Cancer cells with multiple mutations alter the function of cell competition and use it to enhance their own invasive ability. Cell competition, a defense system orchestrated by epithelial cells to suppress cancer formation, is altered in epithelial cells with sequential mutations. Activated Ras mutant epithelial cells, which would normally be…

Deep learning model developed by researchers outperform human fishermen in correctly identifying the gender of horsehair crabs. Horsehair crabs are a seasonal delicacy in Japan, and their fishing is strictly regulated based on their sex to protect their population. However, telling females apart from males is difficult when looking only…

Researchers develop a deep learning model that can detect a previously unknown quasicrystalline phase present in multiphase crystalline samples The identification of distinct phases within multiphase crystalline samples relies on expert judgment, and is hence, time-consuming. In a significant leap for materials science, a team of researchers from Japan have…

Scientists from Japan find a simple method for cultivating Euglena gracilis, an edible microalgae with high nutritional and functional content Known for its high nutritious value, the edible microalgae Euglena gracilis is an attractive option for supplementation and health promotion. However, its cultivation is currently expensive, which limits its widespread…

Scientists use inorganic zinc-based compounds to vastly improve the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries Sodium- and potassium-ion batteries are promising next-generation alternatives to the ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their energy density still lags behind that of LIBs. To tackle this issue, researchers from Japan explored an innovative strategy…

Ytterbium-doped optical fibers are expected to pave the way for cost-effective quantum technologies Single-photon emitters quantum mechanically connect quantum bits (or qubits) between nodes in quantum networks. They are typically made by embedding rare-earth elements in optical fibers at extremely low temperatures. Now, researchers from Japan, led by Associate Professor…

Scientists report a technique that could promote the use of yeast as a convenient platform to study human proteins and develop new drugs G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of cell surface proteins in humans. These receptors, which can be seen as ‘traffic directors,’ transmit…

Researchers discover a new family of Gram-negative bacterial enzymes related to infection capability Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella are a global cause of concern as they can cause disease outbreaks. They release osmo-regulated periplasmic glucans (OPGs) — a diverse group of long-chain carbohydrates — that have a role…

Metal nanocluster/graphene nanosheet composite-based battery separator addresses key challenges faced by lithium–sulfur batteries, opening doors to their commercialization Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) offer a higher energy storage potential. However, issues like formation of lithium polysulfides and lithium dendrites lead to capacity loss and raise safety concerns. Now, researchers from Japan…