Using a photocatalyst, scientists have identified the factors behind racemization process of chiral sulfoxides
Chiral sulfoxides, molecules that contain sulfur centers that cannot be superimposed on their mirror images, have wide applications in the chemical industry. This ‘chirality’ of the molecules can make them extremely selective during reactions, which makes…
Researchers identify a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity and subsequent inflammatory responses in immune disorders
While dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) is known to mediate inflammation and bone metabolism, ligands that bind DCIR and the mechanisms underlying DCIR activity remain poorly understood. Researchers from Japan have now identified “asialo-biantennary…
Long-range magnetic order has been observed in quasicrystals, strange solids that show forbidden crystal symmetries, for the first time
Since the discovery of quasicrystals (QCs), solids that mimic crystals in their long-range order but lack periodicity, scientists have sought physical properties related to their peculiar structure. Now, an international group…
Scientists develop a tool that uses machine learning and a dynamical systems-based approach to identify a precursor of combustion instability in engines
Combustion engines, like those in aircrafts, remain at risk of fatal damage by a phenomenon called “combustion oscillations,” where pressure fluctuations inside the engine become large. Now, researchers…
A new study examined the historical changes in the rates of unique names in Japan between 2004 and 2018
An analysis of baby names between 2004 and 2018 by Assistant Professor Yuji Ogihara of Tokyo University of Science revealed that the rates of unique names increased for both boys and…
Scientists propose a novel approach for finding the best routing paths for vehicles in charge of bicycle rebalancing
Bicycle sharing systems have become an attractive option to alleviate traffic in congested cities. However, rebalancing the number of bikes at each port as time passes is essential, and finding the optimal…
Understanding the solidification process of molten droplets can help develop a universal model to predict their deposition in jet engines
The deposition of molten particles on the interior surface of jet engines can cause significant damage and degrade the performance of the engine. Now, scientists from Japan successfully simulated the…
Opioids can control gut immune responses and thereby reduce colonic inflammation, indicating their potential in the treatment of immune diseases
Opioid receptors play key roles in regulating our senses and emotions. Recently, their discovery outside the nervous system raised several questions about the effects of opioids on the immune system…
In a pioneering study, scientists from Japan establish that psychological stress can negatively affect neurogenesis and cause depression in a mouse model
Few studies have explored the effect of psychological stressors on behavior, and neurogenesis, in the context of depression. With the elucidation of a vicarious social defeat stress mouse…
Scientists from Japan have quantitatively evaluated ion-trapping-induced degradation in lithium intercalated tungsten oxide films
Tungsten oxide, an electrochromic (EC) material with immense potential for technical applications such as in smart windows, has attracted much interest for its energy-saving qualities. However, after multiple cycles, such EC devices exhibit degradation in optical…
