Mutation links bipolar disorder to mitochondrial disease


ANT1 mutations found in bipolar disease that affect mitochondria lead to hyperexcitable serotonergic neuronal activity in the brain.

Real webshooters? Synthetic spider silk spun from artificial gland


Scientists create a microfluidic device that spins artificial spider silk from spidroins proteins, duplicating silk’s complex molecular structure.

Black smokers and electroecosystems


Black smokers are deep-sea hydrothermal vents found in the ocean. Now scientists believe that they may host electroecosystems in which the primary producers use electric currents as their energy source.

RIKEN Research Summer issue


A quick post to let you know that the Summer issue of RIKEN Research Magazine came out towards the end of June. This issue covers brain evolution, regenerating skin, super-clear synapses, and much much more! Enjoy!

Something smells fishy: categorizing odors in the brain


Calcium imaging and mathematical model explain how categories and mixtures of odors are represented in the fly brain and consistent across individual flies.

A faster and more sensitive antibody test for COVID-19


Fast and sensitive: A new antibody test for the COVID-19 virus. Just a pinprick of blood and results in 30 minutes.

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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

Low-protein diet changes sperm and health of future offspring


Low-protein diets in male mice alter sperm and result in offspring that have metabolic problems like diabetes in adulthood.

Brainless memory makes the spinal cord smarter than previously thought


The spinal cord learns how to direct limb muscles to avoid aversive sensations and recalls the memories using separate neural circuitry. Oh, and without a brain!

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.

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!

RIKEN Research Fall Issue


Fall is here, and with it comes the latest issue of RIKEN Research. This issue covers tactile learning during sleep, supercomputers and simulations, solar cells, fly olfaction, tumor vaccines, and more

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.

How does gravity affect antimatter?


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

Introducing Nikola, the emotional android boy


A new android named Nikola will help researchers study facial expressions, emotions, and social interactions.

H2AK119ub1: How you inherit acquired traits from your mom


H2AK119ub1. Say that three times really fast! But seriously, it allows maternally acquired traits to be inherited.

Super-thin wearable electronics just got more flexible


A method for making super-flexible and ultra-thin wearable electronics uses water-vapor plasma to create gold-gold bonds.