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University of Tsukuba


Virus-like nanoparticles control the multicellular organization and reproduction of host bacteria

Researchers discovered that Streptomyces davawensis produces virus-like particles facilitating host reproduction. The particles contain an enzyme degrading genomic DNA, allowing for extracellular DNA release and scaffold creation. This finding reveals the exploitation mechanism of virus-related nanoparticles for bacterial proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2024

Single episode of intense exercise reduces subsequent physical activity and body temperature, contributing to weight gain

A single episode of intense exercise reduces subsequent physical activity and body temperature in mice, leading to weight gain. The study highlights the importance of considering not only calories burned during exercise but also subsequent activity levels and circadian rhythm for effective weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJun 10, 2024

AI-driven tool for distinguishing Lewy body dementia via changes in vocal emotional expression

A new AI-driven tool can accurately diagnose Lewy body dementia by analyzing changes in vocal emotional expressions. The study found that individuals with Lewy body dementia exhibited more negative and calmer emotional expressions compared to those with Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateJun 4, 2024

Pupil contraction indicates hidden cognitive fatigue in prolonged esports play across various skill levels

Researchers found that subjective fatigue did not increase until 2 hours of play, while pupillary constriction occurred at 2 and 3 hours, indicating cognitive fatigue despite varying levels of expertise. This suggests that monitoring pupil constriction could help detect cognitive resource depletion in mentally demanding environments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateApr 8, 2024

A new method for successfully measuring electrical conductivity in microorganisms―approaching understanding of microbial ecosystems

A new bioelectronic system has been developed to measure electrical conductivity in microorganisms without requiring biofilm formation on electrodes. This approach has revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis possess conductive properties, with potential applications in environmental energy technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Convergent evolution of algal CO2-fixing organelles

Researchers identified pyrenoid-associated proteins in a marine chlorarachniophyte alga, suggesting independent evolution of CO2-fixing organelles in each algal group. These findings have implications for genetic engineering to increase photosynthetic performance and improve crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024

Discovery of primitive mitochondrial DNA replication enzymes

Researchers identified 10 new types of DNA polymerase involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance, including rdxPolA, which is a direct descendant of the α-proteobacterial symbiont that gave rise to the first mitochondrion. The study provides critical insights into the early evolution of mitochondrial DNA maintenance machinery.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 29, 2024

Illustrating the relationship between pedestrian movement and urban characteristics using large-scale GPS data

This study uses large-scale GPS data to assess pedestrian movement around Tokyo's stations and its relationship with urban characteristics such as density, diversity, and design. The findings highlight that TOD attributes significantly impact pedestrian count, distances, and durations, but the impact varies across different metrics.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateFeb 6, 2024

Remarkable cellular architecture and phylogenetic position of the mysterious arm-swinging protist meteora sporadica

Researchers successfully cultured and analyzed two strains of Meteora sporadica, a small, unicellular eukaryote with a complex cytoskeleton featuring lateral arms supported by microtubules. The study reveals that Meteora sporadica is closely related to Hemimastigophora, a group of deep-branching eukaryotes with no arms or MTOCs.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Discovering the optimal combination of anticancer drug administration for the conditioning of cord blood transplantation

Researchers discovered that combining fludarabine, melphalan, and low-dose total-body irradiation offers the best survival rate and lowest relapse rate in cord blood transplantation for myeloid malignancies. The study analyzed data from 1395 cases and found fewer deaths from infection with this combination.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·DateJan 24, 2024

Hypoxia visualized by endoscopic imaging as an objective indicator for assessing bowel urgency and ulcerative colitis disease activity

Researchers at University of Tsukuba discovered a correlation between hypoxia levels and clinical symptoms in UC patients. Lower oxygen saturation in the rectal mucosa was associated with greater severity of colitis, making this method a potential tool for objective measurement of disease activity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 23, 2024

Co-amplification in tropical and extratropical atmospheric fluctuations caused heavy rainfall over Japan in August 2021

Researchers found that joint action of tropical and extratropical variations led to persistent heavy rainfall over Japan. The study revealed a link between upper-tropospheric blocking high, near-surface atmospheric flow, and cumulus convection in enhancing the northwestern Pacific subtropical high.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJan 17, 2024