Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a long-term disease characterized by a defective circulatory system and hardening of the tissue (fibrosis) due to a self-attacking immune system (autoimmunity). Oxidative stress, or an imbalance in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, is known to exacerbate the disease. Now, a new study explores the effects of Twendee X® (TwX)—a dietary antioxidant supplement, and reveals its potential as antioxidant therapeutic for treating SSc.

A research group led by Dr. Tsukasa Waki of Toho University and Professor Satoshi Shimanono of Hosei University discovered a new mite species, Metanalges agachi, which was thought to clean the feathers of the endangered Okinawa rail, endemic to the northern part of Okinawa Island, Japan.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking data-driven model to predict the dehydrogenation barriers of magnesium hydride, a promising material for solid-state hydrogen storage. This advancement holds significant potential for enhancing hydrogen storage technologies, a crucial component in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

On March 19, OIST held a groundbreaking ceremony, known as Kikoshiki in Japanese, to mark the official commencement of construction for two new start-up incubator buildings. The new buildings will feature co-working spaces, wet and dry labs, conference rooms and more, and will be located opposite an existing, smaller incubation building, in operation since 2019. Together, these facilities will provide a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to evaluate the potential of their start-ups and develop prototypes. 

This study investigates the cononsolvency mechanism of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), which is soluble in pure methanol (MeOH) and water but insoluble in aqueous MeOH solutions. Combining oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with theoretical calculations executed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and inner-shell calculations, it was found that hydrophobic interactions between PNIPAM and MeOH clusters play a key role in PNIPAM aggregation and cononsolvency emergence.

Genome editing is making inroads into biomedical research and medicine. By employing biomolecule modeling tools, a Japanese research team is accelerating the pace and cutting the cost of zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology, a primary gene editing tool.

Abnormalities in the shape of the sclera, the white of the eye, can cause various complications and lead to blindness. However, techniques to observe the sclera in detail, such as its fibrous structure, are lacking. Now, researchers from Japan have used polarization-sensitive optical computed tomography to accurately visualize the density and orientation of scleral fibers in the eyes of living patients, opening doors to understanding ocular pathologies better and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Perovskite hydrides are promising materials for various emerging energy technologies, but measuring their intrinsic hydride-ion conductivity is difficult. In a recent study, researchers from Japan address this issue using a novel laser deposition technique in an H-radical atmosphere. Using this approach, they grew thin-film single crystals of two different perovskite hydrides and characterized their hydride-ion conductivity. These efforts will bolster research on hydrogen-related materials.

Vanilla, the most widely used flavoring compound in confectionaries and cosmetics, gets its sweet flavor and aroma from the chemical compound – ‘vanillin’. However, the large-scale production of natural vanillin is impeded by the lack of microbial processes and enzymes which can commercially generate vanillin. Now, researchers from Tokyo University of Science have genetically engineered a novel enzyme which can convert ferulic acid from plant waste into vanillin in a one-step sustainable process.

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have found that persimmon tannin, known for its antioxidant properties, improves the growth of yeast in the presence of ethanol.