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Osaka University


A colossal step for electronics

Researchers at Osaka University have created thin films of neodymium nickel oxide with an electrical resistance that can change dramatically by controlling the distribution of hydrogen ions. This breakthrough could lead to novel switches and potentially entirely new kinds of computer circuits.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 8, 2020

A filter for environmental remediation

Researchers developed a nanopowder made of sodium titanate nanofibers that can efficiently capture Co2+ ions, increasing surface area for improved removal efficiency. The seaweed-like morphology enhances the filter's ability to remove hazardous heavy metals and radionuclides from water.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRSC Advances·DateNov 19, 2020

Sorting out viruses with machine learning

Researchers at Osaka University have created a label-free method for identifying respiratory viruses based on changes in electrical current through silicon nanopores. This new system uses machine learning to achieve highly accurate virus classification, with potential applications for COVID-19 and influenza diagnosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sensors·DateNov 11, 2020

DNA repair supports brain cognitive development

Researchers at Osaka University found that Polβ prevents DNA breaks in brain cells of the hippocampus during early postnatal development, supporting cognitive development. The study also reveals a link between DNA demethylation and increased double-stranded breaks, which can lead to altered gene expression and impaired memory formation.

Getting single-crystal diamond ready for electronics

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully polished a single-crystal diamond wafer to near-atomic smoothness using plasma-assisted polishing, which could enable the material's use in high-performance power devices and heat sinks. The technique avoids damaging the crystal structure and preserves its chemical properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2020

Detecting early-stage failure in electric power conversion devices

A study published in IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics detects the earliest stages of failure in silicon carbide power electronics through real-time acoustic monitoring. The researchers found that increasing acoustic emission signals correspond to progressive damage to aluminum ribbons, allowing for early warning of device failure.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateOct 19, 2020

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 12, 2020

Could megatesla magnetic fields be realized on Earth?

Scientists at Osaka University have discovered a novel mechanism, microtube implosion, which generates megatesla-order magnetic fields. This breakthrough is three orders of magnitude higher than what has been achieved in a laboratory, with potential applications in materials science, quantum electrodynamics, and astrophysics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2020

How to have a blast like a black hole

Researchers at Osaka University used powerful lasers to recreate relativistic magnetic reconnection, a process responsible for X-ray emissions from black holes. This study may help explain the mysterious X-rays emitted by some celestial bodies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 7, 2020

Antibody blockade effective in treatment of severe COVID-19

A study published in PNAS identified an overlap between cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19, finding that IL-6 signaling blockade can alleviate symptoms of both conditions. By treating severe COVID-19 patients with a human monoclonal antibody-based drug called Actemra, PAI-1 levels rapidly declined and disease symptoms were alleviated.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

The easy way to get a square deal

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new method to easily add lanthanide cubanes into an existing metallo-supramolecular framework. The team found that by soaking a crystal in a cubane-containing solution, the molecules become intercalated via a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 17, 2020

Phantom-limb pain reduced through brain power

A study published in Neurology found that training with a brain-computer-interface can significantly reduce phantom-limb pain in amputees. After just three days of training, patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain intensity, and the effect lasted up to five days after training was complete.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeurology·DateJul 16, 2020

Old X-rays, new vision: A nano-focused X-ray laser

Scientists from Osaka University have reduced X-ray free-electron laser beam diameter to 6 nanometers, enabling precise imaging of single virus particles and ultrafast chemical processes. This advancement improves the accuracy of measurements closer to the atomic level than previously possible.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateJul 7, 2020

The protein that stands between us and autoimmunity

Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 2, 2020

Virtual demolition

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a system that can virtually remove buildings, trees, or moving objects from real-time landscape simulations using deep learning and video game graphics engines. This technology may become standard for urban planning in busy areas with many distractions present, allowing for the visualizati...

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·DateJun 17, 2020

Lighting the way to porous electronics and sensors

A straightforward fabrication method has been introduced by researchers from Osaka University to improve the gas sensing performance of common ceramic coatings. The new method involves depositing a thin, porous titanium dioxide film onto a surface using spin coating, resulting in a significant increase in detection speed and accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateJun 3, 2020

A nice day for a quantum walk

Scientists at Osaka University have successfully demonstrated a quantum random walk using trapped ions, which may lead to new quantum simulations of biological systems. The technique relies on precise control of individual ions and can help resolve open questions in chemistry and biology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 25, 2020

Ultrasonic technique discloses the identity of graphite

Graphite exhibits stronger interplanar bond strength than previously believed, with an elastic constant of nearly 50 GPa, due to a short-range correlation effect selectively strengthening the potential energy surface. This discovery was made using a new ultrasonic measurement technique on defect-free monocrystalline graphite.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateMay 21, 2020

Three-dimensional chessboards

Osaka University researchers have developed a new method to create nanocellulose films with multiple axes of alignment using liquid-phase 3D-patterning. This technology has the potential to lead to affordable and energy-efficient optical materials, including smartphone displays.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNanomaterials·DateMay 19, 2020

Perspiration problems? No sweat!

Osaka University researchers have generated immortalized human eccrine sweat gland myoepithelial cells (iEM cells), which can be cultured for over ten generations. This achievement has the potential to develop next-generation antiperspirants and promote research on sweat dysfunction and regeneration.

Making safe choices: It's in our DNA

DNA repair mechanisms choose between pathways to limit harmful chromosomal combinations that may be predisposed to cancer and genetic diseases. The study found Rad52-dependent single-strand annealing leads to gross chromosomal rearrangements at centromeres, while Rad51 promotes conservative non-crossover recombination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 30, 2020