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University of Tsukuba


Hibernation in mice: Are humans next?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and RIKEN in Japan have identified specific cells in the mouse brain that can trigger a hibernation-like state when activated. This discovery has significant implications for potential human hibernation applications, including medical uses such as emergency transport or critical care situations.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2020

Dreaming with purpose

Adult-born neurons in the hippocampus play a crucial role in memory consolidation during REM sleep, according to a study published in Neuron. The researchers found that activity in these neurons is necessary for memory consolidation and that synaptic changes occur during learning, enabling memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNeuron·DateJun 5, 2020

Protecting the kidneys from failing

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a common cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, which may progress to end-stage renal disease. Researchers found that the protein MafB plays a protective role in FSGS, with increased levels of MafB reducing kidney damage and nephrotic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalKidney International·DateJun 5, 2020

Asteroid impact enriches certain elements in seawater

Researchers have linked enriched chalcophile elements like copper and silver to the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact at the Yucatán Peninsula. These elements were likely supplied to the ocean through processes related to the impact, including iron oxides/hydroxides acting as a carrier phase.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 28, 2020

Putting a finger on plant stress response

A zinc finger domain in Arabidopsis protein SIZ1 is essential for transcriptional regulation of genes required for abiotic stress responses, including cold, salt, and drought stresses. The domain's absence leads to impaired SIZ1 function, stunted plant growth, and increased sensitivity to stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 5, 2020

Machine learning that works like a dream

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba created an AI program called MC-SleepNet to automatically classify mouse sleep stages, achieving 96.6% accuracy and high robustness against noise in biological signals. This system can significantly assist researchers by automating data annotation, accelerating research on sleep patterns.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

Inter faculty -- Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Human and Social Sciences, Vol.9

This volume of Inter Faculty Journal examines the phenomena of migration, the complexity of Serbian and Croatian languages, and noun-concluding sentences in Japanese. The research highlights common threads among these studies, including socio-economic factors, governance, and cultural values.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Academic Journal Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management·DateNov 29, 2019

Silencing retroviruses to awaken cell potential

A team from the University of Tsukuba identifies a novel silencing component called TAF-Iα that plays a crucial role in retroviral silencing during reprogramming. This discovery enables the production of high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy applications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2019

Here's something that will raise your blood pressure

Researchers found that activating the apelin receptor led to increased blood pressure due to vasoconstriction, a process also affected by the α1A-adrenergic receptor. The study suggests a coordinated mechanism controlling blood vessel contraction and may support therapy development for vascular stenosis and vasospasm.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Biochemistry·DateNov 1, 2019

The secret to sneaky float serves

A team from the University of Tsukuba studied volleyball aerodynamics using wind tunnel experiments and found that standard panels create an asymmetric surface, affecting flight patterns. This research may help develop more efficient drones.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Sciences·DateOct 10, 2019

Breath of fresh air in vasculitis research

Researchers have identified an association between a MUC5B gene variant and systemic vasculitis, a lung disease prevalent in the Japanese population. The study found that patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis are more likely to have ILD if they carry this specific genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 12, 2019