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Tohoku University


Researchers find a new pathological mediator of ALS

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a new pathological mediator of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that could lead to further understanding of the disease's molecular breakdown. The study found that a mutated version of FUS gene causes toxic gain of function, leading to axonal branching and degeneration.

SourceTohoku University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 2, 2019

A new method for quantifying crystal semiconductor efficiency

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new method to quantify the efficiency of crystal semiconductors, a crucial step towards creating more efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells. The method uses photoluminescence spectroscopy to detect the emitted light energy, providing a unique indicator of the crystal's quality.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAPL Materials·DateAug 23, 2019

Accelerating development of STT-MRAM

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully observed the microscopic chemical bonding state of ultrathin MgO using AR-HAXPES. This breakthrough could lead to improved MgO quality and accelerated development of STT-MRAM, a non-volatile memory with high-performance and low power consumption.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 5, 2019

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 6, 2019

Triplet superconductivity demonstrated under high pressure

Researchers at Tohoku University and Université Grenoble Alpes have demonstrated triplet superconductivity in the uranium-based material UBe13 using high pressure and magnetic fields. This phenomenon involves electrons forming parallel spin pairs, unlike conventional superconductors where opposite spins pair together.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 18, 2019

Neuron and synapse-mimetic spintronics devices developed

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed artificial neuron and synapse devices using spintronics technology, mimicking the brain's architecture. The devices demonstrated fundamental behavior of biological neurons and synapses, including leaky integrate-and-fire and spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2019

Prototype in precision

A new proximity capacitance imaging sensor has been developed with high sensitivity and resolution, detecting sweat pores between finger ridges. This advancement aims to improve security in various fields such as authentication and life sciences.

Same properties, lower cost

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a technique to transform copper into a material that mimics properties of gold and silver. The new medium, made of copper nanoparticles, has applications in the production of electronic devices and is suitable for environmentally friendly printing technologies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 1, 2019

Artificial womb technology breaks its 4 minute mile

A major breakthrough in artificial womb technology has demonstrated its ability to support extremely preterm babies equivalent to a human fetus at 24 weeks of gestation. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that the technology can maintain stable, growth-normal state for five days.

A peek into lymph nodes

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new imaging technique to detect tumors in lymph nodes before they grow too large. The technique uses x-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and contrast agents to map the movement of cancer cells within the lymphatic system.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Imaging and Biology·DateMar 14, 2019

Color vision variation in guppies influences female mate preference

Research reveals that variation in opsin gene expression affects guppy females' preferences for male orange colors, highlighting the interplay between visual properties and mate choice. Genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors contribute to differing light sensitivity, driving the evolution of diverse male sexual colors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Plasma thruster: New space debris removal technology

A new plasma thruster technology has been developed to remove space debris, decelerating it with a force imparted from the satellite. The system uses bi-directional ejection of plasma plumes, controlled by a magnetic field and gas injection, for efficient removal in three operational modes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

To be or not to be a white blood cell, that is the question

Researchers discovered a mechanism that determines whether immature blood cells differentiate into red or subtypes of white blood cells. The study found that repression of Bach factors contributes to the development of anemia of infection/inflammation, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating bone marrow and blood disord...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 25, 2018

Cosmetically smoothing over visible facial scars

A novel cosmetic product has shown promise in covering facial scars, with patients reporting improved satisfaction with their appearance. The treatment's effectiveness varies depending on the location and degree of scarring, but the results suggest a potential long-term solution for those affected.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Prosthodontic Research·DateSep 18, 2018

Terahertz wave activates filamentation of actin

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that terahertz wave irradiation activates the filamentation of actin protein. This non-invasive method could overcome problems with current drugs used to control actin filamentation and expand its applications in biological technologies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2018

Mechanism behind orchid beauty revealed

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified the retrotransposon insertion in a floral homeotic gene responsible for greenish orchid mutations. This discovery paves the way for genetic modification of orchids to produce more flowers.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 19, 2018

Treating dementia with the healing waves of sound

Researchers at Tohoku University found that whole-brain low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy improved cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The treatment was shown to enhance blood vessel formation, nerve cell regeneration, and protein expression without serious side effects.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateJul 19, 2018

Rice plants evolve to adapt to flooding

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a key gene responsible for deepwater rice's ability to thrive in flood conditions. The SD1 gene enables the plant to increase its height and accumulate ethylene, allowing it to ride out lengthy floods.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

Predicting bad side effects

Researchers developed a DNA sequencing kit that identifies variations in the NUDT15 gene, allowing for accurate predictions of adverse reactions. The test has been approved for clinical use in Japan and holds promise for reducing severe side effects in East Asian patients.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 1, 2018

Switched on: a breakthrough for spintronics

A new tri-layer structure made of Cr2O3, YIG, and Pt enables significant control over the transmission of spin current at room temperature. This discovery is a major breakthrough in spintronics, paving the way for more efficient information processing devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 28, 2018

Eyes in the back of the head

Researchers at Tohoku University used a visual search experiment to demonstrate that the human visual system can perceive objects outside its limited field. The study found that the brain constructs a 360-degree world, enabling smooth and efficient movement without turning.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2018