Centennial RIKEN Research


???This Spring we’ve put together a special centennial issue of RIKEN Research ???

Mathematical model predicts self-organized learning in real neurons


The free energy principle predicted how real neural connections changed as neurons “learned” in a dish.

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.

Electric rays to help us map the ocean floor


Electric rays and sting rays could map the ocean floor through their natural behavior, helping us find resources and collect data on other ocean life.

The first drug treatment for brain aneurysms (in mice)


Scientists discover that most aneurysms result from mutations. A mouse model shows they can be treated with drugs.

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.

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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!

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Dec

21

The stars align

The stars align


The stars align. That’s what you say, when things work out perfectly. In the case of an eclipse, of course, it’s not stars that align but rather the moon and sun.

AI identifies features associated with cancer recurrence


Artificial intelligence has successfully identified features relevant to cancer prognosis that were not previously noted by pathologists

Smoker gut bacteria reduce bowel inflammation in ulcerative colitis


Mouth bacteria that settle in the guts of smokers activate helper T-cells that counter inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

Photosynthetic bacteria spin spider silk for the masses


A little genetic engineering and a special recipe allows photosynthetic bacteria to mass-produce super lightweight spider silk for use in manufacturing.

Electric rays to help us map the ocean floor


Electric rays and sting rays could map the ocean floor through their natural behavior, helping us find resources and collect data on other ocean life.

Methylation mutation directly linked to autism


A mutation in a gene needed for H3K9 methylation is directly linked to autism spectrum disorders and early neurodevelopment.

How group size affects cooperation: Insights from brain science


Using the prisoners dilemma game, brain scientists showed that larger group size reduces cooperation.

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.

New lab-grown retinal sheets almost ready for clinical trials


A new retinal transplant technique works by preventing bipolar cells from maturing in lab-grown retinal sheets.

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.

New treatment assembles cancer drug inside the body


Cancer drugs assembled inside the body on cancer cells should reduce harmful side effects to other tissue.