Zebrafish midline tissues coordinate their growth during embryonic development using a leader-follower strategy described by formation control, as reported by researchers from Japan and the USA. The notochord leads elongation, while adjacent tissues grow and migrate with it in response to fibroblast growth factor gradients, cadherin-2-mediated cell adhesion, and mechanosensory Yap signaling. The researchers could replicate this behavior using a mathematical model, revealing a control theory-based principle for harmonized tissue development in embryos.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel technique to enhance the performance and reliability of silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, a key component in power electronics. This breakthrough utilizes a unique two-step annealing process involving diluted hydrogen, to eliminate unnecessary impurities and significantly improve device reliability.

A new analysis by UN University scientists finds that the total human population directly exposed to wildfires rose 40% globally, with 85% of that in Africa, leading to 1.5 million indirect deaths each year. 

Indoles, which form the backbone of many bioactive compounds, are valuable in drug development but are difficult to modify at certain positions. Researchers at Chiba University have developed a cost-effective method using a copper-based catalyst to selectively attach alkyl groups to the C5 position, which has been especially challenging to target. This approach simplifies the synthesis of indole-based precursors and is expected to lead to the development of novel drug candidates in the future.  

Sustained hypoxia affects orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) by altering osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan. Hypoxic conditions resulted in reduced alveolar bone levels after OTM and lower expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor. These findings, observed in a rat model, provide critical insights into the bone remodeling process in OTM under hypoxia.