A team of researchers in Kumamoto University uncovered a previously unrecognized role of mitochondrial protein synthesis in the maintenance of intracellular iron distribution. Disruption of this process was found to cause lethal anemia in the fetal stage. This novel molecular mechanism will contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of iron-related diseases and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Japan has five potential consumer segments for Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), with “Sustainable Food Seekers” showing the highest interest—as shown by scientists from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo). Unlike other countries, “Food Education and Learning Opportunities” and “Contribution to Environmental and Social Issues” majorly influenced Japanese consumers’ intentions to participate in CSA. These findings could help CSA organizations, policymakers, and producers develop tailored strategies to promote CSA participation in Japan.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often display social communication impairments and restricted and repetitive behaviors. While previous studies have shown that children with ASD tend to prefer observing repetitive movements over random ones, the developmental timeline of this preference has remained unclear. To address this, a recent study utilized eye-tracking methods demonstrating that children with potential ASD spent significantly more time observing predictable movements, highlighting its potential as an early marker for ASD detection.

Organoids are made to model human organs and are promising for research and therapy, but there are limitations in their growth and function. A recent study by researchers at The University of Tokyo found that placenta-derived IL1α under hypoxic conditions, can greatly increase growth of human stem cell-derived liver organoids. By promoting liver progenitor cell expansion through a specific signaling pathway, this method offers a promising route to improve organoid models and regenerative medicine.

From harmful to helpful; researchers at Tohoku University and Hokkaido University have developed a record-breaking method to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into a fuel source.

Researchers explored the long-term effects of preschool expansion in Japan in the 1960s, revealing significant reductions in risky behaviors amongst teenagers. By analyzing regional differences in the rollout of the program, the study identified links between early childhood education and lower rates of juvenile violent arrests and teenage pregnancy. The findings suggest that improved noncognitive skills played a key role in mitigating risky behaviors, highlighting the lasting benefits of early-education policies.

Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, which includes Okinawa, are the exclusive home to two rare mammals, the Amami rabbit and Ryukyu long-furred rat. These animals are hard to observe, but conservationists wish to find out specific details about their diets. So researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, inspected the teeth from deceased specimens to find out what the animals were eating, and at different times. Their findings show the rabbits have consistent diets, whereas the rats’ change with the seasons.

Illiberal pro-China narratives serve as sharp power tools, influencing democratic societies. Researchers analyzed Twitter (now X) data and conducted experiments on political ideology and aversion to protests. Findings show both left- and right-wing groups engage with these narratives. Notably, right-wing individuals, despite criticizing China, accept illiberal narratives when triggered by protest aversion. Further experiments confirm that those strongly averse to protests resist liberal narratives, revealing a key vulnerability in Japan’s political discourse.