A Waseda University research team developed a method to measure thermal insulation of bedding systems, considering individual body parts. The study found that relying solely on whole-body insulation is not enough and revealed the importance of optimizing sleep environments for better quality.
Research reveals myosin XI's essential role in guiding AtNIP5;1 to its correct location on the cell membrane, enabling active boron absorption. Plants lacking myosin XI exhibit severe growth defects and reduced boron levels, highlighting the protein's critical function.
Researchers developed stable MXene-coated contact lenses providing enhanced protection against electromagnetic radiation. The lenses exhibited a rapid temperature rise when exposed to microwave heating, indicating strong EMR absorption and dissipation.
Attachment theory is used to understand human-AI relationships, revealing anxiety and avoidance tendencies. The study suggests AI chatbots can be tailored to meet users' emotional needs, promoting psychological well-being.
A study by Waseda University finds that competing corporate coalitions within boards impact a firm's spending decisions once profitability targets are met. Firms with stronger state-endorsement coalitions allocate more resources to social causes, while those with shareholder-value coalitions prioritize dividend payments.
Researchers from Japan conducted a cross-cultural analysis to compare mentalizing difficulties in British and Japanese autistic and non-autistic adults. They found that Japanese autistic participants outperformed both groups of British participants, suggesting cultural differences in interpreting social cues.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.
Researchers demonstrate ultrafast transparency switching across multiple wavelengths using single laser excitation in germanium, opening possibilities for advanced optical technologies. The study highlights the potential of Ge as a key material for ultrafast optical switching with promising applications in high-speed data transmission ...
Researchers from Waseda University used machine learning to enhance the performance of photomechanical crystals, achieving up to 3.7 times greater force output compared to previously reported values. This breakthrough has significant implications for remote-controlled actuators, medical devices, and energy-efficient systems.
Researchers found that nanoplastics in soil exhibit varying behavior depending on soil type and pH levels, affecting their aggregation and adsorption onto soil particles. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.
A recent study found that children with autism spectrum disorder tend to prefer predictable movements, which could serve as an early indicator of the condition. This preference may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships and is a key characteristic of repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.
Researchers found that both left- and right-wing users in Japan accepted and propagated pro-China illiberal narratives. The study suggests that cultural aversion to protests distorts understanding of overseas pro-democracy movements, fostering attitudes favorable toward authoritarian systems.
Researchers from Waseda University discovered that common phrasal expressions have a significant impact on how fluent speakers sound, even when controlling for smoothness and other acoustic features. This study suggests that language learners should focus on mastering everyday phrases rather than rare vocabulary to improve their fluency.
Researchers developed an AI system, Plant Doctor, to monitor urban plant health at the individual leaf level using machine vision techniques. The system can automatically diagnose diseased areas on leaves and provide accurate diagnoses across various urban flora.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
A new study reveals Japanese citizens broadly susceptible to illiberal narratives, posing risks to Japan's political discourse. The research found that illiberal narratives exert a stronger influence than mainstream democratic messaging.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a new technique using terahertz imaging to visualize the internal structure of the mouse cochlea with high resolution. The study successfully demonstrated the potential of THz imaging as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for auditory disorders and other medical applications.
Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study the evolution of enzyme thermostability and cold adaptation. They identified key amino acid substitutions that enhanced catalytic activity at low temperatures, revealing a structural shift between intermediate ancestral enzymes.
Researchers at Waseda University develop a new imaging technique that uses neutron activation to transform gold nanoparticles into radioisotopes, enabling long-term tracking of their movement in the body. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments and precision monitoring of drug distribution.
The study highlights the role of the Nwd1 gene in liver disease and its potential as a therapeutic target. Mice with Nwd1 gene deletion exhibited liver pathologies mirroring MASH, including excessive lipid accumulation and increased ER stress.
A study from Waseda University found that Japan's Stewardship Code amendment encouraged institutional investors to disclose their voting records, leading to increased shareholder dissent in director elections. Domestic investors were more likely to react than foreign investors, with dissent strongest against underperforming directors.
Researchers used Re–Os dating to uncover the timing of Japan's geological history, revealing key insights into the region's evolution. The study focused on Besshi-type VMS deposits, which provided precise markers for the timing of subduction and ridge subduction beneath Japanese Islands.
Researchers used EEG to map brain activity in response to hot and cold temperatures, finding that both invoke similar activity patterns in overlapping brain regions. The study could lead to more objective methods for evaluating thermal comfort and reducing health risks due to ambiguous subjective evaluations.
Researchers developed a novel method for carbon fiber recycling that leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion forces to separate fibers without chemicals. The technique is more effective than traditional methods, preserving longer fibers with higher strength and reducing environmental impact.
Researchers at Waseda University found that somatosensory electrical stimulation on the wrist can bias subsequent motor decisions, increasing the likelihood of using the stimulated hand. This phenomenon highlights a connection between sensory input and motor choices, with potential implications for individuals with motor impairments.
A team of researchers used James Webb Space Telescope data to find massive galaxies with supermassive black holes showing no sign of star formation, supporting the theory that SMBHs can suppress gas supply and halt galaxy growth. The study provides new insights into the co-evolution of SMBHs and galaxies.
A Japanese research team investigates the origin of Bi2212's strong optical anisotropy, finding that increasing lead content reduces incommensurate modulation, enabling accurate measurement of optical activity and circular dichroism. This study contributes to understanding high-temperature superconductivity mechanisms.
A new polymer-based anion exchange membrane has been developed to improve the performance and durability of water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. The membrane demonstrates high hydroxide ion conductivity and can withstand extreme alkaline conditions, making it a valuable component in sustainable hydrogen production.
A cross-national study found that partisan selective exposure is more prevalent in the US, fueled by its polarized environment and partisan news outlets. In contrast, Japan's less polarized climate and Hong Kong's unique media environment resulted in weaker selective exposure tendencies.
A new co-culture system uses photosynthetic microorganisms to remove waste products and enhance muscle cell growth, resulting in a 30% reduction of lactate and over 90% reduction of ammonia. This innovation provides a low-cost, sustainable alternative to animal serum for cultured meat production.
Researchers developed a novel single-cell genome approach to analyze microbial diversity and genetic features, recovering 300 missed bacterial species and providing insights into antibiotic resistance genes and gene exchange networks. The study has potential applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel process for converting ammonia into green hydrogen gas at low temperatures using an electric field and Ru/CeO2 catalyst. The study successfully achieved 100% conversion rate at 398K, surpassing the equilibrium conversion rate.
A recent study from Waseda University found that short-duration, light-intensity exercises significantly increase oxy-Hb levels in the prefrontal cortex of children, indicating improved cerebral blood flow. This breakthrough suggests potential benefits for children's executive functions and brain development.
Researchers developed a one-pot process to transform aromatic ketones into esters, simplifying the reaction process, reducing reaction times, and minimizing purification steps. The method enables seven different chemical transformations and has shown notable stability and reusability, making it scalable for industrial applications.
A study examines how a firm's unique focus impacts performance and discovers an inverted U-shaped relationship between attentional uniqueness and firm performance. Firms achieve optimal growth by balancing their unique perspective, while ignoring competitors' focus can lead to missed opportunities.
A survey-based study found that 97% of Japanese respondents are willing to pay for a nationwide wastewater surveillance system, with a median value of $8.83 per household per year. The estimated annual tax would be more than enough to cover system maintenance costs, making the system economically justified.
A new urine-based test accurately measures high-risk HPV16 E7 oncoproteins in urine to detect cervical cancer. The test shows promise in making cervical cancer screening more accessible and less invasive.
A study by Waseda University researcher Ryota Nomura found that synchronized heart rates among concertgoers are linked to reliable physiological reactions rather than emotional response. This discovery could lead to better theater experiences and improved performances.
A Japanese online survey experiment examines how public confidence in the military is affected by civilian control during an armed conflict. Participants showed significant loss of trust in the military when it deviated from civilian control, but not significantly when the legislature was involved.
Researchers developed a simple method to measure nano/microplastic concentrations in soil using spectroscopy, eliminating the need for separation processes. The method uses a wavelength combination of 220–260 nm and 280–340 nm to accurately quantify N/MPs in different soil types.
Scientists have discovered unique periodic structures in manganese germanide that behave like magnetic monopoles and antimonopoles. The researchers studied the collective excitation modes of these structures, revealing a way to experimentally determine their spatial configuration.
A team of researchers from Japan have employed an innovative technique to directly observe the origin of FSDP and the atomic density fluctuations in silica (SiO2) glass. The study reveals alternating arrangements of chain-like columnar atomic configurations and interstitial tube-like voids.
A team of researchers developed a hybrid nanotube stamp system for intracellular protein delivery, achieving high efficiency and cell viability rates in cancer treatment. The system successfully delivered therapeutic proteins into target cells with precision, showing promising efficacy and safety.
Researchers found that longer sprint interval training protocols, such as SIE20, outperform shorter protocols like SIE10 in increasing peripheral oxidative metabolism. This study's findings suggest that less-than-15-minute exercise regimens can provide significant health benefits.
A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...
A research team at Waseda University has discovered a family of poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) with exceptional optical properties, including transparency over 92% and a refractive index of 1.81. The polymers can be easily degraded into simpler molecules, making them suitable for sustainable optoelectronic applications.
Researchers at Waseda University discovered that pairs of strangers exhibit greater intra-brain synchronization in the theta band compared to acquainted pairs. This finding challenges conventional understanding and highlights the importance of weak social ties in shaping social relationships.
Researchers found that watching sports fosters a sense of community and belonging, while triggering activation in the brain's reward circuits. Regular sports viewing may also induce changes in brain structures, leading to long-term benefits for individuals.
The study found that heart rate decreases and parasympathetic activity increases when interacting with friends, but not strangers. This suggests that social relationships influence physiological responses during social interactions.
Researchers have proposed an innovative quantum algorithm that effectively solves combinatorial optimization problems with constraints in a short time. The pVSQA algorithm uses a quantum device to generate a variational quantum state and transform infeasible solutions into feasible ones, achieving near-optimal performance.