Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Tsukuba


Just wait a femtosecond

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba created a scanning tunneling microscopy system that captures images as fast as 30 femtoseconds, allowing for faster study of rapid processes in materials. This advancement enables researchers to understand ultrafast dynamics and behavior of materials more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateSep 7, 2022

Turning over a new leaf: Local mountain climate is affected by leaf area ratio

A Japanese research group discovered that the leaf area index of mixed-forests influences seasonal changes in the formation of a nocturnal cold-air pool at a small mountain basin. The study found that weakening of the nighttime temperature inversion occurred during leaf expansion, while strengthening occurred after leaf fall.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the Meteorological Society of Japan Ser II·DateSep 5, 2022

Tiny crystal vases

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba developed a method to produce uniform, hollow vessel-shaped crystals through spontaneous crystal growth. The crystals have hexagonal symmetry and can be used as tiny containers for nanotechnology experiments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2022

Evacuating outside the lines

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that allowing cross-border evacuations can reduce evacuation time by 14% and improve public safety. However, intermunicipal cooperation is required to make this approach effective.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateJul 26, 2022

Making sense of socially enhanced aggression in the brain

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba discovered that the lateral habenula brain region plays a crucial role in amplifying aggressive behavior in response to social interactions. Blocking this pathway eliminated increased aggression caused by social instigation, highlighting its significance in promoting aggressive arousal.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2022

Multi-bubble math

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have developed a theoretical model to describe the motion of ultrasound waves in liquids containing multiple bubbles, which may enable advances in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ultrasound technology. The new equations can also be used to enhance microbubble-enhanced medical applicati...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·DateJul 11, 2022

Caught in the act: Key chemical intermediates in pollutant-to-fuel reaction identified

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have experimentally measured hydrogenation of copper-adsorbed formate, a crucial step in converting carbon dioxide into methanol fuel. The study found that at temperatures above 200K, atomic hydrogen can catalyze the reaction, producing a product that decomposes back into gaseous formaldehyde.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 6, 2022

A light twist

A researcher at the University of Tsukuba has developed a method for producing electrically conductive polymers with helical configurations, which can convert linearly polarized light into circular polarization. This approach may lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient electronic displays.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMolecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals·DateJun 16, 2022

Diamonds are for quantum sensing

A team of researchers at the University of Tsukuba has developed a new method for measuring tiny changes in magnetic fields using nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamonds. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate quantum sensors and spintronic computers, enabling precise monitoring of temperature, magnetic, and electric fields.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAPL Photonics·DateJun 16, 2022

Can a parasitic wasp save your fruit crops?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have created a genetic toolkit to investigate the molecular mechanisms of a parasitic wasp, Asobara japonica. By analyzing its genome and using RNA interference, they identified key genes involved in venom production and found that suppressing these genes can lead to phenotypic changes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDNA Research·DateJun 16, 2022

Gold ribbon not necessary—healthy brain and body function are the rewards in this game

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateJun 15, 2022

Navigating the shallows

A team of researchers from the University of Tsukuba has developed a new approach for accurate underwater acoustic positioning in multipath environments. By using a database of signals and selectively removing reflected waves, they achieve centimeter-scale accuracy in object location, even in shallow waters.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateMay 26, 2022

Much more than average, single-cell analysis reveals heterogeneity in metal adsorption

Researchers combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy with single-cell inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry to analyze the interaction between precious metals and Galdieria sulphuraria cells. They found that the amount of metal adsorbed depended on the metal type and solution acidity, revealing differential adsorption mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateMar 21, 2022

Dopamine triggers sleep state transitions

Researchers found that a temporary increase in dopamine levels in the basolateral amygdala initiates transitions from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This discovery may have important implications for understanding changes in sleep state and treating conditions like cataplexy and narcolepsy.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2022

A text-reading robot with heart

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 9, 2022