Researchers from The Graduate University for Advanced Studies uncovered the oldest Japanese astronomical record of a 'red sign' which may have been caused by a strong magnetic storm. This ancient literary reference was previously believed to be an unexplained phenomenon but modern science has now provided a convincing explanation.
Researchers successfully reproduced key ALS symptoms in zebrafish using optogenetic TDP-43, a human protein that forms aggregates upon blue light exposure. The study reveals motor neurons may be damaged before TDP-43 aggregation, suggesting new avenues for ALS treatment.
Researchers analyzed fossil foraminifers from marine sediment to understand past ocean temperatures during the MIS19 period. The study found extreme changes in water temperature equivalent to 7°C repeated every few thousand years, offering insights into future climate predictions.
A Japanese survey reveals differing perceptions of gene-edited crops among experts and the general public. Experts see benefits, while the public perceives risks despite acknowledging value. The findings shed light on the deficit model's boundaries in science communication.
Researchers developed a method to forecast probability and severity of aftershocks, analyzing seismic patterns and incorporating statistical methods. This tool provides a useful approach for mitigating earthquake hazard, enabling timely updates based on new data.
Researchers used a fine-resolution atmospheric radar to make the first measurements of Earth's ionosphere in the Antarctic region. The study provides valuable information about electron density, ion velocity, and temperature in the ionosphere, shedding light on atmospheric and ionospheric phenomena.
The XenonPy.MDL library offers 140,000 pre-trained machine learning models predicting 45 physical properties. Transfer learning significantly improves materials informatics research with limited data.
Researchers attached video cameras and sensors to white sharks to study their underwater hunting behavior. The findings suggest that white sharks actively search and pursue seals in deeper waters at night, contradicting the common assumption of surface-based prey capture during dawn and dusk.
Research found that sulphur production by tiny marine algae decreased during glacial periods, challenging conventional wisdom. This decrease in sulphur emissions may be linked to changes in climate rather than just the amount of dust in the air, suggesting a closer relationship between phytoplankton and climate.
A study published in Communications Biology reveals that the genetic mutation responsible for black pigmentation in nonagouti mice is caused by the insertion of a retrovirus β4 into VL30. Researchers found that this mutation originated from East Asian mice related to Japanese fancy mice.
Researchers found that a specific gene, Fads2, helps marine stickleback synthesize DHA, essential for development and health. The ability to utilize this nutrient determines where fish colonize freshwater habitats.
Researchers have confirmed the accuracy of older depictions of fan-shaped auroras using centuries-old drawings and modern spectral image data. The team also gained insight into how these rare phenomena appear in the sky and to the human eye. Next, they plan to simulate the effects of space weather on outer atmospheres during fan-shaped...
A Japanese team analyzed sediment cores from Northwestern Australia to understand past climate variability and sea-level change. The results indicate that the global ice sheet changed on a shorter timescale than previously thought, revealing short-period ice-sheet dynamics during the last ice age.
Dust particles from glacial outwash plains can serve as efficient nuclei for ice nucleation, contributing significantly to ice nucleation in Arctic low-level clouds. This study highlights the impact of high-latitude dusts on glaciation and adds to our understanding of climate regulation by clouds.
Japanese scientists confirm the role of radiation belt electrons in ionizing the deep atmosphere during auroral breakups. The research provides new insights into the phenomenon, revealing a higher energy level than previously assumed.
Researchers created a new technique called neural source-filter (NSF) to synthesize high-quality speech waveforms resembling the human voice. NSF requires less data and parameter tuning compared to existing methods, resulting in comparable quality to WaveNet.
Researchers identified two new fungal species, M. hoshinonis and V. ellesmerensis, in a rapidly melting Arctic glacier. The discoveries highlight the critical role fungi play in decomposing organic material and could have catastrophic effects if glaciers melt due to climate change.
Adding Arctic weather observations can help predict tropical cyclones' tracks and intensity more accurately, reducing extreme weather event risks. The study used radiosonde data from the Arctic to forecast three tropical cyclones, showing improved predictability with additional observations.
Researchers designed a computer simulation that added correlated noise to the path of energy transfer, significantly accelerating it. This finding challenges traditional views of noise as a hindrance in energy transport, opening up new possibilities for optimizing energy efficiency.
Researchers discovered a link between the protocadherin 17 gene and abnormal brain-eye muscle connections in zebrafish, which may contribute to strabismus. The study suggests that Pcdh17 protein plays a crucial role in positioning neurons correctly in the brain and extending axons to target muscles.
Researchers found that Arctic cyclones limit precise sea-ice prediction in the Northern Sea Route due to increased forecast error for large-scale weather features. The TOPAZ4 system, however, was reliable for early summer SIT prediction with a skill level up to 3 days.
A team of researchers found that the sun's rotational cycle influences lightning activity in Japan, with peaks every 24 to 31 days. The solar cycle affects the level of solar activity, which amplifies the rhythm of lightning activity.
Researchers found an increase in high waves and winds in the Arctic Ocean due to melting sea ice. This increase poses a significant threat to safe navigation and coastal populations.
Researchers at the National Institute of Genetics have elucidated a neuronal population essential for fear conditioning in zebrafish, revealing a functional equivalent of the amygdala in mammals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding fundamental neural circuits and their evolution.
Researchers have made counter-intuitive observations in hybrid quantum systems, where cooling processes can lead to heating. The study revealed that symmetries in the system can cause decay to excite components of another subdomain, resulting in a heat-up effect.
The Fifth International Symposium on Arctic Research was the largest of its kind held in a non-Arctic country, attracting 344 participants from 18 nations. Researchers discussed global warming impacts, climate change effects, and new research projects such as MOSAiC.
Researchers found a genetic mutation that alters limb shape by changing the regulation of a specific gene. This discovery provides evidence for how interchromosomal translocations can lead to morphological alterations.
RefEx is a web tool for comfortable search of reference data in gene expression analysis. It offers extensive collection of gene expression data from human, mouse, and rat tissues/cells measured by four different methods, enabling comparison of gene expression status among tissues/cells and measurement methods.
Researchers used historic accounts and modern methods to describe an extreme magnetic storm over Kyoto in the 18th century. The study provides valuable insights into past solar activity and its potential impact on future events.
Researchers at Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska used high-speed cameras to capture the rare phenomenon of an aurora flickering. The team discovered that faster flickerings occur at speeds of 1/60-1/50 and 1/80 seconds, revealing a complex exchange of energy between plasma waves and particles.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric temperatures and dust for 720,000 years, finding frequent climate fluctuations during glacial periods. Climate simulations revealed global cooling and freshwater inflow as key factors causing instability.
Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Genetics discovered a direct neural link connecting the brain's visual system to its feeding center, linking visual perception of food to feeding motivation. This study, using genetically engineered zebrafish, shows that 'eating with the eyes' is deeply rooted in evolution.
Researchers used enhanced Arctic weather data to predict 2015's extreme cold waves, improving forecast accuracy by 10-30%. The additional data helped assess initial atmospheric conditions and dynamics of the polar vortex, enabling more precise forecasts.
Research on Greenland's glaciers reveals that cryoconite granules, formed by cold-loving microbes and mineral particles, accelerate melting. The study found a correlation between fine mineral particle concentrations and cryoconite granule presence.
At Syowa Station, a daily mean CO2 concentration of 400.06 ppm was recorded on May 14, 2016, surpassing the previous threshold. This observation highlights the impact of human activities on the Antarctic region, contributing to global warming.
A study of 196 bird species reveals that body size affects their migration patterns, with smaller birds traveling longer distances than larger ones. Soaring birds, such as raptors and albatrosses, have larger migration ranges independent of body size due to low energy consumption.
Researchers discovered that Antarctic basidiomycetous yeast Mrakia blollopis consumes high amounts of energy during growth to cope with cold stress. The strain accumulates aromatic amino acids, which improve cell growth at low temperatures.
Researchers found that great hammerhead sharks swim on their sides at approximately 60° roll angles, allowing them to minimize energy expenditure. This unique swimming style enables the sharks to avoid sinking and continue swimming efficiently due to lift forces produced by their dorsal fins.
A new study reveals that changes in Antarctic coastal polynyas are driven by variations in surrounding ice, including ice shelves and glaciers. Sea ice production decreases during major events like ice shelf collapse and increases when off-shore first-year ice is reduced.
Researchers successfully revived and reproduced microscopic tardigrades that had been frozen for over 30 years. The animals demonstrated the ability to recover from long-term cryptobiosis and reproduce, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying their remarkable survival capabilities.
High-frequency atmospheric observations in the Arctic Ocean improved wind field accuracy, reducing uncertainty in sea-ice forecasts and predicting severe weather phenomena. The study suggests that a cost-effective observing network can be established to enhance polar predictions.
Two deep ice cores from Dome Fuji and EPICA Dome C were synchronized using volcanic events, revealing age differences of up to 4.5 kyr between the cores during Marine Isotope Stage 5 (80-130 kya). The study improves our understanding of climate stages and their temporal propagation in Antarctica.
A team of researchers has obtained an improved age for the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary, a geological event that occurred approximately 780,000 years ago. The team used radiometric dating and sedimentary rock samples to determine the exact age of this event, which is now confirmed as 770.2 thousand years ago.
The ROIS collaboration aims to promote data centric science through big data utilization. The partnership with CSC, DSI, and EUDAT will enhance research collaboration and access to funding for data-driven research.