The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), in collaboration with Seikei University, has successfully enhanced the power output of lithium-air batteries, which are attracting attention as next-generation batteries. By developing a highly porous electrode made of carbon nanotubes, the team achieved a tenfold increase in output current. The lithium-air battery developed in this study not only has extremely high energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries but also significantly improved power performance. As a result, it is now able to supply the power required for hovering small drones, making significant improvements in flight duration feasible. These results were published online in the Journal of Power Sources on February 9, 2025.

A new study reveals that frailty-associated gut dysbiosis significantly elevates the risk of gastrointestinal complications following intracorporeal urinary diversion for bladder cancer. Despite short-term antibiotic prophylaxis, residual intra-abdominal bacteria and fungi—particularly Enterococcus and Enterobacter—were strongly associated with postoperative ileus and infections. The findings underscore frailty as a key determinant of surgical outcomes and point toward microbiota-based management strategies to improve recovery and reduce complications.

Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is especially challenging for developing countries, even more so for those relying heavily on foreign aid. Recently, researchers from Japan developed a theoretical framework to show that zero-emissions policies can be compatible with sustainable growth in such nations. Their findings highlight the critical role of foreign aid, clean technologies, and effective tax policies in helping countries reach the minimum income threshold per person needed to effectively implement zero-emissions strategies.

2H-NbO₂—a novel van der Waals oxide synthesized by researchers from Japan—exhibits strongly correlated electronic properties with two-dimensional flexibility. By chemically extracting lithium ions from the layered sheets of LiNbO₂, the researchers transformed a three-dimensional oxide into a two-dimensional material—unlocking unique properties like Mott insulating states and superconductivity. Bridging transition metal oxides and 2D materials, the discovery paves the way for realizing advanced quantum materials in next-generation electronic devices.

Just like litter is a big problem on Earth, space junk is cluttering up outer space. To dispose of this junk, a Tohoku University researcher demonstrated the utility of a special plasma thruster.

Scientists have confirmed that East Antarctica's interior is warming faster than its coastal areas and identified the cause. A 30-year study, published in Nature Communications and led by Nagoya University’s Naoyuki Kurita, has traced this warming to increased warm air flow triggered by temperature changes in the Southern Indian Ocean. Previously considered an observation "blind spot," East Antarctica contains most of the world’s glacial ice. This newly identified warming mechanism indicates that current predictions may underestimate the rate of future Antarctic ice loss.  

Okayama University of Science (OUS) has successfully commercialized a premium flounder, “Matsukawa,” cultivated using its unique “Third Water” system—an innovative closed recirculating aquaculture technology that enables both seawater and freshwater species to coexist. As of July 25, the fish is served as nigiri-zushi at Kurasushi’s Osaka Expo 2025 branch, marking the second OUS aquaculture product to reach consumers following its eel in 2023. This achievement highlights the university’s advanced research capabilities and contributions to sustainable aquaculture and global food culture.

Kyoto, Japan -- Giving birth is hard enough; postpartum depression can make adjusting to parenthood all the more difficult. A healthy diet is essential for new mothers to build strength after such a taxing ordeal, but what if what they eat could also lower the risk of baby blues?

While studies in Western countries have linked gut microbiota to depressive symptoms, little is known about this association in healthy postpartum mothers, particularly in Japan, where cultural barriers often prevent mothers from seeking psychiatric help.

This inspired a team of researchers at Kyoto University to design a cross-sectional study of 344 women from across Japan raising young children. The team assessed participants' depressive and physical symptoms as well as their dietary habits, and analyzed their stool samples.