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University of Tokyo


Opening the eye of the storm

A team of researchers has developed a novel technique using high-energy muon particles to track and visualize tropical cyclones. This technique, called muography, creates X-ray-like images of large objects, including atmospheric weather systems. The resulting images reveal density variations essential to understanding how cyclones work.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

Free, but at what cost?

Researchers found a 'zero-price effect' in Japan's child healthcare system, where zero cost increases demand for health services. However, this can lead to poor allocation of resources and overuse of antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalApplied Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Hot summer nights bad for health

Researchers found that warmer nighttime temperatures increase sleep disturbance, comparable to the impact of heatstroke, in Japan's residents. The study suggests that measures like air conditioner use or reducing outdoor temperatures may help mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalSleep and Biological Rhythms·TypeSurvey·DateOct 3, 2022

Can eyes on self-driving cars reduce accidents?

A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

How tardigrades bear dehydration

Researchers have identified proteins that form gel-like filaments to protect cells from mechanical stress during dehydration. These findings could lead to improvements in preserving cell materials and biomolecules in a dry state.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Cell size regulates molecular separation

Research reveals that smaller artificial cells lead to greater separation of molecules, allowing for a new approach to manipulate material properties. This discovery has potential applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Future medical applications in drug design

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have identified the Wnt6 morphogen as a crucial regulator of heart development in vertebrates. The study used mathematical modeling and experiments to understand how Wnt6 morphogen distribution is regulated, with potential implications for drug design and tissue repair.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·DateAug 9, 2022

Digital security dialogue

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a system called DualCheck, which replaces traditional human verification tasks with educational content on online safety and ethics. Trials showed that users responded positively to the experience and felt they gained something from these microlearning sessions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

The many ways nature nurtures human well-being

A systematic review of 301 academic articles identified 227 unique linkages between cultural ecosystem services and human well-being, including 16 distinct underlying mechanisms. The study found that positive interactions through nature, such as recreation and aesthetic value, contribute to improved mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2022

The eyes have it

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made a groundbreaking discovery about the development of the visual system in mice. By studying the neural networks in cortical and thalamic regions, they found that parallel pathways from the retinas form earlier than connections within cortical areas, challenging current understanding of co...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

‘A mystery across the centuries’ solved

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have proposed a two-step regulatory mechanism that shapes centromere distribution, revealing its role in maintaining genome integrity. The study found that precise control of centromere spatial arrangement is required for organ growth in response to DNA damage stress.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 1, 2022

Magnetic memory milestone

Scientists have successfully switched the state of a bit in memory using spin-orbit torque switching in antiferromagnetic material Mn3Sn, promising faster and more efficient devices. This breakthrough could lead to radical improvements in performance compared to current electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Defining the Anthropocene

Researchers combined nuclear fallout records with coral skeletons to define the Anthropocene period, which marks a milestone for humanity's impact on Earth's environment. The study provides clear evidence of plutonium fallout from 1954, linking sediments and coral records.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2022

Seeing is deceiving

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new method to detect deepfakes, using self-blended images that improve detection accuracy by 5-12%. The team created novel synthesized images with controlled artifacts to train algorithms and found significant improvements in detecting deepfake images and videos.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 24, 2022

Robot skin heals

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have created a controllable robotic finger covered with living skin tissue that can heal itself. The development could lead to new possibilities in advanced manufacturing industries, such as automation and cosmetics, reducing costs, time, and complexity of research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

The mandate effect

New research suggests that official vaccine mandates can motivate hesitant individuals to seek vaccination, with announcements of mandates having a significant impact on vaccination rates. The study used Canadian provinces and European countries to explore the relationship between mandates and vaccine uptake.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

New type of triterpenes discovered

Researchers have discovered a new type of triterpenes in fungi that don't require squalene, overturning current knowledge and offering a new approach to pharmaceutical science. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for creating more valuable compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and other properties.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Seeing how odor is processed in the brain

Researchers at University of Tokyo used machine learning-based analysis of scalp-recorded EEG to see when and where odors are processed in the brain. Unpleasant odors were found to be processed earlier than pleasant ones, suggesting potential early warning system against dangers.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Paper or plastic?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

How we perceive crowds

A new study suggests that individuals perceive a space as congested when they can't walk at their desired speed. Age and gender also play a role, with older and female pedestrians reporting lower feelings of congestion. The researchers hope to apply this finding to design spaces that prioritize comfort and usability.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalTransportation Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

The future of desalination?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a fast and efficient method for purifying saltwater using fluorine-based nanostructures. The new technology outperforms existing desalination methods, requiring less pressure, energy, and time to produce clean water.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Keeping time with the cosmos

The cosmic time synchronizer uses cosmic rays from deep space to detect specific signatures, allowing devices to synchronize their clocks accurately. This technology has the potential to fill gaps in current time synchronization methods, particularly in remote or underwater locations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Undersea detector proves it’s swell

A new undersea detector has successfully detected a mild tsunami in Tokyo Bay using the power of muons and cosmic rays. This innovative system uses sensitive detectors to measure changes in ocean swells, providing accurate data for early warning systems and potentially revolutionizing tsunami monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Visualizing the invisible

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new model to aid interpretation of atomic resolution molecular images. The Z-correlated molecular model accurately fits imaging data and helps chemists analyze electron microscope images without theoretical calculations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

New insight into the possible origins of life

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have successfully created an RNA molecule that undergoes Darwinian evolution, developing from a simple single molecule into diverse complex molecules. This breakthrough experiment provides empirical evidence for the emergence of complex life systems from simple biological molecules.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

Beheaded croc reveals ancient family secrets

The discovery of Hanyusuchus sinensis, an extinct crocodilian species, sheds light on the evolution of modern crocodilians and their role in ancient ecosystems. Human migration and hunting led to its extinction, which may have influenced ancient Chinese myths and characters.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

Anti-odor coating is no washout

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a cost-effective and convenient method to apply an antimicrobial silver coating to textiles using polyphenols found in wine and chocolate. The coating maintains its properties even after multiple washes and has potential applications in hospitals and other sterile environments.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

How Mars lost its oceans

Researchers recreated conditions expected in Mars' core billions of years ago and found that molten metal gave rise to a brief magnetic field. This led to the evaporation of water vapor and eventual loss of Martian oceans about 4 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Measuring trust in AI

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo found that public trust in AI varies greatly depending on the application and demographic factors. They developed an octagonal visual metric to quantify these attitudes and hope it can lead to a universal scale for measuring ethical issues around AI.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateJan 10, 2022

Behavioral indicator for preterm infants

A new study suggests that a behavioral marker in preterm infants can indicate potential development problems. Researchers used digital eye tracking to test the infants' visual motor coordination and found that those who struggled with this task were more likely to face cognitive and social difficulties later on.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Mapping the musical mind

A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that musical training can activate areas of the brain associated with language processing, regardless of experience level. This connection may explain why people enjoy music even if they're not musically inclined.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Machine learning models quantum devices

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a novel machine learning algorithm that allows for efficient and accurate verification of time-dependent quantum devices. The algorithm, inspired by quantum reservoir computing, leverages memory effects in these systems to improve verification efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021

Land availability and wealth requirements shape family systems and economic structures

A new mathematical model suggests that environmental pressures, particularly land availability and wealth requirements, influence the development of family systems worldwide. The researchers found four primary family system types: pairs of extended or nuclear families with equal or biased wealth inheritance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Mangrove restoration has ecological and economic benefits

A global meta-analysis supports the U.N.'s goal of restoring habitats, finding mangrove restoration performs better than unvegetated mud, sand flats or abandoned aquaculture ponds. Restored mangroves yield significant ecological benefits and economic value, making them an ecologically and economically sound choice.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2021

Mammals’ noses come from reptiles’ jaws

Researchers discovered that mammals developed protruding, flexible noses from reptilian jaws through cellular studies and fossil analysis. This finding explains the origin of mammals' strong sense of smell and provides potential new animal models for studying facial development disorders like cleft palate.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021