Researchers at Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have taken a great stride in supporting earthquake prevention research by developing a system for seafloor position measurements with centimeter-level precision. Combining the Global Navigation Satellite System–Acoustic and an unmanned aerial vehicle, the proposed system eliminates the need for manned surface vessels.

Temporary tattoos aren’t just for kids anymore — semi-permanent versions have become a favorite among adults who don’t want the commitment of the real thing. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Sensors have created their own temporary tattoo sticker that has a hidden, but possibly lifesaving, purpose: detecting the presence of one drug used to “spike” alcoholic beverages and facilitate sexual assault. The sticker responds within 1 second to even low concentrations of the drug γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

Long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) can disrupt immune balance and worsen lung health. In a recent study, researchers from Korea exposed mice to PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 to examine their effects on lung inflammation and immune responses. The results showed elevated T_H2 cytokines and activation of the NRF2 pathway, contributing to allergic-type lung damage. These findings suggest that air pollution may promote asthma and chronic lung diseases by altering immune regulation and increasing oxidative stress.

Sepsis continues to cause nearly one in five deaths globally, with little improvement despite existing guidelines. This editorial explores why current efforts fall short and outlines future directions for research and care. Key areas include AI-based early detection, faster diagnostics, personalized treatments, and improved trial designs. By closing the gap between evidence and bedside practice, these strategies offer a path toward reducing sepsis deaths and advancing global critical care.

The Helfrich theory of membrane bending, supported by molecular dynamics simulations, is a promising approach for evaluating mechanical properties of graphene nanosheets, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo. This hybrid approach allows direct evaluation of bending rigidities of graphene nanosheets, even with lattice defects, without requiring experimental tests, offering valuable insights for designing novel two-dimensional materials with tailored mechanical properties.

In a step toward smarter materials, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo collaborated with researchers from Switzerland to develop a smart hinge-like molecule that can indicate mechanical stress in polymeric materials through fluorescence. Using a framework of [2.2]paracyclophane and two pyrene-based luminophores (light-emitting compounds), the developed molecule exhibits excellent stress-sensing with high durability—offering a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of mechanical damage.