Layered sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO₂), especially its β-phase, has received considerable attention for use as cathodes in sodium-ion batteries. However, β-NaMnO₂ exhibits stacking faults (SFs), which severely reduce its cycling stability. In a new study, researchers studied how copper-doping can eliminate SFs in β-NaMnO₂, significantly improving cycling stability. This strategy can lead to the development of longer-lasting sodium-ion batteries, leading to more affordable energy-storage solutions.

Kyoto, Japan -- Respiratory infections such as COVID-19 have been responsible for numerous pandemics and have placed a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Such viruses can cause significant damage to our lungs, especially to the proximal region, or airway, and distal region, also known as the alveoli.

The responses of different lung regions to such infections are varying and complex, so accurately replicating them using traditional models, such as animals and simple in vitro systems, poses a challenge.

To solve this problem, a team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a micro physiological system, or MPS, capable of emulating different regions of human lungs. Specifically, their device can simulate the airway and alveoli to investigate viral pathologies. Coupled with isogenic iPSCs, the team is preparing for more personalized and accurate treatment of respiratory diseases.

Although music is considered a purely auditory experience, visual cues can unconsciously influence performance judgements—a phenomenon known as the sight-over-sound effect. To explore how one’s musical expertise can affect this bias, researchers from Japan conducted a controlled study using recordings from Japanese high school brass band competitions. Their results reveal that the effect predominantly appears in musicians without genre-specific experience, highlighting how specialized training can shape multisensory evaluation in music perception and judgement.

Amphidromous fish – which migrate between freshwater streams and the sea – can move between habitats thanks to ocean currents. Since island streams are generally small and vulnerable to human impact, understanding how exactly fish populations are connected between streams and between islands is important for the conservation of geographically isolated species. In a study now published in Scientific Reports, a team of researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and collaborators sought to understand these dynamics by investigating the genetic connectivity among populations of the amphidromous goby Luciogobius ryukyuensis at four islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago in Japan: Okinawa, Kume, Ishigaki, and Iriomote. 

A research group led by Teppei Matsuda, Assistant Prof. Ryota Yamagami, and Prof. Hiroyuki Hori (Ehime University), in collaboration with Associate Prof. Akira Hirata and Aoi Ihara (Tokushima University), as well as Prof. Takeo Suzuki (University of the Ryukyus), has identified a novel tRNA modification enzyme in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis. This enzyme specifically catalyzes 2′-O-methylation of the ribose at cytidine located at position 6 in tRNA^Trp.

Rabi-like splitting is one of the key concepts in modern quantum technology. Fully understanding it can help us advance our knowledge in quantum information processing.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a mathematical model for Volterra defects using differential geometry to analyze the relationships between different types of defects. Their work provides insight into the connections between edge dislocations and wedge disclinations and extends traditional theories in material science. Their results may help to explain the unusual mechanical properties of crystals so they can be used to design new materials.

A groundbreaking new method developed at The University of Osaka calculates the entropy of liquids using a non-empirical approach, requiring only the atomic species as input. This revolutionary technique eliminates the need for extensive experimental data, paving the way for enhanced predictions of chemical reactions and optimization of industrial applications involving liquids.

What’s the driving factor behind nemo’s evolutionary diversification, and why does this matter? Anemonefish are one of the few examples of adaptive radiation in marine environments — where species rapidly diversify to fill ecological roles. Understanding how this happens can teach us how biodiversity forms and is maintained, especially under changing environmental pressures.

Scientists have long assumed that anemonefishes’ tight-knit relationship with sea anemones, their protective hosts, was the main engine behind their evolutionary diversification. Our study instead shows that distinct ecological lifestyles also shape how different species evolve. Some species are “adventurers” that roam widely with powerful muscles and low energy costs, while others are “homebodies” that stay close to their anemone, have smaller muscles, and use more energy to swim.

This matters because it underscores how different behaviors and physiological traits influence biodiversity. In a time of rapid environmental change, understanding these hidden dimensions of animal adaptation helps us better predict which species may be more resilient or vulnerable.