A collaborative research team from Toho University, the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Nihon University, the Global Environmental Forum, and the Museum Park Ibaraki Nature Museum has revealed that a newly introduced parasite is infecting native fish in the Tone River system. Their study also confirms that the golden mussel, an invasive species, acts as the infection source, while non-native fish such as bluegill and channel catfish help sustain the parasite’s life cycle.

Scientists at YOKOHAMA National University, in collaboration with RIKEN and other institutions in Japan and Korea, have made an important discovery about how electrons move and behave in molecules. This discovery could potentially lead to advances in electronics, energy transfer, and chemical reactions. Published in the Journal, Science, their study reveals a new way to control the distribution of electrons in molecules using very fast phase-controlled pulses of light in the terahertz range.

A new study by researchers including those at the University of Tokyo revealed that atmospheric gravity waves play a crucial role in driving latitudinal air currents on Mars, particularly at high altitudes. The findings, based on long-term atmospheric data, offer a fresh perspective on the behaviors of Mars' middle atmosphere, highlighting fundamental differences from Earth’s. The study applied methods developed to explore Earth’s atmosphere to quantitatively estimate the influence of gravity waves on Mars’ planetary circulation.

Engineers have designed a tiny, low-weight and cordless robot that can act independently and with ultra-high precision in all directions in some of the most extreme conditions. The robot, which the designers call “Holonomic Beetle 3” (or HB-3)—as they were inspired by the movements and anatomy of the rhinoceros beetle—combines the use of piezoelectric actuators with autonomous technology to enable micro-scale manipulation tasks that were previously out of reach for robots.

Certain glycans—sugar-like compounds with carbohydrate chains—containing galactose, may exhibit potential prebiotic properties that support human health. Identifying enzymes capable of breaking down these glycans is essential for unlocking their full potential. In a new study, researchers discovered a novel enzyme in the human gut that specifically targets a previously unexplored glycan called β-1,2-galactooligosaccharide, known for their prebiotic benefits. This discovery can open new avenues in prebiotic research, potentially enhancing human health.

Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, focusing on targeted approaches that destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Researchers at JAIST have developed magnetic nanoparticles that can be directed to tumors using a magnet and then heated with a laser to destroy cancer cells. In mouse models, this targeted technique successfully eliminated tumors entirely. This innovative method provides a more precise and less toxic alternative to traditional treatments, paving the way for more effective cancer therapies.

A researcher at Osaka Metropolitan University examined the shifts in migration destination determinants of households with children who mentioned the spread of COVID-19 as a migration motive during the pandemic. The results indicated significant shifts with emphasis on the importance of social interaction-related factors.

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the National Institute of Technology, Gifu College, have developed a novel system to control the movement of Euglena gracilis using laser light and a digital projector. This method enables precise spatiotemporal manipulation of Euglena with negative phototaxis, opening possibilities for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, observe the configuration of different dipeptides on graphite electrodes and the subsequent arrangement of catalytic hemin on them to get an idea of the factors affecting its catalytic activity.

Despite the popularity of augmented reality, AR wearable technologies haven’t gained traction due to the weight and bulk associated with batteries and electronic components, and the suboptimal computational power, battery life and brightness of the devices. A team of researchers recently improved the practicality of light-receiving AR glasses by increasing the angle of incidence light capable of producing an adequate projected AR image from five degrees to roughly 20-30 degrees.