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Tokyo Institute of Technology


Integrating nanomaterial with light-absorbing molecule powers hydrogen production from water and sun

Researchers have developed a new photocatalyst that can generate hydrogen from water with high efficiency, using nanoscale metal oxide sheets and a ruthenium dye molecule. The material works under visible light, the main component of sunlight, and has a record-breaking turnover frequency and external quantum yield.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2020

Getting a grip: An innovative mechanical controller design for robot-assisted surgery

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology designed a new master controller that combines two gripping types to reduce finger fatigue and improve precision in robotic surgery. The combined grip method yielded better performance in experiments, with fewer failures and faster movements.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2020

Catching light: How cobalt can help utilize visible light to power hydrogen production from water

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a visible-light photoelectrochemical system using cobalt-enhanced TiO2. The process enables efficient water oxidation, producing hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel. Cobalt domains on the surface enhance light absorption and catalytic sites facilitate water oxidation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 18, 2020

Mars' water was mineral-rich and salty

A new study suggests that Mars' ancient waters were characterized by high salinity and a neutral pH, creating an environment potentially suitable for microbial life. The research found evidence of hyposaline lakes on early Mars, which could have supported life forms similar to those found on Earth.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Paving the way for spintronic RAMs: A deeper look into a powerful spin phenomenon

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel strategy to exploit spin-related phenomena in topological materials, achieving a giant unidirectional spin Hall magnetoresistance ratio of over 1%. This breakthrough could lead to the development of spintronics and outperform current storage devices with improved power cons...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 26, 2019

Not so selfish after all--Key role of transposable elements in mammalian evolution

A study published in Nucleic Acids Research reveals that transposable elements have been co-opted by hosts to provide useful functions, such as encoding part of a host protein. The research found tens of thousands of potentially co-opted TE sequences, which are more conserved across species and suggest a key role in mammalian evolution.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 20, 2019

Creating a nanospace like no other

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge built a self-assembled nanocage with antiaromatic walls, defying conventional assumptions. The nanospace was tested with guest molecules, showing significant deshielding effects due to the antiaromatic environment.

The story of thalidomide continues

A recent study reveals that thalidomide causes developmental abnormalities by inducing the breakdown of two types of p63 proteins, leading to limb defects and ear damage. The findings may contribute to the re-emergence of safe, non-teratogenic thalidomide-derived drugs as cancer and inflammatory disease treatments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 7, 2019