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Osaka University


Gargling away the bad bacteria in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Osaka University found that gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce periodontitis-related bacteria in patients with type 2 diabetes. This simple method may improve the lives of people with periodontitis-linked diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Biomanufacturing using chemically synthesized sugars enables sustainable supply of sugar without competing with food

Researchers from Osaka University developed an innovative biomanufacturing technology using chemically synthesized non-natural sugars, enabling fermentation production of lactate and solving the problem of competing with food. This achievement will expand biomanufacturing and provide a sustainable raw sugar supply.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemBioChem·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Organic electronics lead to new ways to sense light

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a soft, flexible, and wireless optical sensor based on carbon nanotubes and organic transistors formed on ultra-thin polymer film. The sensor has high sensitivity over a wide range of wavelengths and can work even after being crumpled into a ball.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

A new targeted treatment calms the cytokine storm

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a novel treatment strategy for cytokine storm, a serious inflammatory syndrome triggered by an infection or severe burn. The new approach involves blocking IL-6 receptor signaling with a short-term antibody, minimizing treatment side effects and preventing vascular damage.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Tiny AI-based bio-loggers revealing the interesting bits of a bird’s day

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a small sensor-based data logger that automatically detects and records video of infrequent behaviors in wild seabirds. The bio-logger uses low-power sensors and artificial intelligence to capture rare behaviors, such as head-shaking and foraging habits, without needing human supervision.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

One-step synthesis of the most common, yet highly intricate, antibiotic molecular scaffold

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an operationally simple way to synthesize the intricate beta-lactam scaffold characteristic of beta-lactam antibiotics. The new catalytic system generates Fischer-carbene complexes in small quantities, eliminating toxic chromium waste and requiring only a small amount of catalyst.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Toward efficient spintronic materials

Japanese researchers have revealed a strain-induced orbital control mechanism in interfacial multiferroics, potentially leading to efficient spintronic devices. The team showed the microscopic origin of the large magnetoelectric effect in the material, providing guidelines for designing materials with a large magnetoelectric effect.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

CD4+ T cell patterns linked to autoimmune disorders

A study published in Cell Genomics reveals that specific changes in CD4+ T cell categories and gene programs are associated with autoimmune diseases, including distinct patterns related to aging and sex. The findings provide a comprehensive catalog of CD4+ T cell changes linked to 20 different autoimmune diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Genomics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2024

A tidy cell seems to keep aging at bay

A study published in PNAS reveals that HKDC1 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial and lysosomal function, thereby preventing cellular senescence. The researchers found that HKDC1 helps regulate the removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy and facilitates lysosomal repair.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2024

Off-label use of a common antibiotic to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers from Osaka University have identified erythromycin as a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy type 1, a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness. The antibiotic showed acceptable safety and tolerability profiles in a phase 2 clinical trial, with some patients experiencing significant improvements ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 26, 2023

One of the keys to healthy sleep and blood sugar has been found

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a link between the rare D-form of the amino acid alanine and the circadian clock's influence on glucose metabolism in the kidney. The study found that D-alanine regulates gluconeogenesis, a process that creates new glucose to maintain energy levels, and is mediated by the protein Cry2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalKidney360·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

In a new light – new approach overcomes long-standing limitations in optics

A multi-institutional research team, including Osaka University, has developed a new approach to enhance the efficiency of Mie scattering, which could lead to significant advancements in meta-photonics and applications like all-optical transistors. The researchers found that misaligning the incident laser on a nanometer scale can induc...

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Creating a future, together, for rare-disease research

Researchers from Osaka University developed an online space for conversation and collaboration among patients with rare diseases, family members, researchers, and former policymakers. The project identified key themes and research priorities, including financial burden, daily life impacts, anxiety, and hospital visits, providing a uniq...

SourceOsaka University·JournalResearch Involvement and Engagement·DateDec 12, 2023

Permselectivity reveals a cool side of nanopores

Scientists have found that by controlling ion flow through nanopores, they can achieve cooling. At high concentrations, increased heat was measured, but at low concentrations, negatively charged ions interacted with the nanopore wall, resulting in a decrease in temperature.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

Microautophagy is essential for preventing aging

A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that microautophagy is crucial for repairing damaged lysosomes, which helps prevent cellular aging. The researchers identified key regulators of this process, including STK38 and GABARAPs, and found that their depletion increases the rate of senescent cells and shortens lifespan in C. elegans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

What leads people to take action on disease prevention?

A study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that individuals' behavior to prevent disease spread depends on their personal information sources and living situation. The researchers discovered a strong link between medical information consumption before the outbreak and mask-wearing behaviors, while s...

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

How human faces can teach androids to smile

A recent study by Osaka University's researchers aims to bring science fiction stories closer to reality by studying the mechanical properties of human facial expressions. The team mapped out the intricacies of human facial movements using tracking markers, revealing that even simple motions can be surprisingly complex and nuanced.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMechanical Engineering Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Research examines why mask usage in Japan persists

Research out of Osaka University reveals that many Japanese people continue to wear masks for socio-psychological reasons, including relief and norm. The study found correlations between mask usage motivations and actual mask usage before and after the government downgraded COVID-19's legal status.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2023

How robots can help find the solar energy of the future

Researchers at Osaka University use a robotic system to automate key experimental processes, accelerating the search for new materials. They evaluate 576 thin-film semiconductor samples using photoabsorption spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and time-resolved microwave conductivity analyses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJACS Au·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

A new era for accurate, rapid COVID-19 testing

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel platform that combines nanopore technology with artificial intelligence to detect different coronavirus variants quickly. The platform was tested on 241 saliva samples and detected the Omicron variant 100% of the time.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2023

Enlightening insects: Morpho butterfly nanostructure inspires technology for bright, balanced lighting

Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Comfort with a smaller carbon footprint

Osaka University researchers have developed an AI-driven algorithm to control indoor heating and cooling systems, achieving significant energy savings of up to 30%. The system learns the symbolic relationships between variables, including power consumption, based on a large dataset, ensuring comfortable temperatures despite winter cond...

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

A surprising way to disrupt sleep

A new study reveals the critical importance of post-transcriptional processes in regulating circadian rhythms and their impact on sleep. Researchers identified a structure in the circadian mRNA Period2 that alters the amplitude of circadian rhythms and disrupts sleep patterns, particularly during transitions between light and dark.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Blame and Compliance: Just deserts and support for lockdowns in the time of COVID-19

A study by Osaka University found that belief in just deserts (BJD) was highest in Japan and lowest in the UK, while human rights restriction (HRR) was highest in China and lowest in Japan. The research suggests that BJD and HRR are positively correlated in some countries, leading to increased disease-related prejudice and discrimination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

A NICER approach to genome editing

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new gene editing technique called NICER, which significantly reduces off-target mutations compared to traditional CRISPR/Cas9 methods. This novel approach uses multiple small cuts in DNA strands and promotes interhomolog homologous recombination to correct heterozygous mutations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2023

A new way to create germ-killing light

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new optical device that generates deep-UV light using second harmonic generation, killing germs while remaining harmless to humans. The device is more efficient and compact than previous options, paving the way for commercial applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

New insights into melanoma development and therapy

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a novel mechanism by which GREB1 Isoform4 is involved in pyrimidine synthesis and causes malignant melanoma. The study found that GREB1 Is4 promotes cancer cell proliferation and regulates pyrimidine metabolism, suggesting it as a new therapeutic target for melanoma.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOncogene·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2023

Topology's role in decoding energy of amorphous systems

Researchers from Osaka University and others have used topological data analysis and machine learning to predict the properties of amorphous materials. The study employed a method combining persistent homology and machine learning to accurately predict the energies of disordered structures composed of carbon atoms at varying densities.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2023

The protein protectors of fertility

Researchers from Osaka University have shed light on how certain proteins contribute to the formation of piRNAs, a type of RNA that protects the genome. Tejas plays a key role in recruiting Vas and Spn-E, facilitating nuage formation and piRNA processing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023