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Osaka University


How hepatitis C virus evades the immune system

Researchers discovered a novel molecular mechanism by which HCV interferes with the host's immune system, leading to chronic infection. The study found that HCV core protein is degraded via SPP and MHC class I proteins, impairing proper immune response and allowing infection to become chronic.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

Above the noise

Scientists from Osaka University used machine learning methods to enhance signal-to-noise ratio in nanopore data, enabling higher precision measurements. The 'Noise2Noise' technique improved resolution of noisy runs, revealing faint features hidden by random fluctuations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSmall Methods·DateMay 14, 2021

Diversity and universality of jamming

The study reveals that random close packing of spheres exhibits common universal critical properties, despite the diversity of its details. The researchers showed that jammed states are marginally stable and can be described under a unified framework.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2021

Laser light makes a comeback (literally)

Researchers from Osaka University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the behavior of laser pulses in free space. They found that laser pulse intensity can propagate in a straight line, with the forward-propagating velocity being the speed of light and the backward-propagating velocity being subluminal.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 4, 2021

Patching up your health

Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Cohesive circuit protection for wearable electronics

A new cellulose nanofiber coating offers enhanced water resistance for flexible electronic devices, allowing them to withstand hundreds of bending cycles and underwater exposure. The coating's unique properties make it an ideal solution for medical devices used in emergency disaster response situations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 1, 2021

Mixed reality gets a machine learning upgrade

Osaka University researchers use deep learning to improve mobile mixed reality generation, enabling the automatic removal of obstructions and addition of greenery. This technology may revolutionize green architecture and city revitalization by providing real-time visualizations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Informatics·DateMar 24, 2021

Tunable smart materials

Researchers at Osaka University developed tunable microparticles that self-assemble into structures with adjustable properties. The study's findings may lead to the development of smart sensors and self-healing materials. By controlling the proportion of particle types, scientists can modify the shape of the resulting clusters.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2021

Expressing some doubts about android faces

A team of researchers from Osaka University used motion capture technology to compare the facial expressions of five android faces with those of humans. They found that mechanical facial movements of robots lacked the complexity of real human reactions, particularly in the upper regions. The study suggests redesigning android faces to ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 22, 2021

Simple iodine will speed up drug discovery

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a sustainable method for synthesizing vicinal diamines, crucial in medications for influenza and colorectal cancer. The process uses molecular iodine as a catalyst, reducing the need for rare and toxic metals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2021

Shutting the nano-gate

Scientists at Osaka University fabricated nanopores in silicon dioxide that can prevent particles from entering by applying a voltage. The technology may enable the development of single-particle sensors and next-generation DNA sequencing technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 12, 2021

How bone marrow regenerates after chemotherapy

Researchers from Osaka University have identified the molecular mechanism underlying bone marrow regeneration after chemotherapy. They found that group 2 innate lymphoid cells produce granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to aid in HSPC recovery, and their transfer accelerates hematopoietic recovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 5, 2021

Virtually unlimited solar cell experiments

Osaka University researchers employed machine learning to design new polymers for photovoltaic devices, virtually screening over 200,000 candidate materials. They found promising properties consistent with predictions, leading to potential breakthroughs in functional material discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 1, 2021

Brain seasonality: Bean bug neurons need biological clock gene for seasonal egg-laying

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

The chemistry lab inside cells

A team of scientists at Osaka University has discovered a new protein called QhpG that enables the conversion of amino acid residues on polypeptides into an enzyme cofactor. This finding may lead to the development of novel bioactive peptides and enzymes for bioremediation purposes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2021

Meet the Smurfs: A bone metabolism family

A team of researchers from Osaka University has identified a novel mechanism by which the protein Smurf2 regulates bone formation through the BMP signaling pathway. The study found that Smurf2 uses ubiquitination to mark messenger proteins for destruction, leading to reduced bone mass and formation rates in mice without Smurf2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBone Research·DateFeb 8, 2021

Nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst is the full package

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol. The catalyst produces D-sorbitol with yields over 99%, making it suitable for sustainable, low-cost production in various industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2021

Generation of conjunctivae in a dish

Researchers from Osaka University successfully generated functional conjunctival tissue in a dish, enabling the study of conjunctivae and the development of novel drugs for dry eye disease. The newly formed tissue contained goblet cells that produce mucins, mimicking human conjunctival biology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 2, 2021

Nanodiamonds feel the heat

Researchers created nanodiamond sensors that can act as both heat sources and thermometers, allowing for the measurement of thermal conductivity inside living cells. This breakthrough may lead to new diagnostics tools and cancer therapies, as well as a better understanding of metabolic disorders such as obesity.

Towards Exawatt-class lasers

A new design concept aims to increase laser peak power by compressing pulse duration instead of increasing energy, pushing the record to the Exawatt class. The design uses a two-beam pumped WNOPCPA and carefully optimized phase-matching to avoid pump interference.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 2021