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University of Toyama


Just 50°C decides whether an ultrathin magnetic film stays flat or falls apart

A new study from the University of Toyama found that a 50°C difference in heating temperature significantly affects the structure and stability of ultrathin FePd films. Films heated to 150°C maintained their flat surface, while those at 200°C exhibited controlled solid-state dewetting, enabling self-organized magnetic structures.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

Immune cells may hold the key to fighting obesity-induced muscle dysfunction

A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals that deleting transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) from macrophages enhances muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function. The research found that this approach protected against obesity-related muscle wasting and improved exercise performance.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

EV-SELEX: A novel platform for rapid G protein-coupled receptor drug discovery

A new aptamer selection strategy termed extracellular vesicle (EV)-SELEX has been developed to rapidly identify highly specific DNA aptamers targeting G protein-coupled receptors. The EV-SELEX platform exploits a natural cellular process to minimize interference and efficiently select biologically relevant receptor conformations.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Influence of antibiotic use on mental health during pregnancy

A study published in BMC Public Health found an association between antibiotic use and maternal mental health during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 94,000 pregnant women and discovered a stepwise pattern of psychological distress linked to increasing antibiotic exposure. The findings suggest that avoiding unnecessary an...

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2026

Reducing the risk of recurrent preterm births using probiotics

Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Birth order difference in neurodevelopment appears within the first year of life

Researchers compared neurodevelopmental outcomes between firstborn and second-born children using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition. By 6 months, second-born infants scored lower than their firstborn siblings across all domains, with the greatest differences observed in communication and personal-social skills. These early...

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2026

Nash equilibria: The hidden math behind predator–prey behaviors

Researchers used game theory and individual-based models to show how attack and defense strategies emerge as stable patterns, providing a theoretical framework for understanding predator–prey interactions. The study highlights the importance of sensory abilities for survival and challenges traditional views of predator-prey relationships.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

Clues from the past reveal the West Antarctic Ice Sheet’s vulnerability to warming

Researchers found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated at least five times during warmer periods millions of years ago, indicating its extreme vulnerability to future warming. The study analyzed deep-sea sediments and identified 14 prominent melt events between 4.65 and 3.33 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2026

How maternal distress affects neurological development in children: New study sheds light

A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2025

Uncovering the Fundamental Mechanisms Behind Toughening of Soft–Hard Composites

A minimal three-dimensional model successfully reproduced hallmark behaviors of tough composite materials, including mechanical hysteresis and sacrificial bond-driven toughening. The team discovered that optimal toughening occurs at a specific ratio of soft to hard components, governed by a universal scaling relationship.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2025

Rethinking stroke risk in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis

A multicenter study found that radiologically unstable plaque, particularly intraplaque hemorrhage, significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke and ocular symptoms in patients with symptomatic mild carotid stenosis. Surgical intervention, such as carotid endarterectomy, may be a protective factor for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2025