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Osaka University


Solution to mysterious behavior of supercooled water

The study reveals that anomalous molecular motions in supercooled water lead to the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein behavior, with regions forming hydrogen bonds heterogeneously. The findings provide insights into the physical implications of this anomaly, which could help explain dynamic behaviors in glassy materials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2017

Seeing the next dimension of computer chips

Scientists at Osaka University used scanning tunneling microscopy to create images of atomically flat side-surfaces of 3D silicon crystals, a crucial step towards designing smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient computer chips. The achievement paves the way for innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateOct 10, 2017

Non-invasive imaging predicts cancer malignancy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to quantify cancer severity. The method, called non-labeling multiphoton microscopy (NL-MPM), uses second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to detect malignancy with high accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 2, 2017

Mixing and matching yeast DNA

Researchers at Osaka University have identified distinct factors regulating crossover-type recombination at yeast centromeres and non-centromeres. The study suggests that centromeres are protected from chromosomal rearrangements due to specific proteins, ensuring DNA fidelity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 11, 2017

Proteins keep a grip on cells

Scientists have identified where laminin 511 interacts with integrins, crucial adhesion molecules that determine cell function and shape. The discovery reveals the gamma chain directly interacts with integrins, stabilizing the laminin-integrin bond.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2017

Using DNA to predict schizophrenia and autism

Researchers discovered a single amino acid switch in the CX3CR1 receptor as a potential marker for predicting schizophrenia and autism. The variant affects microglia function and could lead to predictive diagnostics, offering new hope for asymptomatic patient screening.

SourceOsaka University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2017

New drug targets for a rare kidney and liver disease

Researchers have identified new potential drug targets for a rare kidney and liver disease by studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. The study found that a protein complex, FPC, plays a key role in the development of cysts, fibrosis, and hypertension associated with ARPKD.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 23, 2017

Assembling nanomachines in bacteria

A new study reveals the dynamic assembly of the export gate complex in bacterial flagellum and injectisome. The research identifies FliO as a scaffold protein essential for assembly, providing candidate targets for experimental drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 8, 2017

Early diagnostic imaging to prevent kidney disease

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique to detect kidney damage and predict chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients. The method uses diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) to identify specific regions of the kidney with abnormal fluid dynamics, offering a promising approach to prevent kidney disease progression.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Metal instability achieves energy-efficient nanotechnology

Scientists at Osaka University and Italian researchers have created freestanding nanowires that can convert small levels of electrical power into mechanical oscillations at high frequencies. The design achieves unprecedented low power consumption, making it a significant step towards energy-efficient technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJul 31, 2017

An evolutionary breakpoint in cell division

Researchers from Osaka University have found that the interaction between M18BP1/KNL2 and CENP-A proteins is crucial for cell division in various species except mammals, including humans. This essential protein interaction allows new CENP-A deposition into centromeres to maintain genome information equally during mitosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 30, 2017

The fork in the road to DNA repair

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a key role for protein SCAI in selecting between DNA repair mechanisms, NHEJ and HR, in response to damage. The study found that SCAI promotes the recruitment of HR proteins by binding to 53BP1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017

Blood vessels are not designed to fight infection

Researchers discovered that endothelial cells lining blood vessels are not as effective at removing invading bacteria via xenophagy, a process used by epithelial cells. The study suggests that targeting the ubiquitination pathway could lead to new approaches for fighting infections like GAS.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 9, 2017

Osaka University researchers push metals to their limits

Researchers at Osaka University have created a novel metal alloy by adding two metals to generate a unique cross-lamellar microstructure, significantly improving its mechanical performance. The new alloy shows excellent high-temperature strength and could lead to efficiency gains in gas turbines and jet engines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2017

Solar material for producing clean hydrogen fuel

Osaka University researchers have developed a novel solar material that can efficiently split water to produce clean hydrogen fuel, outperforming traditional semiconductors. The three-part composite material maximizes light absorption and electron conduction, resulting in 60 times higher activity than pure lanthanum titanium oxide.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 14, 2017

A new mutation in kidney disease

Researchers at Osaka University found a new mutation in the MUC1 gene that may act as an early marker of medullary cystic kidney disease type 1 (MCKD1). The mutation was discovered through whole-exome sequencing and suggests a potential biomarker for non-genetic testing to evaluate the risk of MCKD1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 2017

Control of material crystallization by agitation

A team at Osaka University found that agitating amorphous materials at a certain frequency accelerates crystallization, indicating a new method for controlling the formation of crystalline materials. The study used colloidal systems to model atomic materials and identified a specific vibrational mode facilitating crystallization.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2017

A fish of all flavors

A study by Osaka University reveals that a single heterodimer of two T1r members can detect a wide range of sweet and savory flavors in humans. The researchers found that the structure of the heterodimer is similar regardless of the amino acid bound, but with varying affinity for each ligand.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2017