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Osaka University


D-Amino acids: Signaling severity in viral infection

Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Microrobot assembly line

A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Imaging the dynamic cellular zoo made easier

Osaka University researchers have synthesized a fluorescent protein with the shortest emission wavelength to date, enabling the simultaneous tracking of multiple processes in cells. The new protein, Sumire, exhibits improved brightness and stability compared to existing fluorophores.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeNews article·DateNov 16, 2022

Revelations from Ryugu: Muon non-destructive analysis unveils true nature of ancient asteroid

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully detected carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in samples from near-Earth asteroid Ryugu using muon non-destructive analysis. The findings suggest that CI chondrites may be contaminated with terrestrial materials, challenging previous understanding of the solar system's chemical compositions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2022

Artificial intelligence makes enzyme engineering easy

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an AI-powered method to identify optimal amino acid mutations in enzymes. This approach accelerates the enzyme engineering process, allowing for tailored enzyme designs suitable for various biochemical environments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Efflux pump inhibitors: Bulking up to beat bacteria

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered the spatial characteristics of an efflux pump that helps bacteria resist antibiotics. By analyzing a specific inhibitor's binding site, they found bulky mutations can prevent the inhibitor from working, offering hope for developing new countermeasures to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

These cellulose nanofibers might be an alternative to petroleum-based plastics

Scientists at Osaka University have created a new material that could replace traditional plastics with a sustainable, biodegradable alternative. The cellulose nanofibers were engineered to exhibit direction-dependent properties, allowing for facile molding into complex structures such as microneedles and bio/nanotechnology architectures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

CAPITAL: A major advance in single-cell RNA data analysis

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a computational tool called CAPITAL that can carry out accurate comparative analysis of complex single-cell sequencing datasets. The tool uses a pseudotime trajectory approach to align and compare cells along hypothetical paths reflecting their progress through transitional processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2022

Blue energy

Scientists at Osaka University have developed an ultrathin silicon membrane with arrays of nanopores that can harness osmotic flow to generate electricity from seawater. The device achieved peak power efficiency of 400 kW/m² and demonstrated optimal configuration for best power generation.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022

Arrayed chirality

A team of researchers from Osaka University used computer simulations to model the optical radiation force distribution induced by an interference pattern, enabling the fabrication of nano-sized structures with chiral properties. This technology has the potential to create new optical devices, such as chirality sensors.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Shedding light on the happy hormone

A novel fluorescent sensor has been developed to visualize the release of oxytocin, also known as the 'happy hormone', in living animals. The sensor, called MTRIA OT, allows for real-time measurement of extracellular oxytocin dynamics in the brain, revealing variability in OT levels dependent on behavioral and physical conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

How cells take out the garbage

A team of researchers at Osaka University has identified a specific enzyme complex that initiates the removal of damaged lysosomes from cells. The complex, composed of CUL4A, DDB1, and WDFY1 proteins, acts preferentially during lysophagy to facilitate the degradation process.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Hickory dickory dock, the bean bug brain’s biological clock

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that glutamate signaling regulates the seasonal response of bean bugs' reproduction, controlled by circadian rhythm genes. The researchers found that extracellular glutamate levels were higher under short-day conditions and disrupted when reduced or increased.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Simple technique ushers in long-sought class of semiconductors

Researchers from Osaka University developed a versatile method for preparing heterodimensional superlattices, exhibiting anisotropic electrical conductivity and the anomalous Hall effect at room temperature. This innovation promises to enhance data storage density, lighting efficiency, and electronic device speed.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Whole blood RNA profiling of severe COVID-19 cases

A study by Osaka University researchers comprehensively analyzed mRNA and microRNA expression patterns in the blood of patients with severe COVID-19, revealing specific mRNAs and microRNAs associated with the immune response pathway. The findings suggest that interferon-β plays a crucial role in COVID-19 severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022

A class of their own: New factors direct red algae chloroplast protein transport

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Big data in the ER

A team of researchers from Osaka University developed an AI algorithm to predict the risk of mortality for trauma patients. They analyzed a large dataset of patient information and blood markers to identify critical factors that guide treatment strategies more precisely.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2022

Expressiveness face-off

A new evaluation method at Osaka University accurately compares android and human facial expressions. The study found that androids have significantly less expressiveness than humans, but the new index may aid in developing more lifelike robots.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Robotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

A heat-sensitive calcium channel gets positive feedback

Researchers at Osaka University discovered that mutant variants of the RyR1 calcium channel protein are more sensitive to heat than normal proteins, leading to a cycle of activation that can cause malignant hyperthermia. This finding provides new insight into the condition and could lead to preventive and treatment strategies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Finding a way to defend a self-attack

Osaka University researchers identified medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) expressing neuromuscular molecules in myasthenia gravis-thymoma samples. These findings suggest a new connection between the two diseases and may lead to novel therapeutic methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Streaming from the future

A team of researchers at Osaka University has created a machine learning system that can virtually remove buildings from a live view, streaming in real-time on a mobile device. This technology can help accelerate the process of urban renewal based on community agreement, reducing conflicts and delays.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Computational Design and Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2022

p53 in liver cancer: The ultimate betrayal?

A study published in Cancer Research found that constitutively activated p53 in hepatocytes of chronic liver disease patients creates a microenvironment supportive of tumor formation from hepatic progenitor cells. This novel mechanism challenges the traditional role of p53 as a cancer suppressor.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Facial similarity influences perceptions of trustworthiness for same-sex interactions

Researchers from Osaka University found that facial similarity plays a crucial role in ratings of trustworthiness for observers of the same sex, but not for observers of opposite sex. The study suggests that facial similarity is an important factor affecting social judgments for same-sex interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Seeing photovoltaic devices in a new light

A team of researchers at Osaka University measured the photovoltaic properties of antimony sulfiodide:sulfide devices and discovered a novel effect. They found that changing the color of incident light from visible to ultraviolet induced a reversible change in output voltage, while leaving current unchanged.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

Laser creates a miniature magnetosphere

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully created a miniature magnetosphere using lasers, directly measuring pure electron outflows associated with magnetic reconnection. This breakthrough sheds light on the microscopic electron dynamics driving space and astrophysical phenomena.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Tiny lab on a chip

Researchers at Osaka University have created a microfluidic system that can detect minute changes in the concentration of trace amounts of ethanol, glucose, or minerals in water using terahertz radiation. The device achieved sensitivity levels an order of magnitude better than existing microfluidic chips.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Physics Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Who’s really in control?

A Japanese research team investigated the psychological impact of remotely operating semi-autonomous robots on humans. They found that when a person controls only a part of the robot's body, their attitude aligns with that expressed by the semi-autonomous robot, influencing subsequent decisions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2022

Custom suits for worms that really deliver

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a system to coat nematodes with hydrogel sheaths that can carry functional cargo. The study found that the sheaths protect the worms from UV light and hydrogen peroxide while allowing them to deliver anti-cancer agents to kill cancer cells in vitro.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMaterials Today Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

A golden ticket to smaller electronics

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a new method for direct three-dimensional bonding of copper electrodes using silver, enabling reliable connections at low temperatures without external pressure. The process can be performed under gentle conditions, resulting in permanent connections as small as 20 micrometers.