News from Japan
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-Nov-2025 18:11 ET (1-Nov-2025 22:11 GMT/UTC)
Taking the shock out of predicting shock wave behavior with precise computational modeling
Yokohama National UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
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.
- Journal
- Physics of Fluids
- Funder
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
New antivirals could help prevent cold sores by changing cell structures
Hiroshima UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Antiviral Research
- Funder
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Team develops high-speed, ultra-low-power superconductive neuron device
Yokohama National UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
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.
- Journal
- Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering
- Funder
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Global consumption of threatened freshwater eels revealed
Chuo UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
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.
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Funder
- Asahi Glass Foundation, JSPS KAKENHI, The National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan
Quantum networks bring new precision to dark matter searches
Tohoku UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Physical Review D
Sulfated yeast rises to the challenge facing rare earth metals
Osaka Metropolitan UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Environmental Research
The persistence of diabetes stigma
Kyoto UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
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.
- Journal
- Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Deep sleep supports memory via brain fluid and neural rhythms
RIKENPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Not for hearing but for symbiosis
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Science