high temperatures or pressures, converting over 99% of methane into the target products.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2017

Immune diseases inflict identical twins differently

Researchers at Osaka University found that differences in methylation patterns of specific genes and chromosomes are linked to the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. This discovery highlights the importance of considering both genetic and epigenetic factors in diagnosing metabolic disorders.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThyroid·DateDec 12, 2017

New strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy by identifying a novel therapeutic target, MMG49, specifically recognizing integrin β7. The resulting CAR-T treatment showed anti-MM effects without damaging normal blood cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017

Walk this way: A better way to identify gait differences

Researchers at Osaka University designed a novel gait recognition method that can overcome intra-subject variations by view differences. The proposed architectures outperformed state-of-the-art benchmarks in accordance with their suitable situations of verification/identification tasks and view differences.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology·DateNov 8, 2017

Gender roles in ancient times

Researchers at Osaka University have found a key gene responsible for the development of male and female traits in an ancient crustacean. The study reveals how this gene, doublesex1, is expressed differently in males and females, leading to distinct sex-specific characteristics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2017