Implantable blastocyst‐like cysts grown from stem cells


Embryo Organoids?! Blastocyst‐like cysts grown from pluripotent mouse stem cells were similar to natural blastocysts (early embryos).

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!

Flies smell through a gore-tex system


The newly named gore-tex gene is responsible for the development of nanopores that allow chemicals in the air to be detected (in flies).

Eco-friendly method yields more hydrogen storage, more ammonia


Eco-friendly way to double the amount of hydrogen stored in perovskite powder and more ammonia production.

Big news in iPS cell transplants


iPS cell-derived retinal cells have been successfully transplanted from one monkey to another without need of immunosuppressant drugs.

Godzilla-sized zooplankton for better aquafarming


Scientists have created extra large zooplankton to help feed the fish in aquafarms. The new plankton were created using an ion beam to generate mutations.

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Deep-brain exploration with nanomaterials


A new way to optogenetically activate neurons deep in the brain using infrared light and upconversion nanoparticles. It’s non-invasive!

Robotic AI helps efficient growth of replacement organs


Humans team-up with a robotic AI to speed up experiments to find the best way to regrow damaged eye tissue from stem cells.

Sphingolipid S1P: Potential new target for schizophrenia treatment


Sphingolipid S1P is reduced in brain white matter of people with schizophrenia, making S1P receptors a good target for new treatments.

Boosting betaine may be a treatment for schizophrenia


Supplementing model mice with glycine betaine (trimethylglycine), a compound originally derived from beets, can alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia.

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.

Stolen genes used for parasitic mind control


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

Science communication symposium


Friday I participated in a small symposium that focused on science communication (for institutions in Japan). We discussed using social media as a means to self-publish wow! and amazing! research findings. Here are some of my thoughts about how useful this plays out in Japan.

Eating a high fat diet without getting obese?


Scientists discover that without innate immune cells in the intestines, eating a high fat diet does not lead to obesity in mice.

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.

How does gravity affect antimatter?


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

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.