Gray matter volume links symptoms in autism


Low gray matter volume in the posterior superior parietal lobule (pSPL) was found to correlate with specific cognitive and perceptual symptoms of autism.

Longevity in supercentenarians linked to cytotoxic T-cells


Blood analysis in supercentenarians showed that they have many more cytotoxic CD4 T-cells than people with average life spans.

Nanopores in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and the origin of life


“Naturally occurring selective nanopore ion channels in deep-sea hydrothermal vents are similar to ion channels found in cells and could help explain the origin of life.

Hippocampal memory isn’t all about place cells


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

New artificial skin helps avoid animal testing


A new artificial skin that reproduces proper tension can be used to research skin function and disease while reducing the need to experiment on animals.

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

Jun

3

RIKEN Research Spring issue is here

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!

Dec

11

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.

Protein pileup affects social behavior through altered brain signaling


When a normal cellular cleanup process is disrupted, social behavior in mice is disrupted and they start behaving in ways that resemble human symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.

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

Simple but revolutionary modular organoids

A new way to construct complex 3D organoids without using elaborate techniques! The trick using modular cubes with hydrogel layers.

In living color: imaging the brain with synthetic bioluminescence


A new way to image the brain from outside the head using bioluminescence.

Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light


Blue light alters some gene expression in plants by changing the transcription start sites to downstream locations.

Heat used to transform antiskyrmions to skyrmions and back


Scientists discover a way to transform antiskyrmions to skyrmions and back using heat and magnetic fields.

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.

Transgenic plants ??on acid survive without water


Scientists designed transgenic plants that survive drought-like conditions by bumping up acetic acid production only when water is scarce.

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.

Green hydrogen production for fuel cells and fertilizers


A new method of water electrolysis avoids rare metals, making hydrogen production green and sustainable.