Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that exercise regimen reduced liver steatosis by 9.5%, liver stiffness by 6.8%, and FibroScan-AST Score by 16.4%. Exercise preserved muscle mass, independent of weight loss, and induced anti-inflammatory responses.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that interactions between proteins and nitrate control gene expression in legumes, leading to nodulation. The team found that specific proteins with varying DNA-binding properties regulate symbiotic genes involved in nodulation, which is induced by nitrate presence.
Researchers used a mouse model to identify the role of autoreactive T cells against transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ) in dermatomyositis. The study found that autoreactive CD8+ T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease, while autoantibodies are non-pathogenic clinical markers.
Sea urchin larvae use light to control digestion by opening and closing the pylorus, a critical component of the digestive tract. This finding suggests that early brain functions may have included regulating digestion, providing insights into animal evolution.
A University of Tsukuba study identifies a cost-effective way to promote dietitian-led patient education and lifestyle advice for chronic kidney disease management. By adjusting reimbursements and incentivizing general physicians, the intervention can slow CKD progression and extend patients' lives.
Researchers found that the lateral habenula (LHb) regulates cardiovascular responses via the serotonergic system, controlling heart rate and blood pressure. The study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying stress-induced behavioral responses.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that vigorous exercise enhances sleep quality despite lack of subjective change. Exercise improves slow-wave sleep stability, which may lead to new treatment recommendations for sleep disorders.
Researchers developed a new method to model complex earthquake rupture processes affecting systems of multiple faults. The approach was applied to the magnitude 7.9 Gulf of Alaska earthquake, revealing irregular behavior linked to pre-existing ocean floor features, including fracture zones and plate-bending faults.
A team of researchers at the University of Tsukuba demonstrated second-order nonlinear optical effects in diamonds using internal color center defects. This breakthrough may lead to faster internet communications, all-optical computers, and quantum sensing technologies.
A University of Tsukuba research team discovered that certain fungi can grow through narrow channels by altering their growth rate. This process allows them to maintain cell polarity and continue growing, whereas slower-growing species are impeded, resulting in defective cellular processes.
A team of researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that genes on the X chromosome in male fruit fly germ cells are not subject to dosage compensation, unlike other cells. The absence of this process may affect sex determination in Drosophila PGCs.
Researchers discovered that spraying leaves with high concentrations of ascorbic acid increases protein production three-fold in plants. This simple method can produce valuable pharmaceutical proteins at a lower cost and with increased efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba successfully detect and map electronic spins in a working transistor made of molybdenum disulfide. This breakthrough could lead to the development of faster spintronic computers that exploit electrons' natural magnetism.
A Japanese study found that areas with heavy snowfall see a significant decline in cyclist injuries and total injuries among pedestrians. This modal shift may offer a broader solution for road safety.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a novel technique for transplanting HSCs into mouse embryos without destroying the host hematopoietic system. This breakthrough enables the study of fetal hematopoiesis and paves the way for future humanization using human HSCs.
Scientists used theoretical calculations to predict electronic states in topological insulators excited with laser beams, generating Dirac states that can act as if massless. This discovery may pave the way for new computers systems that waste less energy.
Chronic increases in interleukin (IL)-17A levels in mouse blood reduce microglia activity in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. Despite this effect on cognition, spatial memory remains unaffected in mutant mice.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that ocean acidification favors degraded turf algal systems over corals and other algae due to feedback loops. This ecological shift makes it difficult to reverse and has significant implications for coastal ecosystem services.
Visually impaired athletes are at higher risk for sleep disorders due to stress from competition activities and late wake-up times. Researchers found that approximately one-third of respondents had sleep disorders, highlighting the need for strategies to improve relationships and adjust wake-up times.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that higher spontaneous eye blink rates correlate with improved cognitive function and enhanced executive function in physically fit individuals. The dopaminergic system, involved in physical activity and exercise, plays a crucial role in mediating this link.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have produced genome sequences of two wild tomato ancestors, Solanum pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, which will aid in breeding improved crop varieties with enhanced disease resistance, climate tolerance, and taste.
This special issue of Inter Faculty journal examines how the pandemic has reshaped society, highlighting key findings on resilience, solidarity, and care. Researchers from diverse fields discuss how the Anthropocene era is transforming human relations and society's relationship with nature.
A new study led by the University of Tsukuba and NEI has discovered a brain circuit that allows monkeys to learn context-dependent object values. The researchers found that fast-spiking neurons in the basal ganglia control motor movements, including eye movements, when learning associations between objects and backgrounds.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a technique to visualize ultrafast electron motion with sub-nanoscale spatial resolution, enabling the study of semiconductor device operation and potential defect control. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient electronic devices.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that ocean acidification limits algal community diversity and complexity. The study reveals that elevated CO2 levels in oceans harm marine ecosystems, threatening habitats like kelp forests.
Researchers developed a new theoretical model explaining the spread of vibrations in disordered materials, showing that sound waves lose coherence on shorter length scales. This discovery may lead to the design of heat- and shatter-resistant glass for smartphones and tablets.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which mycolic acid-containing bacteria form diverse types of membrane vesicles in response to DNA damage and envelope stress. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms of membrane vesicle formation, which could be helpful for developing novel therapeutics or vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a method to produce acid-resistant catalysts using graphene, improving hydrogen gas production efficiency. The study shows that few layers of graphene allow protons to penetrate during hydrogen evolution reactions, crucial for maximizing efficiency.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that taking regular walks in forests and greenspaces may help workers cope with stress. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 Japanese workers and discovered a significant correlation between forest and greenspace walking habits and strong stress-coping abilities.
A study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition reveals the role of pyridinic nitrogen in optimizing oxygen reduction reactions in PEM fuel cells. Nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts were found to have improved performance, paving the way for more sustainable transportation technologies.
A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that drinking two cups of oolong tea a day can increase fat breakdown by about 20% in healthy volunteers. This effect was observed even when participants were asleep, suggesting a potential role for oolong tea in weight management.
Advanced sequencing technique reveals 19 new RNA mycoviruses in fungus Aspergillus, including 9 undetected by conventional methods. The study also identifies novel RdRp gene structures, challenging existing understanding of RNA virus genetics.
Researchers developed a state-of-the-art model that revealed high complexity in rupture processes even in simple oceanic faults. The study used seismic data from around the world to build a model of the 2020 Caribbean earthquake, finding variations in rupture speed and direction.
CREB3L3 protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting SREBP's expression. Absence or overexpression of CREB3L3 exacerbates high blood lipid levels and atherosclerosis. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of atherosclerosis and its potential therapeutic targets.
The discovery sheds light on how a subtle deviation in the development process can be detrimental to individual survival and reproductive success. The study reveals that Kdm7a regulates Hox gene expression, which is crucial for embryonal morphogenesis and vertebrate body plan development.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba develop a new carbon-based electrical device, π-ion gel transistors (PIGTs), with improved conductivity. The innovative technology may lead to the creation of flexible electronics and efficient photovoltaics.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that low-intensity exercise during adolescence can significantly reduce abnormal behaviors in a mouse model of schizophrenia. The study suggests that mild exercise habits during development could have a powerful preventative effect in individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia.
A team of researchers led by the University of Tsukuba examined five different stonefly species' eggs to understand their evolutionary relationships. They found that differences in egg structure, such as hard outer membranes and attachment structures, provided insight into the order's ground plan and evolutionary history.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba investigated perovskite solar cell deterioration using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. They discovered that changes in spin states are linked to changes in hole transport and interfacial electric dipole layer formation, suggesting potential ways to prevent degradation.
A new simulation approach accurately depicts the role of elusive particles called neutrinos in the evolution of the universe. The results show that neutrinos suppress dark matter clustering and are correlated with massive galaxy clusters.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) causes skin thickening due to the production of TGFβ1 by apoptotic keratinocytes stimulated by interferon-γ, according to researchers at the University of Tsukuba.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba used gene editing to introduce diversity into tomatoes, improving their nutrition and environmental sustainability. The study found that 10 out of 12 resulting tomato lines contained high levels of carotenoids, a precursor to vitamin A with antioxidant properties.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that mice without gut microbes had altered sleep patterns, including increased REM and non-REM sleep episodes. The researchers discovered that gut microbes play a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Blind soccer players use larger downward head rotations when trapping a ball, outperforming sighted non-athletes. The study may lead to improved smart-assistant devices that utilize similar techniques.
Researchers studied Nocticola sp. cockroaches to better understand their evolutionary history, shedding light on a 'lost' family of insects that may be the missing link in the evolution of insects from prehistoric times to the present day.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that praising participants with robots and virtual agents improved offline motor task performance. Two agents outperformed one agent in terms of skill consolidation.
A genetic association study found that TERT and DSP gene variants, associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis risk, are linked to microscopic polyangiitis and myeloperoxidase-ANCA positive vasculitis. These variants may be novel susceptibility genes for both conditions.
Researchers measured rocks formed by seismic slips in central Japan's subduction zone to identify conditions leading to earthquake faulting. This study provides insights into the thermal fracturing process, which could contribute to generating frictional melt and accelerating seismic slip.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba developed an infrared-transmitting polymer that retains its shape after stretching and can be used to fabricate lenses with variable-focus properties. The polymer is based on low-cost, sustainable materials and was found to transmit 10% of incoming infrared light.
Langerhans cells play a crucial role in preventing acute graft-versus-host disease by inducing the death of immune cells. Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that enhancing B7 protein expression on Langerhans cells could prevent aGVHD development, leading to improved treatments and patient quality of life.