Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Tohoku University


MicroRNAs shown to improve hyperglycemia

Researchers at Tohoku University identified two new types of microRNA that improved hyperglycemia in a mouse model of diabetes. These miRNAs were shown to promote insulin-producing cell proliferation and regeneration, offering potential for therapeutic beta-cell regenerative therapies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 20, 2017

How visual attention selects important information

Researchers at Tohoku University found that visual attention has multiple functions and stages, including early visual processing and selective extraction of information. The study proposes a model of spatial attention that can predict different attention effects for various visual processes, which is useful for complex tasks like driv...

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 14, 2016

Alzheimer's disease found to be a diabetic disorder of the brain

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a potential link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin signaling dysfunction. The study suggests that memantine, an Alzheimer's treatment, can improve cognitive function by inhibiting the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (Kir6.2 channel), leading to better memory retention in patients.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016

Discovery of an extragalactic hot molecular core

Astronomers have detected a 'hot molecular core,' a cocoon of molecules surrounding a newborn massive star, for the first time outside our Galaxy. This discovery reveals significantly different chemical compositions compared to similar objects in our own Galaxy, suggesting potential difficulties in producing large organic species.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 4, 2016

Genetic diversity of enzymes alters metabolic individuality

Research at Tohoku University reveals genetic variants affecting enzymatic activities in healthy individuals, suggesting that moderate and rare variants contribute to metabolic differences and disease susceptibility. The study identifies five associations between metabolites and gene variants, including four related to metabolic diseases.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2016

The hot attraction of gold

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that gold can be magnetized by applying heat. The non-equilibrium anomalous Hall effect (nAHE) was observed in the gold film due to the heat flow, indicating the evolution of magnetization. This discovery has potential applications in thermoelectric devices and spintronics.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2016

A new-structure magnetic memory device developed

A new-structure magnetic memory device utilizing spin-orbit-torque-induced magnetization switching has been successfully developed by Tohoku University researchers. The device boasts ultrafast magnetization reversal timescales and potential benefits for power-efficient integrated circuits.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 22, 2016

Improving biorefineries with bubbles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new pretreatment method using sodium percarbonate and hydrodynamic cavitation to improve sugar formation in biomass. The method outperformed existing ultrasonic systems in producing fermentable sugars.

SourceTohoku University·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMar 1, 2016

Controlling ultrafast electrons in motion

Researchers successfully control ultrafast electron motion using FERMI's light, achieving a time resolution of 3 attoseconds. This breakthrough enables the study of fast chemical reactions on the scale of attoseconds, shedding new light on processes like photosynthesis and combustion.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 23, 2016

Growing sweet on tomatoes

Researchers from Tohoku University created a modified DNA sequence that increases sucrose levels in tomatoes without limiting growth. The technology also affects amino acid metabolism, resulting in higher levels of several key compounds.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 19, 2015

Unveiling distribution of defects in proton conductors

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new idea to improve proton mobility in rare-earth doped BaZrO3 perovskite-type proton conductors. By creating pairs of oxygen vacancies and rare-earth elements, the team found that this inhibits proton trapping, leading to higher proton concentration around Zr

SourceTohoku University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateOct 19, 2015

Design of 'Japonica Array'

A research group has designed the first ever SNP array optimized for the Japanese population, covering the whole-genome region from which SNPs possessed by Japanese people can be obtained with high accuracy. The Japonica Array offers improved genotype imputation accuracy, accelerating personalized healthcare and medicine research.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateSep 1, 2015