Scientists use light-driven chemistry to synthesize a valuable pharmaceutical building block and generate trifluoromethyl radicals directly from inexpensive, low-toxicity fluoroform.

Researchers have developed an innovative imaging technique to visualize the transition of single cells into multicellular organisms in new detail.

Hokkaido Summer Institute’s latest course explores science communication across countries and cultures.

Researchers at Saitama University have developed a two-level deep learning framework that can identify not only where corrosion appears on steel bridges but also what type of visual corrosion pattern is present. By combining corrosion-coverage mapping with classification into four inspection-oriented visual categories, the framework could help bridge inspectors obtain more structured information from field images and better target follow-up inspections and measurements.

The position of biomineralization peptides within liposomes can influence how gold nanoparticles grow, reports a research team from Institute of Science Tokyo. Peptides localized at the membrane interface promote branched structures, while those confined to the liposome interior favor spherical nanoparticles. The findings offer a new strategy for controlling nanoscale reaction environments in nanoparticle synthesis.

A new Review in Trends in Genetics revisits the chromosome scaffold model and integrates recent findings on condensins, topoisomerase IIα, and physical forces that shape mitotic chromosomes. The authors propose that pre-existing condensed chromatin domains in interphase nuclei may serve as dynamic “building blocks” that are gathered, crosslinked, and reorganized during mitosis, linking chromosome-associated proteins with the physical properties of chromatin.

Okayama University of Science has teamed up with the 1,100-year-old Okayama Shrine to create a unique goshuin, a traditional Japanese shrine seal, featuring Tarbosaurus, one of Asia’s largest carnivorous dinosaurs. Scientifically supervised by the university’s Department of Dinosaur Paleontology, the collaboration brings together dinosaur research and Japanese tradition while encouraging visitors to discover Okayama’s growing connection to dinosaurs.

Researchers developed a zebrafish–Yersinia ruckeri model to quantify how pathogen levels, exposure time and Far-UVC irradiation shape infection outcomes. As illustrated in the figure, the cumulative exposure parameter Λ combines pathogen level and exposure time and marks a critical boundary for infection control. Far-UVC can shift the system below this boundary by reducing viable pathogens. This quantitative framework may guide smarter infection-control strategies for crowded indoor spaces and strengthen preparedness for future pandemics.

Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have identified how certain dangerous bacteria are spread. They studied chain-like adherence pattern (CLAP) varieties of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), finding that single bacteria attach to a surface and elongate before dividing, producing chains without ever separating. Under flow, chain ends which are torn off can attach elsewhere, dispersing the strain. They identified a new gene family mediating CLAP formation, illuminating new aspects of infection mechanisms and potential treatments.

Roughly one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, and researchers at Kyushu University are turning to packaging for a solution. Their review brings together intelligent sensing materials, self-healing films, and AI-driven prediction to expand packaging's role from passive protection to active, real-time sensing. Through a closed loop of recognition, judgment, actuation, and feedback, the team aims to make packaging a trusted, responsive part throughout the food system, from producers to consumers.