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Osaka University


“Fussy” molecules prefer one direction over the other

Scientists from Osaka University have created a new class of materials, called chiral bifacial indacenodithiophene-based π-conjugated polymers, that can selectively interact with electrical currents in different polarities. These films exhibit strong spin polarization, making them promising for applications in spintronics and clean ene...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Molecular level changes translate to big efficiency gains for organic solar cells

Researchers from Osaka University have synthesized a new molecule that increases the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. The molecule's design reduces exciton binding energy, making it easier to convert sunlight into current. This breakthrough paves the way for high-performance and large-scale photovoltaic applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Uncovering the specialized immune cells that fight COVID-19

A team of researchers from Osaka University has pinpointed the B cells responsible for boosting COVID-19 immunity after vaccination. They found that activated atypical B cells are the main responders to mRNA vaccines, providing a new way to assess vaccine response and underlying biology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Novel green chemistry: A safe, low-cost, and eco-friendly conversion process for the synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides, a world first!

A research group from Osaka University has developed a novel green chemistry method to synthesize sulfonyl fluorides efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This process uses easily accessible raw materials, thiols and disulfides, and produces only non-toxic sodium and potassium salts as byproducts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

New study links melatonin secretion to ADHD symptoms in children

A groundbreaking study published in Psychiatry Research Communications reveals a critical link between melatonin secretion and the severity of ADHD symptoms in children. Genetic variations affecting melatonin production may play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of ADHD symptoms.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPsychiatry Research Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2024

Silicon chip propels 6G communications forward

A team of scientists from Osaka University has created a polarisation multiplexer on a substrateless silicon base, which doubles the data capacity under the same bandwidth with lower data loss than existing devices. This innovation paves the way for more robust and reliable high-speed wireless networks.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Video gaming improves mental well-being, landmark study finds

A pioneering Japanese study found substantial improvements in mental well-being among gamers, with Nintendo Switch ownership leading to 0.60 standard deviations of improvement. The research challenges negative perceptions and highlights the need for a nuanced approach to studying digital media's effects on health.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Molecular wires with a twist

Researchers at Osaka University have created molecular wires with periodic twists that increase electrical conductivity. The discovery could lead to the development of cheaper and biocompatible electronic devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

More than just medicine: Proactive approach responds to ethical issues facing medical care teams

A research group at Osaka University proposes two proactive ethics consultation methods: inter-professional ethics rounds and patient note reviews. These methods aim to improve clinical decision-making by addressing ethical issues in a more proactive manner, leading to better medical care and alleviated moral anguish among medical staff.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAsian Bioethics Review·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 19, 2024

Plant-inspired polymers for water purification

A German-Japanese research team developed a polymer inspired by a protein found in plants to selectively remove harmful heavy-metal ions from water. The polymer achieves high specificity and efficiency, making it a promising solution for improving water treatment processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications

A new organic molecule thienyl diketone achieves high-efficiency phosphorescence more than ten times faster than traditional materials. This breakthrough provides design guidelines for developing metal-free organic phosphorescent materials, promising significant advancements in various applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2024

Splicing it all together in the fight against cancer

Researchers at Osaka University have developed molecules that can correct improper splicing of a vital tumor suppressor gene in neuroendocrine cancers. The study demonstrates that these splice-switching oligonucleotides can significantly reduce viable cancer cells and tumor size in mice, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for intr...

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

New insights into osteoporosis

A research team from Osaka University identified a key osteoporosis-related gene, Men1, and developed a new animal model of the disease. The study found that inactivation of Men1 led to cellular senescence in osteoblasts, reducing bone formation activity and increasing bone resorption.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

The gender gap in life expectancy: are eggs and sperm partly responsible?

A study published in Science Advances reveals that germ cells drive sex-dependent lifespan differences in vertebrate animals. Removing these cells led to similar lifespans in males and females of the turquoise killifish species. Vitamin D was also discovered to have a role in improving longevity, with supplementation extending life spans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Keeping the lights on

A study published in Applied Physics Letters reveals that decreasing carbon concentration can increase the amount of light emitted from GaN crystals. The researchers found a threshold concentration above which carbon atoms become a significant factor in dissipating energy, leading to improved internal quantum efficiency.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2024

Where’s the Flood?: Real-time flood risk visualization via server-based MR enhances accessibility and public safety

Researchers from Osaka University developed a mobile mixed reality (MR) system for intuitive flooding forecasts, allowing urban populations to view dynamic flood forecasts on their mobile devices. The system enables widespread participation in MR visualizations, improving community preparedness and response.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Best of both worlds: Innovative positioning system enhances versatility and accuracy of drone-viewpoint mixed reality applications

Researchers at Osaka University developed an innovative positioning system for drone-based mixed reality applications, enabling accurate alignment between real and virtual worlds. This development will lead to versatile drone-based MR applications in architecture, engineering, and construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDrone Systems and Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Combining simulations and experiments to get the best out of Fe3Al

A team from Osaka University used electron microscopy and computer simulations to study the kinetics of microstructure formation in Fe3Al, leading to a deeper understanding of its superelastic properties. The findings could provide insights for heat treatments and applications in construction and healthcare industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

Controlling ion transport for a blue energy future

A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

First in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial to launch for refractory prostate cancer patients: Novel alpha therapy targets prostate-specific membrane antigen

A new alpha-ray therapeutic agent ([At-211] PSMA-5) has been developed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in refractory prostate cancer patients. The therapy has shown efficacy in animal models and is now being tested in a first-in-human clinical trial.

SourceOsaka University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2024

Climbing the social ladder slows dementia, Japanese study reveals

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that upward social mobility significantly lowers the risk of dementia. The research, led by Osaka University researchers, analyzed data from 9,186 participants aged 65 and over, finding that individuals who experienced upward transitions had a notably lower risk of dementia incidence c...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

Computing takes the guesswork out of chemistry

A team of researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to identify a highly effective boron-based catalyst for chemical transformations of amino acids and peptides. The new catalyst generates only water as a coproduct and promotes high-yield reactions with minimal environmental impact. By leveraging computational methods, th...

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Identifying a new liver defender: The role of resident macrophages

Researchers at Osaka University discovered that certain 'sentinel macrophages' near the liver's entrance protect it against intestinal bacteria and related substances. Isoallo-lithocholic acid triggers their activation, highlighting a potential target for preventing liver inflammation and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 25, 2024

To mask or not to mask? Understanding public health behaviors during COVID-19

A study by Osaka University researchers found that mask-wearing behavior depends on the interplay of contextual changes and social norms. The results showed no significant relationship between system justification motivation and individual mask-wearing rates before or after the relaxation of governmental recommendations in March 2023.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2024

Switching off the light to see better

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a new approach for super-resolution microscopy that can observe dense microstructures inside cells with excellent sharpness. By selecting only a desired plane to image using thin 'light sheet' illumination, they were able to achieve background-free super-resolution imaging.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 22, 2024

New colorful plastic films for versatile sensors and electronic displays

Scientists from Osaka University create borane molecules that exhibit red-shifted light emission upon binding to fluoride, enabling versatile materials for electronic display and chemical sensing applications. The researchers also achieve fine-tuning of the color of light emission by adjusting the quantity of added fluoride.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Next-generation treatments hitch a ride into cancer cells

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a way to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to their targets inside cancer cells by opening specific calcium permeable channels. The new compound, L687, promotes efficient uptake of ASO into cancer cells, suppressing target gene activity and enhancing ASO efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Antibiotics reveal a new way to fight cancer

Tetracycline antibiotics have been found to enhance the antitumor activity of T lymphocytes by targeting galactin-1, an immunosuppressive protein produced by cancer cells. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new drugs that target different immune pathways and benefit patients with cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Access to genomic medicine illustrates precision medicine’s delicate future

A new study found that access to genomic testing for cancer is limited by factors such as test availability, patient information, and insurance coverage in both Japan and Switzerland. Despite universal insurance coverage, barriers persist due to differences in hospital accessibility, language barriers, and varying levels of reimbursement.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeCase study·DateApr 8, 2024

Exposure to common environmental carcinogens decreases lifespan happiness

Researchers from Osaka University found that exposure to environmental carcinogens and psychological distress decrease emotional wellbeing in Japanese people, with a 0.0064-year decrease for radon and 0.97 years for psychological distress. The study suggests that reducing exposure to these chemicals can help promote longer, happier lives.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2024

Using machine learning to save lives in the ER

A study published in Critical Care identified eight different trauma phenotypes associated with lower in-hospital mortality when treated with tranexamic acid. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze data from over 50,000 patients and found subgroups of patients who received no benefit from treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

Using ‘time travel’ to think about technology from the perspective of future generations

A study by Osaka University found that thinking about sustainability from the perspective of imaginary future generations yields new insights into technological innovation and societal trends. Participants in workshops ranked indicators differently after adopting this perspective, perceiving technology's feasibility more accurately.

SourceOsaka University·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeCase study·DateMar 19, 2024

Projection mapping leaves the darkness behind

Conventional projection mapping systems work only in dark environments due to surrounding illumination. Researchers from Osaka University developed a method to control both image and illumination, allowing for realistic projections in bright environments. This technology enables interactive displays with multiple viewers under natural ...

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024