Researchers at Okayama University of Science (OUS) have developed a new histological staining technique that allows direct visualization of ancient proteins within fossil tissues, preserving their microstructural context. This innovative approach enables scientists to verify the authenticity of endogenous proteins—those that originated from the ancient organism itself—before performing complex molecular analyses, reducing contamination risks that have long challenged paleoproteomic studies. Tested on Pleistocene elephant fossils from Japan, the method successfully detected Type I collagen using Van Gieson’s staining, with findings confirmed by mass spectrometry. The study also revealed that bone preserves proteins better than dentine, offering valuable guidance for future fossil analysis. This simple yet powerful technique could revolutionize how researchers screen fossils for preserved proteins, paving the way for future investigations into even older specimens, including dinosaurs.

Shock waves should not be shocking — engineers across scientific fields need to be able to precisely predict how the instant and strong pressure changes initiate and dissipate to prevent damage. Now, thanks to a team from YOKOHAMA National University, those predictions are even better understood.

A class of antivirals called Pin1 inhibitors could reduce or stop outbreaks of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), the common infection behind oral herpes, according to new research.

A research team has developed a neuron device that holds potential for application in large-scale, high-speed superconductive neural network circuits. The device operates at high speeds with ultra-low-power consumption and is tolerant to parameter fluctuations during circuit fabrication.

Study Overview

Professor Kenzo Kaifu and Research Fellow Hiromi Shiraishi of Chuo University, together with Professor Yu-Shan Han of National Taiwan University, conducted the world’s first quantitative study to reveal the global consumption structure of freshwater eels (genus Anguilla). The research team combined DNA barcoding of eel products—purchased from retail stores and restaurants worldwide—with production and trade statistics to estimate species composition at the global level. Their findings were published in Scientific Reports on August 15, 2025.

Key Findings

First global assessment of eel consumption integrating DNA barcoding with production and trade statistics.

More than 99% of global eel consumption consists of three threatened species (American eel, Japanese eel, and European eel) listed in the IUCN Red List.

East Asia accounts for the majority (64–85%) of global eel consumption, with Japan ranking first in per capita supply.

The American eel is the most consumed species worldwide, followed by the Japanese eel and the European eel.

Large discrepancies (up to 2.4-fold) between international statistics reveal serious gaps in eel production and trade data.

Researchers at Tohoku University have taken a major step forward in the global hunt for dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe, by designing a new type of quantum sensor network that could significantly improve our chances of detecting it.

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers developed yeast that efficiently adsorbs targeted rare earth elements.

Kyoto, Japan -- For people with medical conditions, stigma is a real problem they must worry about on top of their health. Stereotypes about health conditions often cause discrimination even by healthcare providers, as many may assume those affected don't take care of their health, when in reality they likely have no control over their condition.

Diabetes affects nearly ten percent of the global adult population and causes almost two million deaths per year, yet the persistent stigma surrounding people with the disease is a global concern. Physicians may act as inadvertent perpetrators, but their level of awareness is still poorly understood.

To address this, it is essential to gauge the level of awareness of a diabetes stigma among future physicians and identify the need for strategic interventions in medical education. This approach motivated a team of researchers at Kyoto University to first assess awareness of stigma and advocacy among medical students in Japan.

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Japan report a link between deep sleep and cerebrospinal fluid, the clear liquid that surrounds and supports the brain and spinal cord. The study demonstrates how changes in cerebrospinal fluid signals during sleep—as measured by fMRI—are time-locked to slow brain waves and other neural events. These findings, published in PNAS, offer a clue as to why stable sleep is important for normal brain function, particularly within the brain network that controls learning and memory.

Stinkbug’s “ears on the legs” are actually “symbiotic organs” that nurture specific fungi for guarding eggs against enemies.