Researchers at University of Tsukuba, Osaka University, and Kitasato University developed a novel amide cyclodextrin (cyclic oligosaccharide) that can selectively capture phosphate ions in water. In addition, the researchers revealed the mechanism by which this cyclic molecule captures phosphate in harmony with water molecules. This investigation helps elucidate the interaction between water molecules and substances in a water-based environment. It can thus lead to the development of materials that function efficiently in an aqueous environment.

Kumamoto University scientists have unveiled a novel compound, HPH-15, with dual effects of reducing blood glucose levels and combating fat accumulation, marking a significant leap in diabetes treatment innovation.

Researchers have advanced carotenoid analysis by using quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory to refine data for lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin isomers. This method accurately predicts UV-visible spectra and response factors, surpassing experimental challenges in analyzing unstable or hard-to-purify Z-isomers. The study highlights how computational chemistry can enhance quantitative and qualitative analysis of carotenoids, contributing to improved product labeling and greater consumer confidence in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

A joint research team led by Yuuki Kubo and Shiji Tsuneyuki of the University of Tokyo has developed a new computational method that can efficiently determine the crystal structures of multiphase materials, powders that contain more than one type of crystal structures. The method can predict the structure directly from powder X-ray diffraction patterns, the patterns of X-rays passing through crystals roughly the same size as instant coffee particles. Unlike conventional methods, this approach does not require the use of “lattice constants” and can be applied to existing experimental data that could not be analyzed until now. Thus, the new method is a crucial asset for discovering new material phases and developing new materials. The findings were published in The Journal of Chemical Physics.

New research led by a team at the University of Tokyo sheds light on the relationship between internally generated noise and stimulus-related patterns in the brain, and finds that the patterns of spontaneous activity and stimulus-evoked response are similar in lower visual areas of the cerebral cortex, but gradually become independent, or “orthogonal,” as one moves from lower to higher visual areas. The findings not only enhance our understanding of the mechanism that enables the brain to distinguish between signal and noise, but could also provide clues for developing noise-resistant artificial intelligence incorporating a mechanism similar to that found in the biological brain.

The Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction is commonly used in organic chemistry to synthesize conjugated aldehydes. However, traditional HWE reaction methods sometimes have inconsistent (E)- and (Z)-selectivity, and (E)-isomers of conjugated carbonyl compounds are important for the synthesis of hynapene analogues, which have anti-cancer properties. Researchers have developed a new HWE reaction using a Weinreb amide–type HWE reagent, featuring high robustness, scalability, and (E)-selectivity. Additionally, its key intermediate can be isolated and is exceptionally stable.