Palaeospondylus: mystery of vertebrate evolution solved


Micro-CT scans using synchrotron radiation X-rays reveal Palaeospondylus morphology, finally allowing its placement on the evolutionary tree.

Marsupial heart regeneration ability given to mice


Regeneration of mouse hearts ? ?? after birth achieved by figuring out how it’s possible in opossums.

RIKEN Research Winter Issue


It’s almost the end of the year and a here’s an early holiday present! The winter issue of RIKEN Research is here, covering plant parasites, depression, atomic clocks, and more! Enjoy!

Scientists solve epigenetic barriers to cloning


Scientists show that two epigenetic factors improve the success rate of cloning via somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Efficient and durable ultra-thin solar cells


Ultra-thin, flexible, organic solar cells that degrade less than 5 percent after 3,000 hours and an energy conversion ratio of 13%.

Nanocarrier spray: better crops without genetic modification


Gene expression, but not genomes, altered in plants and crops with a spray containing bioactive molecules tethered to nanocarrier peptides

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Self-assembly of spider silk

This gut microbe might protect against diabetes and reduce insulin resistance

NEW: One-way hydrogel guides motion of tiny worms!

Latest Posts

Robotic exoskeleton learns to help people stand up


This new robotic exoskeleton uses machine learning to know when users want help standing up.

Supermassive black holes still dark and mysterious


For the first time, scientists have measured the strength of magnetic fields near supermassive black holes and something doesn’t add up.

Omics Omics Omics: Analysis predicts ovarian cancer-treating drug


Multi-omics analysis prediction: drugs that inhibit Ras signaling will help prevent tumor formation in serous ovarian cancer.

COVID-19: Changing the way we do research


COVID-19 series — Part #4: Team Leader Aki Minoda from RIKEN IMS talks about how the pandemic has affected the way we work.

A new imaging biomarker for the aging brain


Enlarged ventricles is a sign of an aging brain. New research shows that this phenomenon can be predicted by lagging brain circulation that is detected by MRI.

Cubes of brain tissue allow drug discovery without animals


Modeling the blood-brain-barrier with brains-in-a-cube allows drug testing without the need for animals.

Social contact-seeking behavior and loneliness in the brain


Levels of the peptide amylin in the brain are related to loneliness; activating amylin neurons in the MPOA drives isolated mice to seek social contact.

Diazoxide pills for Alzheimer’s disease?


Drug therapy with with diazoxide relieved symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of mice and improved memory.

Electrolithoautotrophs


Learn what electrolithoautotrophs are and how the scientists proved that A. ferrooxidans can use electric potential to fuel growth.

Talking science Illustration with Misaki Ouchida


Whether it’s bird anatomy or science cartoons, Masaki Ouchida can do it all. She spoke with us about her career in science illustration, from the US to Japan.