Overview:

A research group from the Institute for Research on Next-generation Semiconductor and Sensing Science (IRES²) at Toyohashi University of Technology developed an innovative in vivo electrophysiological neural recording technology that minimizes neuronal death and allows stable recordings for over a year.

This breakthrough involves a 5-µm-diameter microneedle electrode fabricated on a flexible film using silicon-growth technology. Through experiments using mice, the team demonstrated significantly reduced neuronal death and stable neuronal activity recordings compared with traditional electrode technologies, overcoming long-standing challenges in neural recording.

Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃, AN), is an excellent oxidizer, or a chemical that enhances a material’s ability to combust and release energy, that could be employed as a more environmentally friendly blasting agent, propellant or component of explosives because of its lack of metal atoms. However, due to the hygroscopicity and phase transitions of the compound, AN wasn’t considered a suitable oxidizer. Researchers recently cocrystallized AN with the amino acid glycine (Gly) to stabilize the molecules, eliminating temperature-induced phase transitions and decreasing hygroscopicity, making AN/Gly a safe, suitable and more environmentally friendly oxidizer alternative.

Thioxanthones are versatile but complex compounds used in several industrial fields, including printing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Now, researchers from Japan have developed an innovative synthesis method involving double aryne insertion, which streamlines the production of these chemicals. This approach has the potential to reduce complexity, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact, opening the door to advanced applications of thioxanthones in drug development, materials science, nanotechnology, and electronics.

Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used treatment option for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it is unclear if some of its components are more effective than others. Now, through a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of past randomized controlled trials, researchers have identified three pivotal CBT techniques for managing ADHD: organizational strategies, third-wave techniques, and problem-solving approaches. Their findings could guide future research on this topic and help revise current clinical guidelines.

Researchers from Japan find that certain antioxidant enzymes, called selenoproteins, significantly contribute to fighting cell aging. The team used a gene knockout mouse model to help them study the effects of disrupting selenoprotein synthesis. This knockout negatively impacted hematopoietic stem cells and B cell-lineage immune cells, which was driven by the lack of selenoprotein-mediated fighting of lipid peroxides. These phenotypes mimic what is observed in age-related diseases, emphasizing the importance of selenoproteins in these disorders.

Detailed study of a Greenland glacier’s flow rate reveals the impact of environmental conditions.

・The research group has developed SPACIER, a cutting-edge polymer material design tool that combines machine learning with molecular simulations.

・Utilizing SPACIER, the team successfully synthesized novel optical polymers that exceed the empirical limits of refractive index and Abbe number (a measure for the wavelength dependence of refractive index).

・SPACIER was designed to integrate seamlessly with RadonPy, a platform that fully automates computational experiments for polymer materials. By utilizing RandonPy’s automated molecular simulation capabilities, SPACIER facilitates the design of polymer materials tailored to a wide range of physical properties and material systems.