Fluidic Elastomer Actuators (FEAs) are lightweight and flexible systems, crucial in robotics and biomedical devices, with challenges in real-time monitoring. Researchers have developed a Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) to measure pressure and vibrations in these deformable structures. This novel sensor allows efficient monitoring, enhancing actuator performance, with applications in robotics, automotive systems, and infrastructure.

A team led by Nagoya University has shown that artificial photosynthesis is feasible using organic materials. Using the technique, they successfully synthesized useful organic compounds, including pharmaceutical materials, and ‘green’ hydrogen, which is a next-generation renewable energy source, from waste organic materials using sunlight and water. Their findings are expected to contribute to the production of medicinal and agricultural chemicals as well as sustainable energy initiatives.

YOKOHAMA National University signed a joint research agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Quantinuum K.K., Keio University, SoftBank Corp., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and LQUOM, Inc. Their collaboration aims to enable deployable and scalable quantum information processing by achieving and demonstrating the connection of multiple quantum devices in a practical environment.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are well-known risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). NAFLD has emerged as a heterogenous disease tightly linked to metabolic dysfunction and has been redefined under the umbrella term ‘steatotic liver disease’ (SLD). However, CRC risk variations across different SLD subgroups remain unknown. Now, researchers from Japan have discovered that the risk of CRC varies significantly among SLD subgroups, with patients with alcoholic liver disease being at higher risk.

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have succeeded in generating high-quality feline embryonic stem cells using sperm and eggs from testes and ovaries discarded during sterilization surgery.

Recent advances in astronomical observations have found a significant number of extrasolar planets that can sustain surface water, and the search for extraterrestrial life on such planets is gaining momentum. A team of astrobiologists from Astrobiology Center, National Institute for Basic Biology, and SOKENDAI have proposed a novel approach for detecting life on ocean planets. By conducting laboratory measurements and satellite remote sensing analyses, they have demonstrated that the reflectance spectrum of floating vegetation could serve as a promising biosignature. Seasonal variations in floating vegetation may provide a particularly effective means for remote detection.

The results of this research will be published in the journal Astrobiology on February 24, 2025.

Novel protein cage system can control and visualize orientational changes in aromatic side chains upon ligand binding, as reported by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo. By inducing coordinated molecular changes, this approach enables precise control over protein dynamics while also enhancing fluorescence properties. Their breakthrough could lead to applications in biomolecular robotics, drug delivery, and advancing the development of responsive biomaterials.