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!

Omics Omics Omics: Analysis predicts ovarian cancer-treating drug


Multi-omics analysis prediction: drugs that inhibit Ras signaling will help prevent tumor formation in serous ovarian cancer.

What’s that smell? The advantage of sniffing


Rhythmic sniffing boosts phase-coded neuronal signals in the mouse olfactory bulb that allow odors to be identified.

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.

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.

Chromosome copying errors pinpointed in developing embryos


The DNA duplication process changes during embryogenesis and chromosome copying errors increase during the transition.

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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.

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.

Cubes of brain tissue allow drug discovery without animals


Modeling the blood-brain-barrier with brains-in-a-cube allows drug testing without the need for animals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introducing Nikola, the emotional android boy


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

Green hydrogen production for fuel cells and fertilizers


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

Opossums are the first genome edited marsupials


A new piezoelectronic microinjection method has allowed the first successful genome editing in marsupials: albino opossums.

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.