The demand for polymer-based dielectrics with a low dielectric constant and a low dissipation factor is rising, owing to the expansion of 5G and 6G telecommunications networks. However, polymer designs that satisfy both requirements have been difficult to realize. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a new family of ultralow dielectric loss polymers, presenting a new strategy for developing next-generation dielectrics that are suitable for future beyond-6G telecommunications.

Kyoto, Japan -- With their massive flapping ears and long trunks, it isn't hard to believe that elephants tend to rely on acoustic and olfactory cues for communication. They use gestures and visual displays to communicate as well, but we don't really know how much. Visual communication research has mainly focused on species that are primarily visual, like nonhuman primates.

A previous study demonstrated that African savanna elephants can recognize human visual attention based on a person's face and body orientation, but this had yet to be investigated in their Asian cousins. Asian elephants split from African elephants millions of years ago, so their behavior and cognition differ in some aspects.

Motivated to find out whether Asian elephants share this ability with African elephants, a team of researchers at Kyoto University turned their attention to elephants in Thailand.

Continuing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers before non-cardiac surgery is linked to a reduced risk of postoperative mortality and functional decline, according to researchers from Science Tokyo. Using a Japanese nationwide registry of 2.6 million patients over 50 years old, the researchers compared outcomes between those who continued antihypertensive therapy and those who did not. Their findings highlight potential benefits of specific classes of antihypertensive drugs depending on type of surgery needed.

A research group in Japan has suggested that ash from volcanic eruptions on Nishinoshima Island—part of Japan's Ogasawara Islands—led to a temporary surge in phytoplankton levels in the seawater around Mukojima Island, which is located 130 km northeast of Nishinoshima. The study indicates that ash from the eruptions was transported by wind and ocean currents to the waters around Mukojima, serving as a nutrient source for phytoplankton growth in that area. The findings suggest that volcanic ash can enhance the productivity of marine waters even at considerable distances from the volcanic site.

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers investigated the impact of voluntary division of roles on performing a task.

A rock described as a flaky pastry may sound delicate, but researchers at Tohoku University found that when they fold under compressive forces in just the right way, they can actually be strong. These findings may help with earthquake risk assessment.