Researchers at Ritsumeikan University discovered a bacterial selenoprotein that uses a unique selenium–sulfur–heme catalytic center to reduce polysulfides during elemental sulfur respiration. The enzyme, MccSep, is crucial for understanding the sulfur cycle and has implications for environmental monitoring and biocatalyst development.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University developed a unique 'cut-to-fuse' strategy for molecular skeletal editing, transforming hydroxycoumarins into coumaranones under mild conditions. The method, published in JACS Au, demonstrates a new route to molecular scaffold construction, offering a valuable tool for medicinal chemistry.
A mathematical framework based on knot theory characterizes knittability and classifies periodic textile structures based on how defects spread through them. The framework determines whether a textile structure is knittable and classifies different types of periodic textiles by analyzing propagation patterns.
Researchers found that anaerobic decolorization of RB5 dye by Clostridium sp. strain T4 increased acute toxicity, despite efficient color removal. The study highlights the importance of integrating subsequent aerobic or oxidative treatment to achieve further detoxification in azo dye-containing wastewater management systems.
A study by Professor Masaki Yoshida suggests that there is a physically meaningful upper limit to viscosity beyond which materials effectively become rigid. The research found that the maximum viscosity inferred from stable lithospheric regions is around 10^30 Pa s, making it roughly 10^33 times greater than water's viscosity.
A new study explores the use of zinc oxide nanocrystals in the defluorination process of perfluoroalkyl substances. The research finds that ligand-capped ZnO NCs can efficiently break down PFOS, a persistent contaminant, with high defluorination rates and reusability demonstrated.
Residents at a Japanese squat sustain autonomy through collaborative maintenance, fostering safety and inclusion. Simple spatial interventions enable diverse residents to coexist, challenging common assumptions on urban planning.
Researchers visualize how silicon anodes form shell-like voids around their surfaces during charging, but find that parts of the solid electrolyte remain attached to the Si, maintaining partial ionic contact. This allows the battery to continue operating efficiently despite significant structural changes.
Researchers found that urban female Eurasian red squirrels have a higher pregnancy rate and reproduce earlier than rural females. Urban females also reproduced longer, with some continuing up to five years of age, compared to four years in rural populations.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have discovered that the loss of TRPM1 ion channels sets off a cascade of changes leading to persistent oscillations in the retina. This finding illuminates the cellular basis of congenital stationary night blindness and identifies a common mechanism underlying retinal degenerative conditions.
A two-week gratitude journaling practice increased work engagement in Japanese employees, particularly in absorption and awareness of workplace resources. Journaling also showed benefits for overall well-being, life satisfaction, and competitive motivation.
The study reveals that four units of ZapA protein form an asymmetric ladder-like structure with FtsZ protofilaments, impacting the alignment of the Z-ring. The interaction between ZapA and FtsZ is dynamic, with cooperative binding and structural alterations, enabling the maintenance of FtsZ mobility.
Researchers found that co-exposure to bisphenol A and retinoic acid disrupts neurodevelopmental gene signaling, leading to brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential link between chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A study by Ritsumeikan University found that Hezbollah's political communication is shaped by institutional constraints and strategic considerations in Lebanon's consociational democracy. The party adopted a more critical stance during crises but became more cooperative with rivals after diplomatic relations were restored.
A comprehensive review article highlights emerging strategies that enable environmentally benign coupling reactions, reducing reliance on rare metals and lowering energy consumption. The hypervalent iodine approach facilitates selective bond formation with high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope.
Researchers developed highly conductive assemblies of gold complexes using ion-pairing, enabling solution-processed fabrication of conductive materials. The benzoporphyrin Au III complex expanded π-system increases dispersion forces, overcoming electrostatic repulsion between identically charged molecules.
A recent study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the durability of flexible perovskite solar cells under damp heat conditions. The findings revealed that high humidity leads to degradation, while a high-quality barrier film retained most power conversion efficiency, making it crucial for long-term stability.
Researchers developed a novel neural network model to reconstruct 3D digital images of relief-type cultural heritage objects from old photos. The model improves the accuracy of depth estimation and soft-edge detection, enhancing the preservation of cultural heritage.
Researchers develop a novel edge-highlighting visualization technique to improve the clarity of complex 3D structures, revealing sharp edges and intricate details. The technique, tested on real 3D point cloud data, offers interactive rendering speeds and enhances depth perception.
A new approach to lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal assembly has been developed using charged π-electronic molecules. The assembled materials exhibit optical anisotropy, magnetic susceptibility, and temperature-dependent orientation, enabling the design of materials with specific properties.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that households with older heads produce nearly twice as much food waste, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Vegetables were found to be the most wasted food type, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that participants with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency perform body-scan meditation better in supine and upright postures, which can alleviate anxiety and depression. The study developed scales to assess the ease of mindfulness meditation, aiding psychiatrists and therapists in choosing suitable interventions.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University propose a room-temperature defluorination method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers into fluorine ions. The method achieved 100% defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate within 8 hours of light exposure.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers found that emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of menstrual cups can increase their adoption. Tailored information efforts highlighting long-term financial benefits can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable options.
Researchers found raw material demand for electric vehicles will nearly double by 2050 if current trends continue. Implementing circular economy strategies such as ride-sharing, recycling, and solid-state batteries can halve resource demand or maintain it at 2015 levels.
Researchers developed a novel compound with nonlinear photochromic properties, achieving enhanced contrast and spatial resolution. The compound exhibits improved coloration efficiency with higher-intensity light, enabling diverse applications in photolithography, 3D printing, and optical disks.
Scientists have developed a new approach to designing materials with useful electronic and optical properties. By stacking antiaromatic units using van der Waals interactions, researchers created highly conductive liquid crystals. This breakthrough could lead to advances in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and sensing devices.
A study found that companies with top management from Shiga Prefecture exhibited better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performances. The Sanpo-yoshi values promoted inclusivity and elevated ESG metrics, suggesting a global standard for responsible business practices.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University enhance solid-state phosphorescence in organoplatinum(II) complexes by 75 times through anion binding and ion-pairing with countercations. The strategy isolates π-electronic molecules, improving luminescent properties and extending emission lifetime.
Researchers developed a network that combines 3D LiDAR and 2D image data to improve small object detection accuracy. The model outperformed existing methods in various noise conditions, with average precision improvements of up to 7.18%.
Researchers from Ritsumeikan University developed a low-cost, self-powered biosensor for monitoring organic wastewater in freshwater lakes and rivers. The biosensor uses a microbial fuel cell to detect the level of organic contamination in water samples, providing an early warning system for water quality management.
Researchers found that participants preferred 60-70 options from ChatGPT, citing high perceived accuracy and increased intent to purchase. This contradicts traditional choice overload theories, highlighting the impact of personalized recommendations on consumer decision-making.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
A research team at Ritsumeikan University has identified the elusive ApiT gene in celery, crucial for apiin synthesis. The discovery may pave the way for efficient biosynthesis of apiin, a compound with potential health benefits and medicinal uses.
A recent study in Japan found that consumer awareness of bioplastic characteristics is limited, with most respondents unaware that not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Educational interventions can increase willingness to pay for more environmentally friendly products, particularly those reducing CO2 emissions.
Researchers developed a polarization-angle-resolved Raman microscope to visualize disorder effects on ferroelectric polarization. The study reveals slow response of nanometer-scale electric polarization, enabling significant charge storage and enhanced dielectric properties.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University demonstrate quasi-reversible displacement of organic ligands on nanocrystal surfaces under visible light irradiation. This finding opens up new avenues for enhancing the tunability and functionality of inorganic materials with aromatic molecules.
Human macrophages use Siglec-14 receptors to recognize and engulf carbon nanotubes, leading to inflammation. The discovery could pave the way for developing safer carbon nanotubes and therapies to prevent inflammatory diseases.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.
Researchers utilize liquid crystal droplets to visualize electric field distribution within microelectrodes, revealing rotational and translational behaviors under applied voltage. The technique provides high spatial resolution and detection accuracy, enabling defect location analysis.
Researchers developed a novel method to convert CO2 into formic acid using ruthenium complexes, achieving a high turnover number of 63. This technology has the potential to decrease global warming and provide valuable organic compounds.
The study explores the impact of counteranions on stacked ion pairs, leading to variations in energy and orientation. The researchers developed a diverse set of assemblies with tunable properties by incorporating alkyl groups into positively charged squarylium dyes.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have successfully synthesized ring-shaped nanostructures via the self-assembly of chlorophyll derivatives, mimicking the arrangement of chlorophyll pigments observed in nature. This discovery enables efficient sunlight absorption and could lead to novel smart materials with tunable properties.
Researchers uncover how changing trends in interorganizational deals in the pharmaceutical industry are improving drug discovery and R&D productivity. The study found that M&A-related deals drive revenue growth for large pharmaceutical companies, and academia-owned spinouts of advanced technology are increasing.
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.
Researchers found that caffeine supplementation reduces sprint time by 0.14 seconds in the 100-meter dash, with increased explosive acceleration in the early stage of the race. Caffeine's ergogenic effects support World Athletics recommendations for athletes seeking a competitive edge.
Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.
A study in Japan reveals that universal screening methods for biliary atresia, a rare and severe lung condition in infants, are cost-effective. The research found that stool color card screening and direct bilirubin testing gained significant clinical benefits and saved lives.
Ritsumeikan University researchers have developed a soft robotic microfinger that enables direct interaction with insects through tactile sensing. The study shows great promise towards realizing human interactions with the microworld and has applications in augmented reality technology.