Researchers at RIKEN have developed a method to manufacture highly symmetric, three-dimensional metamaterials with isotropic optical responses. The team created a large metamaterial, up to 4 mm x 4 mm2 in size, using a combination of top-down electron lithography and bottom-up self-folding mechanism.
A team of scientists developed a mathematical model that explains how the brain maintains stability during learning, resolving a decades-old paradox. The model suggests that fast and slow changes in neuronal networks work together to achieve sensitivity and stability.
A rare genetic disorder called anhidrosis has been linked to a mutation in the ITPR2 gene, which controls calcium release in sweat glands. The study, led by Katsuhiko Mikoshiba and Niklas Dahl, found that a single nucleotide change in the DNA code impairs sweat production, leading to hyperthermia risk.
Researchers discovered a new route for legume plants to communicate with their symbiotic bacteria. The study found that cytokinins, signaling molecules, are transmitted from leaves to roots to control the number of bacterial-holding nodules. This innovation allows legumes to balance energy production and nodule development.
A study published in PNAS reveals that a protein cross-linking enzyme interacts with a cell receptor to lock it in a closed state, reducing neuron signaling in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. The mechanism may provide insight into the development of new drug therapies for these conditions.
Researchers develop a novel catalyst to cleave aromatic carbon-carbon bonds in benzene at relatively mild temperatures, offering unprecedented mechanistic details on hydrocracking. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and selective production of valuable materials from natural resources.
The study reveals that the hippocampus can freely associate with either positive or negative emotions, while the amygdala is hard-wired for specific experiences. This flexibility may help explain the success of behavioral therapy for phobias and PTSD, and suggests novel treatments for depression and other disorders.
Researchers directly observe free-electron Landau states for the first time, revealing complex rotational dynamics that differ from classical predictions. The findings suggest that electron behavior in magnetic fields is more intricate than previously thought.
Researchers successfully ran 10,240 parallel simulations of global weather using Japan's K computer, achieving a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy. The study found that faraway observations can have an immediate impact on weather forecasts, highlighting the need for advanced methods to utilize this data.
Scientists discovered a regulatory network contributing to abnormal cell proliferation in diseases like cancers and psoriasis. MicroRNA miR-21 is degraded through PAPD5, which breaks the pathway's disruption in many cancers.
Neuroscientists report defects in Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) may explain pathology in schizophrenia and autism. Genetic disruption of Fabps in mice mimics disease behaviors seen in patients, suggesting a common link underlying these mental disorders.
Scientists have discovered that gut immunity actively maintains healthy bacterial communities through precise regulation of immunoglobulin A production by regulatory T cells. This complex interplay between the immune system and bacteria is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders associated with dysbiosis in the gut.
Researchers from RIKEN have discovered a mineral-based catalyst that efficiently splits water into oxygen and hydrogen ions at neutral pH. The key to this success lies in synchronizing electron- and proton-transfer timing, which greatly improves the catalytic activity of manganese oxides.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that CCL2 can activate the JAK/STAT pathway and increase stem cell colony attachment, differentiation efficiency, and X chromosome reactivation. The researchers also found higher expression of genes related to hypoxic response, suggesting a potential link between cellular stress and pluri...
Researchers from RIKEN and the University of Tokyo identified a surprising mechanism for accurate protein synthesis through crystallographic studies. The enzyme alanyl-tRNA synthetase precisely identifies proper tRNA molecules using a geometric feature, allowing cells to accurately translate genetic code into essential proteins.
Researchers discovered a comprehensive catalogue of proteins manufactured in specific parts of Purkinje neurons using cutting-edge methods TRAP and CAGEscan. This finding holds key to understanding molecular events and potential insights into diseases associated with Purkinje cells.
Scientists from RIKEN have directly measured the proton's magnetic moment with record precision, resolving one of physics' deepest mysteries. This achievement could help explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe.
Researchers have discovered that retrotransposons, or viral elements incorporated into the human genome, are essential for maintaining the ability of stem cells to differentiate into many different types of body cells. The study found that degrading these transcripts causes iPS cells to lose their pluripotency and differentiate.
Scientists at RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics identified gamma oscillations as the key brain signal underlying memory transfer and corrective action. They found that mice made mistakes and then corrected them, triggering a burst of gamma waves that enabled working memory recall.
A new high-throughput imaging method called CUBIC enables rapid whole-brain imaging at single-cell resolution, overcoming previous limitations. This allows for unprecedented insights into gene expression patterns and neural networks in the brain.
A new circadian gene named Chrono has been discovered to function as a transcriptional repressor of the negative feedback loop in the mammalian clock. Mice lacking this gene exhibit longer circadian cycles, highlighting its importance in regulating daily rhythms.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that accurately replicates the progression of Alzheimer's disease in humans. The models are characterized by early accumulation of Abeta peptides and cognitive dysfunction similar to human patients.
Researchers used functional PET imaging to show that neuroinflammation is higher in CFS/ME patients compared to healthy people. The study found associations between inflammation in certain brain areas and symptoms such as impaired cognition.
Scientists used PET imaging to visualize copper distribution in the body of mice with Menkes disease, laying groundwork for human studies. The study found that combining copper injections with disulfiram enhances copper accumulation in the brain without kidney damage.
ZENBU integrates genome browsers with data analysis and linked expression views to facilitate interactive visualization of next-generation sequencing results. The tool allows for dynamic combination of thousands of experimental datasets, enabling scientists to discover new biological mechanisms.
A team of researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science discovered that evanescent electromagnetic waves carry momentum and spin components orthogonal to the direction of wave propagation. These findings offer a unique opportunity to investigate fundamental physical features, previously hidden in usual propagating light.
Researchers from RIKEN in Japan have identified a duo of histone proteins, TH2A and TH2B, that dramatically enhance the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The study demonstrates that these proteins function as substitutes for two Yamanaka factors and increase iPSC cell generation by twentyfold and speed up the process.
Researchers discovered a new brain circuit that shapes memory formation by endowing neurons with the ability to connect two events separated in time into a single experience. Island cells, found in the entorhinal cortex, project to the hippocampus and suppress the formation of temporal associations.
Researchers found that ketamine increases serotoninergic neurons in brain areas regulating motivation, suggesting its antidepressant action. The PET imaging studies demonstrate the potential of the technology in diagnosing major depressive disorder and developing new antidepressants.
A study reveals that elevated LINE-1 retrotransposition in the brain may contribute to schizophrenia. Abnormal activity of these DNA sequences is thought to disrupt normal gene function, leading to the development of the disorder.
A large international study has identified new genetic loci associated with rheumatoid arthritis, shedding light on the disease's biology. The research demonstrates that integrating genetic data with existing biological information can lead to the discovery of potential drugs for treating the condition.
A RIKEN research team successfully generated two-color X-ray laser pulses in the hard X-ray region, showcasing improved tunability and spatial separation. This achievement will facilitate investigations into ultrafast chemistry, plasma physics, and astrophysics.
A new study found that butyrate, a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, induces the production of regulatory T cells in the gut, boosting the immune system. This discovery supports the use of butyrate as therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and may lead to personalized preventive medicine.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute have discovered a protein called BTBD3 that optimizes neuronal shape for efficient sensory input reception. This finding sheds light on how brain cells are positioned to receive incoming sensory information, enabling highly developed senses in animals.
A new study from RIKEN and Keio University reveals that Pimozide can restore steroid effects on natural helper cells in severe asthmatic patients. Researchers found that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) induces corticosteroid resistance in these cells.
A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that the pitch-accent in words pronounced in standard Japanese activates different brain hemispheres depending on whether the listener speaks standard Japanese or one of the regional dialects. Native speakers who acquire a second language later in life process pitch changes similarly...
Researchers at RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics have uncovered a faulty brain mechanism underlying schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders in humans. Mice genetically engineered to display symptoms of schizophrenia exhibit abnormal neural activity in the default mode network, which processes memories and recall.
Researchers at RIKEN have provided evidence for a new nuclear 'magic number' in the unstable calcium isotope 54Ca, which has 34 neutrons. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of atomic nuclei and sheds light on the behavior of highly unstable nuclei.
Researchers used brain imaging and fossil evidence to confirm earlier studies on somatotopic maps in humans and monkeys. Early hominids evolved dexterous fingers when still quadrupeds, while bipedal locomotion led to a separate adaptation of the big toe for balance control.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that autophagy mediates the formation of amyloid beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that autophagy might be a potential drug target for treating the disease.
Researchers from RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies identified a genetic mutation associated with improved survival rates in lung cancer patients who do not smoke. The mutation affects the NRF2 gene, which protects cells from oxidative stress.
Researchers from RIKEN have developed a highly efficient molecular probe, Eprobe, for real-time PCR monitoring and genetic testing. The new technology enables advanced assays for DNA-based genetic testing and helps bring genome-wide sequencing studies to patients in the clinic.
Scientists at RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics implanted false memories into mice, revealing the mechanisms underlying human false memory formation. The study found that false memories can be reconstructed and activated like genuine ones, with similar brain responses.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new sugar and water-based solution called SeeDB that turns tissues transparent in just three days without disrupting their shape or chemical nature. This technique enables the visualization of neuronal circuitry inside a mouse brain, revealing detailed wiring patterns and single-fiber resolution.
Researchers discovered a novel fluorescent protein in the freshwater eel that can bind to bilirubin, enabling high sensitivity and accuracy for clinical tests. This breakthrough may contribute to liver function assessment and eel conservation efforts.
Japanese researchers from RIKEN Brain Science Institute have visualized the process of remembering learned behavior in zebrafish. The study uses calcium imaging to trace neural activity and finds that short-term and long-term memories are formed in different parts of the brain.
Researchers have identified a gene, GPR126, linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) across Asian and Caucasian populations. The study reveals that the gene is involved in spinal growth during childhood.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that causes a spectrum of disorders affecting the bones and connective tissue, including SEMD-JL1 and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The study reveals that B3GALT6 is essential for the development and maintenance of these tissues.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new molecular imaging technology that visualizes both bio-metals and molecules simultaneously in a live mouse. This breakthrough technology is expected to provide insights into the complex interactions between metal elements and associated bio-molecules in diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
A study by RIKEN Brain Science Institute researchers found that human babies and mouse pups relax when carried due to a combination of nervous, motor, and cardiac responses. This infant calming response is beneficial for both mother and child, reducing maternal burden and promoting interaction.