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University of Tokyo


Hayabusa2 probes asteroid for secrets

The Hayabusa2 mission provides valuable insights into the composition and history of asteroid Ryugu, helping researchers understand the presence or absence of essential materials for life. The study reveals that Ryugu is a dry asteroid, which challenges current models of the early solar system.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2019

Sensing shakes

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new way to sense earthquakes using gravitational signals, which can detect seismic waves ahead of time. The method has been proven reliable with 7-sigma accuracy and could lead to improved early warning systems that save lives.

Nanoparticles help realize 'spintronic' devices

Researchers have demonstrated a new way to perform functions essential to future computation at speeds trillions of times faster than current commercial devices. The team created a nanoscale spintronic semiconductor device that can partially switch between specific magnetic states in under a picosecond.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 5, 2019

Spin devices rev up

Researchers from University of Tokyo discover magnetic spin Hall effect in non-collinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn, enabling efficient spin current transfer. This could lead to high-speed and high-capacity devices with improved power efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2019

Walking with Pokémon

Researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased step counts among middle-aged and elderly adults, suggesting a positive impact on physical activity. The study's findings could inform urban planners and game designers to encourage more people to engage in regular exercise.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 5, 2019

Heat waves, food insecurity due to climate change may weaken immune systems

Research in mice at the University of Tokyo found that heat waves can reduce the body's immune response to flu. However, providing supplemental nutrition before and after infection can help restore normal immune function. The study suggests that food insecurity may weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2019

Plants can smell, now researchers know how

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how plants detect odor molecules by binding to transcriptional co-repressors, changing gene expression. This understanding may lead to new ways of influencing plant behavior, such as altering crop quality or deterring pests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

Chemical synthesis of nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Tokyo successfully synthesized a phenine nanotube with intentional periodic defects, which imbue it with semiconductor characters. The discovery uses a novel process starting with benzene and platinum atoms to create a controlled defect structure.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2019

Do you recognize this image?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that histamine improved people's long-term memory test scores, especially for those with poor memories. The study showed mice could recognize toys they'd seen as long as 28 days ago after receiving a medication that increases histamine in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2019

Don't go breaking my heart

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultra-soft electronic sensor that can closely monitor beating heart cells without affecting their behavior. This breakthrough device uses a nanomesh sensor to study cardiomyocytes in a more faithful way, paving the way for future embedded medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 31, 2018

Growing a brain

Researchers discovered a two-step control mechanism in neural stem cells that differentiates into neurons and astrocytes. PRC1 represses genes related to neuronal function temporarily and permanently at two distinct stages of brain development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 17, 2018

Cutting the legs off cancer

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that blocking a specific molecule can prevent cancer cells from spreading. The study found that inhibiting tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) blocked melanoma growth and metastasis in mice. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for cancer therapy, potentially improving ou...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 20, 2018

How sperm find their way

A new study by University of Tokyo researchers reveals that a protein in sperm cell membranes plays a key role in navigation to eggs. The PMCA protein may also help explain species-specific interactions between sperm and egg cells, making it a promising target for drug research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 15, 2018

Don't underestimate the force

A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo has identified the weak van der Waals forces holding together a tiny, self-assembling box. The box can bulge to accommodate large or long guest molecules and contract to eliminate extra space when hosting negatively charged guests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2018

Baby's tears and mom's libido

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that a substance in young mice's tears makes female mice more likely to reject male sexual advances. The study aims to develop a natural mouse birth control method by adding a specific pheromone molecule to drinking water, which could reduce mouse populations and alleviate pest control issues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2018

The pentagon and the bean

Researchers have revealed the structure of immune protein IgM, showing it to be an incomplete hexagon. This discovery has significant implications for developing effective medicines for various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. The structural connection between IgM and AIM proteins suggests that drugs targeting AIM...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Magnetic field milestone

Physicists from the University of Tokyo have generated a record-breaking magnetic field of 1,200 teslas using electromagnetic flux compression. The field was sustained for over 100 microseconds, far exceeding previous records. This achievement has significant implications for material science and fusion power generation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 19, 2018

A subway map for diabetes

University of Tokyo researchers have developed a trans-omics approach that maps the interactions between molecules inside cells in response to insulin. This comprehensive understanding may lead to better therapies for type 2 diabetes by identifying potential drug targets and optimizing insulin regimens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·DateSep 10, 2018

Little star sheds light on young planets

Astronomers have found a dense disk of material surrounding a young star, which may be the precursor to a planetary system. The discovery could revolutionize models of solar system formation and provide insights into our own cosmic neighborhood.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

In a Weyl thermopile

Physicists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new method to generate electricity in special materials called Weyl magnets, exploiting temperature gradients. This could lead to the creation of low-power, low-maintenance electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 30, 2018

Sorting ghosts

Ghost Cytometry uses novel imaging technique and AI to identify and sort cells with unprecedented high-throughput speed. The system enables fast and accurate isolation and diagnosis of cancer cells, improving medical therapies.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

Cell membrane inspires new ultrathin electronic film

Japanese researchers have developed a new method to build large areas of semiconductive material just two molecules thick. The films function as thin film transistors with potential applications in flexible electronics or chemical detectors. Researchers used geometric frustration, a molecular shape that makes it difficult for molecules...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

Three genes essential for cells to tell time

A recent study by University of Tokyo scientists has identified the Ask genes as crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and responding to cellular stress. The research found that cells lacking these genes are impaired in their ability to adapt to daily changes in environmental conditions, leading to disruptions in sleep-wake cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

Dance of auroras

Researchers have made the first direct observation of electron scattering in auroras, revealing a previously unknown mechanism behind the colorful displays. The discovery was made using a specialized sensor on the ERG satellite and confirms that chorus waves are capable of exciting electrons to create pulsating auroras.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 2018

Bringing the atomic world into full color

A French and Japanese research group developed a new way to turn AFM measurements into clear color images, enabling observation of materials and substances like alloys, semiconductors, and chemical compounds. The newly developed method holds promise for becoming widely used in the research and development of surfaces and devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 17, 2017

How pheromones trigger female sexual behavior

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how a male pheromone enhances female sexual behaviors in mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. The study found that a single purified chemical called ESP1 is detected by a sole corresponding receptor, making it easier to track and understand its effects on behavior.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuron·DateJun 22, 2017

Unfolding the folding mechanism of ladybug wings

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered how ladybugs fold their wings by transplanting a transparent artificial wing onto an insect. The study revealed that the ladybugs use a combination of origami-like creases and abdominal movements to achieve complex folding, which has significant implications for engineering science.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

How plants can tell friend from foe

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plants can recognize friendly RNAs by breaking down those without a nucleotide 'tail' using the immune system. This breakthrough paves the way for future biotechnological techniques to modify crops.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 20, 2017

Lunar cycle affects timing of birth in cows

A study by University of Tokyo researchers found a statistically significant increase in cow births during near full and full moon phases. The study suggests that cows may be a suitable model for studying the lunar cycle's impact on animal births, with further research needed to confirm results.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2016