Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Osaka University


Nuclear magic trick

An international team of researchers found that destructive quantum interference suppresses transition between superdeformed and spherical ground states in calcium-40 nuclei. This work may help explain nucleosynthesis processes and the remarkable stability of magic nuclei.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

Maintaining the right niche for blood cell development

The study found that mice lacking both Runx1 and Runx2 in CAR cells showed a significant reduction of HSPCs and immune cells, along with an increase in fibrosis. The researchers suggest that Runx1 and Runx2 may be potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of myelofibrosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Are we born with a moral compass?

Researchers found that infants can punish antisocial behavior exhibited by a third party, indicating an intrinsic motivation for morality. The study's findings suggest that humans may have acquired behavioral tendencies toward moral behavior during evolution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Staying flexible

Scientists at Osaka University have invented a flexible sheet sensor that can detect changes in water temperature and presence of contaminants without disrupting the flow. The technology uses an embedded carbon nanotube film as a photodetector layer, enabling continuous monitoring and non-disruptive sampling.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

How fat could help in tailoring cancer treatment plans

A study by Osaka University found that fat accumulation in liver tumors can predict patient response to immunotherapy. The researchers identified a unique tumor immune microenvironment, known as steatotic HCC, which is associated with high infiltration of immune cells but exhaustion of nearby T cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Taking ownership of your health

A study published in Age and Ageing found that modifying lifestyle behaviors can have a marked effect on lifespan, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Adopting five or more healthy habits increased life expectancy by up to 6 years for healthy 40-year-olds.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Like a pebble in a whirlpool

Researchers at Osaka University used silicon nanoparticles to visualize the coalescence of quantized vortices in superfluid helium. This technique enables better understanding of quantum fluids and materials, including superconductors. The study also opens up new possibilities for optical research on other quantum properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

Nothing to cry about: The development of tear duct organoids

Scientists at Osaka University created 3D human stem cell-derived lacrimal gland organoids that mimic the human tear duct. The organoids exhibited organization and branching patterns characteristic of the human lacrimal gland, demonstrating potential as a platform for regenerative therapies for dry eye syndrome.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Decoy receptor protects against Omicron infection

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an engineered ACE2 decoy that effectively reduces the rate and severity of infection with the Omicron variant under laboratory conditions. The decoy mimics the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, preventing the virus from binding to cells and entering them.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Ethical communication in the age of information

Researchers from Osaka University proposed a comprehensive ethical framework and practical guidance for communicating with research participants through the Internet. The framework addresses issues such as participant recruitment, informed consent, and data protection, aiming to improve future practice in medical research.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 20, 2022

It’s all in the hiPS

A team of researchers from Osaka University and Kyoto University developed a stem cell-based biomaterial, hiPS-Cart, to treat IVD degeneration and prevent further deterioration. The biomaterial was able to survive and maintain its functionality in lab rats with NP removal, reversing IVF and vertebral bone degeneration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Light-powered microbes are super-producing chemical factories

Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

New quantum dots for quantum networks

Researchers at Osaka University and National Research Council Canada create a gallium arsenide quantum dot that can trap individual electrons. The development could help advance the field of quantum networks by efficiently converting photons into electron spins.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Coughing mice and the fight against pertussis

A team of researchers from Osaka University successfully established a mouse model that can reproduce the severe and persistent cough of pertussis. They found that pertussis toxin, Vag8, and lipooligosaccharide are key bacterial factors involved in inducing coughing, which ultimately leads to bradykinin and TRPV1 signaling.

SourceOsaka University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Getting warmer: Improving heat flux modeling

Scientists at Osaka University developed a new numerical technique to visualize heat flux at the atomic scale for the first time. The team found that sub-atomic stresses in solid and liquid structures determine the direction of heat flux, enabling more efficient nanoscale manufacturing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2022

Scientists see what research participants picture in their mind’s eye

Scientists have developed a new technology to decode brain activity and infer the meaning of a person's mental picture. The study used electrocorticogram to detect patterns in brain activity while patients imagined different images, revealing distinct representations for each concept. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

Drug-resistant bacteria flaunt their curves

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology has found that machine learning analysis of microscopy images can be used to identify bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Researchers discovered that shape changes in bacterial cells can predict drug resistance, suggesting a new approach for detecting and predicting drug resistance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 15, 2022

Furthering fat loss in the fasting response

A study by Osaka University investigated the relationship between autophagy and metabolism during fasting. Autophagy was found to play a key role in promoting fat loss during fasting, particularly through the upregulation of adipogenic genes. The findings may have important implications for understanding metabolism during aging.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAutophagy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

Seeing below the surface of bimetallic nanoparticles

Researchers from Osaka University report a new technique for tracking the synthesis of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles in real time, allowing for fine-tuning of nanomaterial preparation. The technique uses a piezoelectric resonator to monitor particle shape changes and track interdiffusion of metals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Graphene and an intense laser open the door to the extreme

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully accelerated energetic ions using graphene targets irradiated with ultra-intense lasers, overcoming previous limitations. The findings demonstrate the robustness of graphene in this application and pave the way for compact and efficient plasma-based accelerators.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Nanopores feel the heat

A team of researchers at Osaka University created a thermocouple made of gold and platinum nanowires to measure the temperature directly next to a nanopore. They found that thermal energy was dissipated in proportion to the momentum of the ionic flow, in line with Ohm's law predictions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Stirring a superfluid with a laser

Scientists at Osaka University have successfully manipulated nanoparticles suspended in superfluid helium using optical tweezers, opening the way for new cryogenic applications and potential visualization or control of vortices. The research may help better understand interactions between quantum fluids and classical nanomaterials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOptica·DateJan 20, 2022

Just in the NIK of time

Researchers at Osaka University have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By identifying TRAF3 and NIK as key players, they have uncovered potential therapeutic targets for novel ICC treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Calcium: important not just for your bones but also for your heart

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a novel causative gene, BAG5, for dilated cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of heart failure. The researchers found that mutations in this gene can lead to cardiomyopathy and found a potential treatment alternative using adeno-associated viruses (AAV) gene therapy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

A donation that could help cure blood cancer

A study published in Leukemia found that cord blood transplantation (CBT) was more effective than matched related donor transplantation (MRDT) for patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). The study compared the survival rates of 1,738 CBT-treated patients with those of 713 MRDT-treated patients, revealing...

SourceOsaka University·JournalLeukemia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

A moth’s virtual reality

A team built a virtual reality system to study the search behavior of male silkmoths, revealing that accurate information from multiple modalities increases success rate. The system also showed a modulation of behavior based on environmental complexity.

SourceOsaka University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Up to our NECs in it: in-depth genomic analysis of a rare carcinoma

A comprehensive genomic analysis reveals the genetic basis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system, a rare cancer that is highly resistant to treatment. The study identifies key biological processes underlying the development of the disease, including structural variants, methylation events, and gene fusions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

First in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial started for refractory thyroid cancer patients: Novel targeted alpha therapy using astatine

A team at Osaka University has initiated the world's first in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial of sodium astatine ([ <sup> 211 </sup> At]NaAt) injection for refractory differentiated thyroid cancer patients. The phase I trial evaluates safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of astatine for use in alpha therapy.

SourceOsaka University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

A CARE-ing route to advanced nanoelectronics

Osaka University researchers developed an ultra-thin film of magnetite with superior crystallinity and conductive properties, overcoming challenges in spintronics technology. The discovery enables the film to undergo a temperature-dependent resistivity change, crucial for implementation in quantum computing technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

After 70 years, advanced carbon-based magnetic material finally synthesized

Osaka University researchers have successfully synthesized a stable, crystalline nanographene with predicted magnetic properties, opening the door to revolutionary advances in electronics and magnets. The breakthrough uses a simplified model system called triangulene, which has long been elusive due to polymerization issues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021