RIKEN Research Spring issue is here


Just a quick post to let you know that the Spring issue of RIKEN Research Magazine came out towards the end of March. This issue covers issues including the discovery of element 113, earth-friendly pesticides, and the secrets of a rice-killing fungal toxin. Enjoy!

Summer fun: how plants beat the heat


Scientists have discovered a gene that allows plants to cope with extreme heat by changing the composition of chloroplast membranes.

Stolen genes used for parasitic mind control


Parasitic horsehair worms evolved to control their praying mantis hosts by stealing their genes (horizontal gene transfer).

Gut bacteria in babies predict childhood food allergies


Scientists found that one-month-old infants with certain gut bacteria were less likely to develop food sensitivities and food allergies later in childhood.

Eco-friendly ammonia production for fertilizers and alternative fuel


A new process that allows ammonia to be produced using much less energy than the standard methods.

A new and improved way to store hydrogen


A simple chemical reaction allows hydrogen-carrying ammonia to be stored and retrieved cheaply and easily.

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Cassava engineered to produce healthier tapioca starch


Reducing the amount of starch branching enzymes in cassava plants made more resistant and thus healthier tapioca starch.

Trigger region found for epileptic absence seizures


A mouse model shows that absence seizures are triggered by faulty connections between the cortex and fast-spiking neurons in the striatum.

Carbon nanotubes, what are they good for?


Kylius Wilkins talks to Urs Frey and his recent success manufacturing carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Microcolumns: elementary neuronal units that carpet the (mouse) brain


A hexagonal lattice organizes major cell types in the cerebral cortex, with similar cells synchronizing their activity in microcolumns.

Hippocampal memory isn’t all about place cells


Scientists have found evidence that hippocampal memories of experience are not stored in place cells.

Locating social memories in the brain


Scientists have identified where social memories are stored in the brains of mice. Mice are forgotten because memories cannot be retrieved.

How does gravity affect antimatter?


Scientists find that antimatter reacts to gravity the same way that regular matter does.

Artificial gravity protects the immune system of mice in space


Mice who experienced artificial gravity on the ISS suffered less damage to their immune system (thymus) than weightless mice did.

Why (mouse) mothers take risks to protect their infants


The calcitonin receptor and its ligand amylin act in the brain to motivate mouse mothers to protect their pups, even in risky/dangerous situations.

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.