Computational method accurately predicts the optimal ligand for a photochemical palladium catalyst that enables new alkyl ketone radical reactions.

A research group at The University of Tokyo has discovered a new principle by which helical chiral molecules acquire spin through molecular vibrations, enabling them to adhere to magnets. Until now, it was believed that chiral molecules could only exhibit magnetic properties when an electric current was applied. This discovery overturns that conventional understanding.

A new interactive web application allows for a tangible understanding of abstract concepts of quantum game theory. The Kobe University development parallels the emergent dialogue found in jazz and improvisational music and aims for a scientific exploration of creativity.

Heart failure (HF) has long been blamed on weakened heart muscle cells, but new research shows that support cells called fibroblasts may be a key factor. Researchers found that fibroblasts send harmful signals through the MYC–CXCL1–CXCR2 pathway, interfering with heart function. Blocking this pathway in mice improved their cardiac performance, with similar changes observed in human heart tissue. These findings highlight a new potential target for treating severe HF.

A new study from Ritsumeikan University found that a 12-day online gratitude journaling exercise significantly boosted work engagement among Japanese employees. Participants who daily noted things they were grateful for became more aware of colleague support, supervisor feedback, and opportunities to take initiative: reflecting greater recognition of job resources. These findings suggest that intentionally cultivating gratitude provides individuals and organizations with a low-cost, effective approach for enhancing workplace engagement through greater awareness of available resources.

Crystal structure prediction (CSP) of organic molecules is a critical task, especially in pharmaceuticals and materials science. However, conventional methods are computationally intensive and time-consuming. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a new workflow: SPaDe-CSP that accelerates CSP by machine learning-based prediction of most probable space groups and crystal densities and employing an efficient neural network potential for structure refinement. It achieved faster and more reliable CSP than conventional methods.

In nature, living systems effortlessly sense, move, and adapt to changing environments. Replicating such dynamic behavior in artificial materials has long challenged scientists. A recent study introduces supramolecular robotics—a molecular design strategy that enables soft materials to exhibit autonomous motion, reversible transformations, and tissue-like organization. This innovation marks a key step toward creating programmable, life-like systems that blur the line between chemistry and robotics.

As populations age worldwide, heart failure and sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass and strength—pose growing risks to older adults. Existing diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia are inconsistent and may miss high-risk patients. Researchers from Japan analyzed older patients with heart failure in the FRAGILE-HF study and found that the new Global Leadership Initiative on Sarcopenia (GLIS) model identified impaired physical performance and predicted two-year all-cause mortality more accurately than the widely used AWGS2019 criteria.

A 3D model of the Sea of Japan reveals a three-layer vertical structure of PCBs, with dissolved PCB concentrations peaking at intermediate depths (100–600 m). Among the congeners, CB28 exhibits the highest concentration, CB180 the lowest. CB153 and CB101 are enriched below the surface. Heavier congeners are scavenged during spring blooms, showing high concentration at intermediate depths due to sinking of biogenic particles. Thus, the biological pump likely concentrates the high-chlorinated PCBs at intermediate depths.