A research team at Saitama University has used first-principles quantum-mechanical calculations to clarify how various atomic-scale defects control the electronic structure, excitonic behavior, and optical properties of carbon quantum dots. The findings provide atomistic design guidelines for environmentally friendly carbon nanomaterials with potential applications in fluorescence sensing, photocatalysis, bioimaging, photothermal therapy, and optoelectronic devices.

The double-bond character of phosphates in solid and liquid phases was investigated using the P=O π* peaks in oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In the solid phase, the double-bond character of phosphates increased with increasing negative charge; NaH₂PO₄ exhibited weak P=O π* peaks, whereas Na₃PO₄ exhibited prominent P=O π* peaks. In an aqueous Na₃PO₄ solution, the double-bond character was reduced owing to interactions between phosphate and Na⁺ as well as the formation of hydration structures. These findings provide insights into the influence of chemical environment on the electronic structure and reactivity of phosphate compounds involved in various biological processes such as adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis.

Hiroshima University researchers use the previous 20 years of data to project what the currently implemented treatment and management strategy does for the HBV and HCV cases in 2050.

Cancers caused by mutations in the KRAS gene are challenging to treat, and current KRAS inhibitor therapies can leave behind reversible drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells that survive therapy, contributing to tumor regrowth and relapse. Researchers from Chiba University found that these surviving cells adapt by reshaping their metabolism. By targeting these metabolic adaptations, the team succeeded in reducing the survival of DTP cells. The findings may help develop therapies to reduce relapse in KRAS-mutant cancers.

In group decision-making, discussing from an overarching perspective is often difficult. Imagining oneself from a third-person perspective during group discussions may significantly change how people communicate and make decisions together. In this context, researchers investigated the effect of third-person perspective and first-person perspective in a virtual environment on group decision-making. They found that participants using a third-person perspective in virtual reality showed better consensus, improved understanding of others’ opinions, and reduced conflict.

Newly developed method allows for dynamically switching chirality—a particular lack of mirror symmetry—to generate spin currents in semiconductors, report researchers from Science Tokyo. Their approach relies on reversible insertion and removal of small chiral molecules from the interlayer gaps of a layered, non-chiral semiconductor material using electrochemistry. The findings could pave the way for the development of novel chiral spintronic materials and technologies that do not rely on magnets or magnetic fields.

Researchers in Japan explored whether a wearable, neck-mounted camera could offer a new way to document and review performance during Objective Structured Clinical Examination. Focusing on a procedure that requires careful observation of hand movements and technique, the pilot study examined the feasibility of capturing assessments from the examiner’s perspective and its potential role in future clinical skills evaluation. The findings provide new insights into how wearable technologies could support assessment practices in medical education.

Cells can spontaneously change shape even without external signals, but the underlying mechanisms behind this form of self-organization have remained unclear. Now, researchers from Japan have discovered self-propelled treadmilling actin filaments (SpTAs), mobile protein assemblies that function as self-propelled particles. Their study shows that even though SpTAs move randomly, they push the cell membrane outward and accumulate to grow protrusions, thereby defining the overall shape of the cell.

A new electrochemical system simultaneously converts plant-derived materials and nitrate pollutants into valuable industrial chemicals. Developed by Tohoku University researchers, the system provides a more sustainable way to manufacture chemicals while helping address wastewater pollution.

Hydrogen can store renewable energy, but then what stores the hydrogen? A new AI-powered, logic-based method provides probable materials for the job – and explains the reasoning behind its decision.