Diastereomers are molecules with identical structures that are not mirror images of each other, described as anti or syn for molecules without rings. Researchers at the University of Osaka developed a strategy for using a rigid cage-like molecule to produce an anti-diastereomer in high yield. This diastereomer can only be obtained as a minor byproduct by traditional methods. The strategy is expected to become a key technology for making medicines and other bioactive substances.

A research group led by Associate Professor Tetsuya Muramoto from the Faculty of Science, Toho University, has established a CRISPR genome editing technique that enables comparative analysis of the evolution of multicellularity across different species of social amoebas (cellular slime molds). Until now, genetic studies had been largely restricted to a single model species, limiting cross-species comparisons.These findings were published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports on February 5, 2026.

With the speed at which technology advances, there is little room for suboptimal performance and out-of-date tech. Precise positioning is a field where advancement is needed, as many conventional applications feature tools that are much larger than the objects being worked upon, making high precision a difficult task. Additionally, those that are highly precise have a limited range of motion. Researchers did not want to compromise, and instead set out to create a highly precise machine with a wide range of motion, and were able to do so by developing a palm-sized, precise positioning robot making use of piezoelectric actuators.

Results were published in Advanced Intelligence Systems in January 2026.

This study builds upon previous research by establishing a synergistic model that links oxidative stress, membrane permeability, and energy metabolism to elucidate the mechanism of DIBP-induced ARG conjugation. These findings further expand our understanding of PAE specificity in promoting ARG dissemination, highlighting the distinct role of branched-chain isomers compared to their straight-chain counterparts.

Researchers have discovered how tiny organisms break the laws of physics to swim faster — such secrets of mesoscale physics and fluid dynamics can offer entirely new pathways for engineering and medicine.

For autonomous driving, UAV tracking and beyond, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a core 3D imaging technology. Recently, scientists in China developed a LiDAR architecture integrating an astigmatic metalens (AML) with spectral-acoustic coordinated scanning, achieving 36.6 MHz frame-wise point acquisition rate, 102° wide FOV, and 0.37° angular resolution simultaneously. This breakthrough redefines LiDAR’s potential for ultra-high-speed, high-precision perception, enhancing applications such as autonomous driving with improved obstacle detection and safety at high speeds.

Scientists from the UK and China have developed a lateral-graded multilayer grating that addresses a key challenge in tender X-ray RIXS technique. Demonstrated at the I21 beamline in Diamond Light Source, the new optics increases photon flux by a factor of 12 to 25 compared to the conventional single-layer gratings while maintaining the energy resolution. This enables the world’s first tender RIXS spectrometer based on the multilayer grating technology.

A team led by researchers at Tohoku University have taken the first step toward developing antiferromagnetic technology. They detected a liquid-crystal phase that may change the game for spintronic devices.