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Osaka University


A good night's sleep

Researchers designed a new technology that uses machine learning to model personal sleep patterns based on recorded sounds made during sleep. This method allows doctors to diagnose patients under normal sleeping conditions, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Genetic control of immune cell proliferation

Researchers at Osaka University discovered how specific genes regulate B cell cycling in germinal centers. They found that Foxo1 promotes B cell proliferation, but its activation is associated with lymphomas. Reviving BATF levels recovered the proliferation of Foxo1-deficient B cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 19, 2017

Songs that make robots cry

A machine-learning device developed by Osaka University can detect the emotional state of its listeners and produce new songs that evoke different feelings. This technology has the potential to enhance the interactive music experience and be applied in healthcare settings to motivate people to exercise or improve their mood.

Using nature to build nanomachines

Researchers at Osaka University used electron cryomicroscopy to study flagellar motors, revealing that small changes in amino acids can significantly impact function. The discovery provides insight into constructing synthetic nanomachines with similar properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2017

Atomic resolution of muscle contraction

The study reveals unexpectedly large conformational changes in the myosin molecule during the pull, generating force and a paradigm for nanomachine construction. Myosin converts ATP energy into mechanical work through hydrolysis, with a previously unobserved conformational change providing new perspectives on its function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

Materials that emit rainbows

Researchers at Osaka University create tri-color changing materials that exhibit efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence and enable the production of high-performance OLEDs devices. The materials display a range of colors in response to temperature and pressure, showing promise for applications such as pressure- and temperat...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 27, 2017

Reverse genetics for rotavirus

Researchers at Osaka University developed a plasmid-based reverse genetics system to study rotavirus invasion and replication. The system allowed them to mutate a key protein, NSP1, and decrease viral replication.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2017

Protein complex prevents genome instability

A protein complex called MRX plays a vital structural role during early DNA repair, stabilizing broken ends of DNA without requiring another protein cohesin. This study found that the Xrs2 member of the MRX complex ensures correct molecule presence at DNA damage sites, offering insight into genomic instability and cancer development.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 19, 2017

Preventing too much immunity

Researchers at Osaka University discovered a molecular mechanism underlying some autoimmune diseases. Satb1 regulates the development of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which are essential for controlling hyperactive immune systems.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 26, 2016

Interleukin-1α causes people to choke on air

Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalImmunity·DateDec 22, 2016

Visualization of the behavior of sugar transport proteins

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a method to visualize intracellular protein trafficking, specifically the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is associated with type II diabetes. The study reveals that abnormalities in the N-glycan chain lead to transient translocation and rapid internalization of GLUT4.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2016