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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 15-Jun-2025 17:09 ET (15-Jun-2025 21:09 GMT/UTC)

Researchers unlock new insights into tin-based catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction

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

A group of researchers have analyzed thousands of reports from the past decade, identifying a tin-based catalyst that aids the production of formic acid, an indispensable chemical in various industries, and makes the process greener.

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

The reliability of subjective reports of sleep duration and quality: Insights from in-home electroencephalography

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

Researchers from University of Tsukuba have identified significant discrepancies between subjective and objective assessments of sleep. The study revealed that 66% of individuals who perceived their sleep as poor showed no objective sleep problems, while 45% of those who considered their sleep adequate were objectively sleep-deprived. These findings underscore the inadequacy of subjective sleep assessments for early diagnosis and effective intervention of sleep disorders, highlighting the critical role of objective tools such as sleep electroencephalography.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Mapping gene regulation

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

An international team of researchers has taken an important step toward understanding how gene expression is controlled across the human genome. A new study has comprehensively analyzed “cis-regulatory elements” (CREs), which are the DNA sequences that regulate gene transcription. This work sheds light on how these elements contribute to cell-specific gene expression and how mutations within them may influence health and disease.

Journal: Nature

Neural research: A leap forward with hydrogel technology and modular networks

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

Researchers developed a novel method combining hydrogel-coated microfluidic devices with high-density microelectrode arrays to study neuronal networks. This innovation allows precise spatial and temporal recording of neural activities, advancing understanding of brain functionality. A multi-university consortium now explores biologically inspired neuronal network models for predictive coding applications.

Spintronics memory innovation: A new perpendicular magnetized film

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

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a perpendicular magnetized film that may change the game for spintronics memory devices.

Journal: Science and Technology of Advanced Materials

The 26th Nagoya Medal of Organic Chemistry will be held on Friday, January 24th, 2025 (JST)

Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University
Grant and Award Announcement

The 26th Nagoya Medal of Organic Chemistry will be held on Friday, January 24th, 2025 (JST).

The gold medal will be presented to Professor Alois Fürstner (Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Germany), and the silver medal will be presented to Professor Masayuki Inoue (The University of Tokyo, Japan).

Lithium-oxygen batteries: High-energy, durable graphene-mesosponge cathodes redefine performance potential

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR have developed a new Li-O₂ battery cathode using free-standing graphene mesosponge (GMS) sheets, which eliminates the need for vulnerable binders. This design improves oxygen and Li-ion flow, enhancing stability and performance. The team demonstrated significant capacity and stable cycling, with plans to focus on Li metal anodes for further improvements.

Paving the way for the future of energy storage with solid-state batteries

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

Advances in solid-state battery research are paving the way for safer, longer-lasting energy storage solutions. A recent review by Tohoku University researchers highlights breakthroughs in inorganic solid electrolytes and their role in improving battery performance. The study also addresses key challenges, such as interfacial compatibility, while proposing innovative strategies for next-generation battery technologies.

Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A

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