A new study, led by researchers from the University of Tokyo, involving nearly 1,000 patients in Japan suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related traits may be associated with and may contribute to chronic pain. The connection seems solid but indirect: ADHD-related traits appear to impact how people perceive pain through increased anxiety, depression and negative thought patterns. This research presents potential avenues for new tailored treatments and rehabilitation for those with ADHD and chronic pain. 

An Osaka Metropolitan University research team examined the practicality of implementing MR treadmill walking in healthy older adults to determine readiness for a definitive randomized controlled trial.

Most of the carbon fixed by plants through photosynthesis is ultimately stored in the cell wall, primarily in the form of polysaccharides such as cellulose, xylan, and glucomannan. Yet how plants efficiently synthesize these wall polymers has remained unclear, particularly because polysaccharides such as glucomannan and xylan are prone to aggregation through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. A research team comprising Aina Kikuchi, who was then a master’s student in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Saitama University, Eriko Sato, a master’s student in the same graduate school, Associate Professor Daisuke Takahashi, Professor Toshihisa Kotake, Lecturer Yoshihisa Yoshimi of the Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology at Kindai University, and Professor Paul Dupree of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge has discovered that mannanases (MANs)—enzymes degrading glucomannan—are also required for normal glucomannan synthesis in plants. The study shows that glucomannan biosynthesis includes an unexpected, previously unrecognized hydrolytic step in the Golgi apparatus. 

Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered a new class of antibodies, called iTabs, that naturally suppress specific immune responses by blocking immune cell activation. These antibodies can reduce autoimmune disease severity in mice, suggesting a new way to treat conditions like multiple sclerosis without weakening the immune system overall.Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered a new class of antibodies, called iTabs, that naturally suppress specific immune responses by blocking immune cell activation. These antibodies can reduce autoimmune disease severity in mice, suggesting a new way to treat conditions like multiple sclerosis without weakening the immune system overall.

Over 1.3 billion people are affected by a disability, which the United Nations defines as “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”, with about 80% of those individuals of working age. Additionally, the acknowledgement of neurodiversity in the workplace demands inclusion. Utilizing a huge dataset from Finland, a country with a high rate of employment for disabled people, Prof. Dr. Shiho Futagami (YOKOHAMA National University) et al. are paving  the way to provide more job opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities. 

While tics have been considered to result from an aberrant function of the brain’s motor cortex, a Kobe University mouse study has now discovered a connection to the brain’s emotional functions. The result promises a new avenue of research on treatments for Tourette syndrome.

An origami-inspired reflectarray antenna developed by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo enables CubeSats to achieve high antenna gain while fitting within the tight size constraints of small satellites. Weighing just 64 grams, it folds compactly inside a 3U CubeSat for launch and expands in space. Such designs could support higher data-rate communications, expanding the capabilities of future CubeSat missions, including deep-space and lunar exploration.

Magnesium hydride stores lots of hydrogen but the problem comes with the high temperatures needed to release it. Now, researchers have found a new catalyst that helps solve this common bottleneck, focusing on a phenomenon called the burst effect.

Biodegradable plastics are great. They provide the ductility of plastics whilst reducing the materials environmental downsides. However, in the quest for greater degradability, improving durability has received scant attention. A research group recently rectified this with the development of a new bamboo composite that emphasised both biodegradability and strength. The group also developed a means to predict how the material breaks down in water.

For 70 years, we have assumed that “attempt time” in nanomagnets is one nanosecond. For the first time ever, this value was measured experimentally by researchers at Tohoku University. Spoiler alert: it’s more than one nanosecond!