Novel genetic plant regeneration approach without the application of phytohormones
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-May-2024 18:09 ET (1-May-2024 22:09 GMT/UTC)
Kumamoto University researchers have identified a novel Heat Shock Factor (HSF), designated as HSF5, which plays a crucial role in the completion of meiosis and the activation of genes essential for sperm formation. This discovery provides valuable insights into underlying causes of spermatogenic failure, the major contributor to male infertility. Furthermore, unlike other typical Heat Shock Factors, which primarily regulate gene expression in response to stress, such as heat shock, HSF5 plays a specific role in male germ production during meiosis under non-stress conditions.
For the first time since 1914, a new species of the Japanese lily known as sukashiyuri has been identified. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team analyzed the morphology and DNA of these lilies and has revised the conventional classification from four taxonomic groups to eight.
How do planets form? How do galaxies evolve? And ultimately, how did the universe itself begin? A unique astronomical observatory that researchers hope will unravel some of the biggest mysteries out there marks its opening on April 30, 2024.
At an altitude of 5,640 meters, the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO), built on the summit of a desert mountain in northern Chile, is the highest astronomical observatory in the world, which should give it unrivaled capabilities, but presents some novel challenges.Quadcopters, the most popular type of low-cost drone, are being extensively used in many industrial fields. However, introducing grasping capabilities into these lightweight flying devices is challenging. In a recent study, researchers developed a self-folding origami gripper, which can be attached to a quadcopter to enable it to grasp small objects. Thanks to its low weight, respectable holding strength, and biodegradable properties, the proposed design could revolutionize how origami technology is incorporated into quadcopters.
High refractive index polymers (HRIPs) are essential for manufacturing modern optoelectronic devices, including displays and light sensors. However, high-performance HRIPs are expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Recently, a research team from Waseda University developed a new family of HRIPs called poly(thiourea)s. Thanks to unique intermolecular interactions, these compounds can be easily processed into low-cost transparent HRIPs for optoelectronic applications, as well as degraded and recycled through an inexpensive protocol, making them a sustainable option.
Researcher Ko Mochizuki of the University of Tokyo discovered that two species in the genus Angelica are pollinated primarily by hornets. This overturns the conventional belief that Angelica species are “generalists,” meaning that there is not one primary pollinator but a variety of species. As hornets are rarely primary pollinators, the discovery also impacts future ecological research and conservation efforts. The findings were published in the journal Ecology.