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News from WPI Research Centers

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-May-2025 05:08 ET (1-May-2025 09:08 GMT/UTC)

Relationship between sleep and nutrition with app data: A large-scale study

International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from University of Tsukuba conducted a large-scale study utilizing 4,825 data recorded in smartphone applications related to diet management and sleep. They found that individuals with higher protein intake had longer total sleep time than those with lower protein intake. Moreover, individuals who consumed more dietary fibers had longer total sleep time but shorter sleep latency (time taken to fall asleep) and wakefulness after sleep onset, among other observations.

Journal: Journal of Medical Internet Research

Using a data-driven approach to synthesize single-atom catalysts that can purify water

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Tohoku University tested a strategy for developing single-atom catalysts that may help us develop more efficient methods for water purification.

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Why weak-binding M-N-C catalysts defy expectations in oxygen reduction reactions

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study has challenged conventional wisdom on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts by uncovering a novel reaction pathway in weak-binding metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) single-atom catalysts (SACs), potentially revolutionizing the design of next-generation electrocatalysts for clean energy applications.

Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society

Breakthrough catalyst boosts green hydrogen production with enhanced OER efficiency and stability

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a significant advancement for renewable energy technologies, a new catalyst has been developed that dramatically improves the efficiency and stability of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media, a critical process for water splitting and hydrogen production.

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

How to ensure metallic material strength while conserving nickel resources?

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

We are using up nickel at an alarming rate to make stainless steel. Thankfully, researchers have found a way to cut nickel out of the equation, without compromising on strength.

Journal: Additive Manufacturing

Safeguarding intestinal stem cells during aging through balanced signaling

Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A recent study led by Associate Professor Takuya Yamamoto and Researcher May Nakajima-Koyama has revealed that maintaining a delicate balance between interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is essential for preserving the intestinal stem cell population during aging. By comparing young and aged mouse intestinal tissues, the researchers uncovered critical insights into the interplay between these signaling pathways in supporting stem cell maintenance over time.

Journal: Cell Reports

Branching channel: A building block for tree-structured representations in the brain

International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Tokyo, Japan - A collaboration between the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN), The University of Tokyo and Tohoku University brings new insights into how the brain uses structured representations to process information.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

New AI function on the horizon thanks to electrically programmable spintronic device

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

AI transformational impact is well under way. But as AI technologies develop, so too does their power consumption. Now, researchershave developed a new spintronic device that can potentially revolutionize AI hardware through higher efficiency and lower energy costs.

Journal: Nature Communications

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