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Osaka University


Are quantum computers the future of genome analysis?

A Japanese research team has developed a technique that could lead to a new paradigm for genomic analysis using quantum computers. The breakthrough involves identifying single nucleotides, a crucial step toward creating a molecular sequencer of DNA.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

Bromide ions cause ripples in semiclathrate hydrates

A recent study published in Applied Physics Letters reveals the dynamics of water molecules in tetra-n-butylammonium bromide semiclathrate hydrate using quasi-elastic neutron scattering. The research found that water molecules rapidly reorient, and their motion is consistent with breaking hydrogen bonds.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

Policy Makers Aplenty: Researchers and citizens play positive roles in the governance of human genome editing

A study by Osaka University researchers reveals that various stakeholders, including experts, the general public, and patients, can participate in genome editing governance. This collaboration enables more effective policy-making, with citizens engaging in new initiatives such as interactive events.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAsian Bioethics Review·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

New insights into liver cancer development

A study published in Cancer Research identifies a novel mechanism by which liver cancer develops, involving the aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway and the gene GREB1. The research reveals that GREB1 is responsible for integrating conflicting cellular states of differentiation and proliferation, leading to tumor promotion.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Robot centipedes go for a walk

Researchers from Osaka University developed a biomimetic robot that uses dynamic instability to navigate uneven terrain. The robot can switch between straight and curved walking motions, making it suitable for search and rescue operations or planetary exploration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Melts in the light, not in your hand: novel crystal compound melts under ultraviolet light

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a novel material that transitions from a crystal to a liquid when exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, enabling a detailed understanding of the crystal-melting process. The material exhibits changes in luminescence during melting, indicating molecular-level changes in shape.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

A potential pathway to improved stroke recovery

A study published in Stroke identified two proteins, R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) and LGR4, that trigger a signaling pathway to reduce inflammation and promote neurite outgrowth in the ischemic brain. This discovery provides new hope for patients with ischemic stroke by targeting RSPO3/LGR4 signaling.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStroke·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023

Now you can be comfortable in your e-skin

Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

A herbal compound to fight autoimmunity

A team from Osaka University discovered that celastrol blocks the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting a protein complex that promotes autoimmune responses. The researchers found that celestrol binds to COMMD3 covalently, preventing the formation of the COMMD3/8 complex and impairing antibody production.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Fujitsu and Osaka University develop new quantum computing architecture, accelerating progress toward practical application of quantum computers

The new architecture reduces physical qubits required for error correction to 10% of conventional architectures, enabling better performance than classical computers. This breakthrough accelerates progress toward practical quantum computing, with the aim of applying quantum computing applications to various societal issues.

Got milky spots?

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals a unique subset of fibroblastic reticular cells in omental milky spots crucial for immune cell recruitment to prevent sepsis. These cells regulate the display of CXCL12, recruiting lymphocytes to sites of inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Tune in, wash hands: COVID-19 TV coverage added momentum to hand hygiene boom

A new study from Osaka University found that COVID-19 TV coverage significantly increased hand hygiene compliance from 5% to over 70% in a matter of months. The researchers tracked the correlation between TV coverage and hand hygiene, finding a strong statistical connection between added airtime and increased compliance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2023

Can humans ‘Sniff out’ the secrets to the sense of smell?

A group of researchers from Osaka University has shown that the segregated function of a messenger ion (Ca2+) can help improve our sense of smell. The study reveals that Ca2+ signaling plays a crucial role in regulating the amplification and reduction of sensory signals, and its processes are clearly segregated within a tiny structure ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Why men are at higher risk from COVID-19

Researchers at Osaka University found that male patients with COVID-19 have a faster loss of circulating Treg cells, leading to dysregulated antibody responses. Females, on the other hand, have higher levels of these cells, which may help protect them from infection.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023

New insights into centromere structure

Researchers at Osaka University used cryogenic electron microscopy to study the structural change of the centromere during cell division. The study revealed a complex interaction between proteins involved in cell division, providing new insights into the correct division of chromosomes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

A sweet reaction: Microwaves might increase the sustainability of the chemicals industry

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to produce specific hexose and heptose sugars using microwave irradiation, improving the sustainability of industrial chemical production. The new process increases reaction efficiency and purity, paving the way for more environmentally friendly chemicals manufacturing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRSC Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2023

Powering neutron science

Researchers at Osaka University developed a laser-driven neutron source, enabling extremely rapid elemental analysis. The study found that increasing laser intensity yields neutrons proportional to the fourth power, allowing for faster identification of elements in samples.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

Breakthrough in mitochondrial regulation

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a system known as the GET pathway as crucial for regulating the numbers of energy-producing mitochondria. The study found that disruption of the GET pathway leads to reduced mitophagy, a process responsible for removing defective or excess mitochondria.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Astral alchemy

Scientists successfully synthesized the elusive Λ(1405) particle and measured its complex mass, revealing a temporary bound state of a K- meson and proton. The findings may provide insights into the interior of ultra-dense neutron stars and the early formation of the Universe.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysics Letters B·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

No cap removal, no fertilization

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein called FER1L5 that is crucial for the acrosome reaction, allowing sperm to fertilize eggs. The study found that mice lacking FER1L5 were unable to undergo the acrosome reaction, highlighting the importance of this protein in male fertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

A blood vessel protein reduces mortality in infectious disease

A new study by Osaka University researchers demonstrates that the endothelial cell-specific protein Robo4 plays a crucial role in reducing mortality in severe infection. By upregulating Robo4 expression, a drug treatment can decrease vascular permeability and increase survival rates.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

INCIDER fluorescent sensors visualize sticky situations

Researchers from Osaka University developed a new fluorescent sensor system to visualize N-cadherin-mediated interactions between living cells. The INCIDER system enables accurate tracking of temporal changes in these interactions, with a fluorescence signal 70 times stronger than existing methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2022

Detrimental secondary health effects after disasters and pandemics

Researchers at Osaka University found that disasters and pandemics increase major non-communicable diseases and mental disorders, especially among certain age groups. The study highlights the need for improved post-disaster health policies and prevention strategies to mitigate these effects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022