In joint research with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tohoku University, and Kyoto Institute of Technology, the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) developed and published "elemental reactivity maps" for discovering new phases. The research team proposed maps that use machine learning to identify over 3,000 element combinations that could potentially form new phases from among a total of 85,320 combinations of up to three elements selected from the 80 elements easily handled in the laboratory. This research result was published in Chemistry of Materials on February 21, 2025.

Childhood maltreatment has lasting effects on mental and physical health, but early identification remains challenging. Now, researchers from Japan have used the Child Behavior Checklist—a non-self-rating questionnaire—to assess behavioral patterns in preschoolers and successfully predicted their exposure to maltreatment. This approach avoids direct questioning about trauma and reveals how the timing and type of maltreatment influence specific emotional and behavioral outcomes, offering a promising tool for early detection and targeted support.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to difficulties in understanding emotions and intentions from body cues. However, whether these challenges stem from visual perception differences remains unclear. To explore this, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare body part representation in the lateral occipitotemporal cortex of adults with and without ASD. They found highly similar representational structures in both groups, suggesting ASD social difficulties may arise from higher-order cognitive processes rather than visual perception.

Coordination nanosheets formed by coordination bonds between metal ions and planar organic molecules are widely utilized in diverse electronic and catalytic applications. In a new study, researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, have developed coordination nanosheets in an ink-like form. By employing a single-phase reaction of nickel, copper, and zinc ions along with benzenehexathiol, they have demonstrated the selective and sequential synthesis of highly conductive coordination nanosheets.

By just sprinkling it on top and waiting 10 seconds, researchers can use this new fluorescent probe to clearly show synapses, the connection points between brain cells.

A new recipe, or design guidelines, for self-strengthening muscle-like hydrogel has been developed through strategic integration of computational, information, and experimental research. The resulting gel exhibits rapid reinforcement under mechanical stress with improved stability.

The ascidian Ciona (a genus of sea squirts) begins metamorphosis several tens of minutes after its larvae attach to rocks or other surfaces, transforming from larvae into adults. Researchers at University of Tsukuba have discovered that Ciona measures the time between attachment and the onset of metamorphosis by accumulating a substance called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is responsible for signal transduction within cells.

The azuki bean beetle is a common pest of stored beans and peas. Researchers at Kyushu University have found that when beetles infected with Wolbachia bacteria are exposed to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide they tend to produce larger eggs to enhance the survivability of their offspring. Interestingly, these larger eggs gave rise only to male larvae.