https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Shinshu University Bio-based polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are considered one of the most promising sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived plastics. Poly[(D-lactate)-co-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (LAHB) is an environmentally biodegradable microbial copolyester, and its lactate (LA) content significantly influences its properties. A new study shows how reinforcing the gene expression of the LA-polymerizing enzyme in a recombinant strain of Cupriavidus necator improves the LA fraction. The LA-enriched LAHB maintained a high molecular weight and displayed a balance of strength and elongation comparable to polyethylene. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-enzyme-high-production-durable-lactate.html Polymers Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:10:08 EST news691256582 A novel study uncovers how a subtle chemical tweak transforms the naturally occurring phytotoxin into a powerful molecular glue, 12-deoxyfusicoccin (12-dFC), that locks 14-3-3 proteins onto the intrinsically disordered translational repressor GIGYF2 in human cells. Through integrated proteomic, biochemical, and functional analyses, the work reveals an AMPK-driven stress pathway that 12-dFC exploits to shut down protein synthesis, rewire metabolism, and halt cell proliferation, pointing to an unexpected and promising strategy for targeting cancer cells. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-chemically-molecular-action-deoxyfusicoccin-repressor.html Biochemistry Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:40:04 EST news689870099 While current clinical trials for cardiac regeneration using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) employ immunosuppressive regimens used in heart transplants, the precise immunosuppressive regimen needed remains elusive. Now, researchers have identified optimized immunosuppressive strategies that allow transplanted iPSC-CMs to survive without immune rejection in non-human primates. These findings advance the clinical potential of regenerative therapies for severe heart failure, addressing a major challenge in translating stem cell science into effective human treatments. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-drug-combinations-stem-cell-heart.html Cardiology Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:57:38 EST news688841821 Using ribosome engineering (RE), researchers from Shinshu University introduced mutations affecting the protein synthesis mechanism of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). These mutant LGGs exhibit altered surface protein expression, including increased presentation of so-called "moonlighting proteins." These mutants adhere more strongly to intestinal cells and induce enhanced activation of immune cells, making them "super-probiotics." https://phys.org/news/2026-01-ribosomal-super-probiotic-bacteria-immune.html Cell & Microbiology Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:11:56 EST news687017440 An analysis by Shinshu University and the Distribution Economics Institute of Japan shows that wholesale prices for flounder—a key Fukushima catch—remained stable after the August 2023 ALPS-treated water discharge. Using a predictive market model based on pre-discharge data, the study found no significant price decline, providing reassurance for fisheries stakeholders and informing future policy debates on nuclear-water disposal. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-price-fukushima-flounder-discharge.html Plants & Animals Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:30:04 EST news685108734 The process of aging is associated with a decline in immune functions and persistent low-level inflammation. Now, researchers from Japan have discovered a strain of Lentilactobacillus capable of preventing and even reversing aging-related immune alterations. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-12-impact-inactivated-bacteria-age-inflammation.html Immunology Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:30:08 EST news685114043 A new study by researchers at Shinshu University highlights the essential role of gut microbiota in livestock health and productivity. The researchers show how probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can safely enhance growth and immunity, and balance the growth of intestinal microbes, offering practical alternatives to antibiotics. As global restrictions on antibiotic use intensify, the findings support sustainable livestock management and contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance risks. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-probiotics-prebiotics-safer-alternatives-antibiotics.html Veterinary medicine Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:58:32 EST news683830681 Plant-based materials have traditionally been used to treat a variety of viral infections. Now, researchers have found that cardamom seed extract, as well as its main bioactive ingredient, 1,8-cineole, can have potent antiviral effects through its ability to enhance the production of antiviral molecules known as type I interferons via nucleic acid "sensors" inside cells. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-cardamom-seeds-revealed-potential-source.html Medical research Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:55:04 EDT news679676101 Meeting global energy demands while mitigating environmental harm remains a major challenge, as many current solutions rely on expensive and toxic noble metals. In a recent study, researchers from Japan successfully developed a novel copper–cobalt oxide composite anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures. Synthesized via a simple method, this material excels in energy storage, environmental remediation, and water splitting—offering a low-cost and sustainable alternative to conventional catalysts across multiple applications. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-inexpensive-multifunctional-composite-pave-circular.html Materials Science Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:19:26 EDT news678457163 How did different countries fare in achieving a balance between infection control and economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic? To address this question, researchers studied the temporal dynamics of number of deaths, vaccination rates, production, and economic recovery across multiple countries. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-global-nations-health-economy-covid.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:27:04 EDT news676823221 Flexible pressure sensors can detect subtle mechanical stimuli, making them suitable for use in wearable sensors for human health monitoring and motion analysis. However, current sensors suffer from insufficient sensitivity, poor durability, and subpar stability. In a new study, taking inspiration from cat whiskers, researchers developed novel biomass fiber/sodium alginate aerogel (BFA)-based sensors that demonstrated excellent pressure sensitivity, durability, and rapid response, while being suitable for human physiological monitoring and motion analysis. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-cat-whiskers-highly-sensitive-generation.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:20:13 EDT news676727295 Pressure sensors are crucial in many emerging applications, but traditional designs are often bulky or inflexible. In a recent study, researchers from Japan developed a fiber-shaped pressure sensor that overcomes this limitation by increasing—rather than decreasing—its resistance when compressed. Owing to a unique multi-walled conductive core made from graphene nanoplatelets, these fibers could enable fine-tuned tactile sensing for next-generation smart textiles and robotic grippers. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-reinventing-fiber-based-pressure-sensors.html Engineering Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:46:04 EDT news675513961 Researchers have demonstrated a new eco-friendly plastic that decomposes in deep ocean conditions. In a deep-sea experiment, the microbially synthesized poly(d-lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (LAHB) biodegraded, while conventional plastics such as a representative bio-based polylactide (PLA) persisted. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-lahb-bioplastic-mass-months.html Polymers Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:53:59 EDT news672396828 As nations worldwide race to meet the 2050 carbon neutrality target, Japan has emerged as a key player in implementing "green transformation" (GX)—a comprehensive shift from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy as a primary power source. Unlike other countries, the Japanese government views this shift not only as an environmental imperative but also as an opportunity for economic growth. Central to this vision is the establishment of a growth-oriented carbon pricing system, enacted in recent groundbreaking legislation such as the GX Promotion Act in 2023. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-legal-obstacles-delay-japan-carbon.html Environment Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:00:03 EDT news671877739 Broiler chickens, bred for rapid growth, accumulate more fat under chronic heat stress, which reduces meat quality and production efficiency. In a recent study, researchers from Japan revealed that heat stress directly alters fat metabolism in adipose tissue, regulating genes that promote fat storage. Their findings suggest new strategies to mitigate heat stress-related losses in poultry production amidst global warming. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-chronic-stress-chickens-fatter-insights.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:32:26 EDT news671207541 Researchers from Shinshu University developed a low-cost nanocomposite by embedding bimetallic and trimetallic molybdates into nitrogen-, boron-, and fluorine-doped hollow carbon nanofibers. This material demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors, with high capacitance and long-term stability, as well as strong catalytic efficiency in degrading 4-nitrophenol, a common industrial pollutant. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-nanomaterial-dual-functionality-high-energy.html Nanophysics Wed, 21 May 2025 14:48:04 EDT news667057681 Postpartum maternal mental health and mother-to-infant bonding are well-established as critical factors in a child's psychosocial development. However, few studies have explored the combined impact of postpartum maternal depression and early bonding experiences on emotional and behavioral difficulties during middle childhood. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-postpartum-depression-bonding-term-effects.html Psychology & Psychiatry Wed, 14 May 2025 09:38:04 EDT news666434282 A fiber sensor inspired by the shape of DNA, developed by researchers at Shinshu University, introduces a new design for more durable, flexible fiber sensors in wearables. Traditional fiber sensors have electrodes at both ends, which often fail under repeated movement when placed on body joints. https://phys.org/news/2025-04-dna-flexible-fiber-sensors-wearables.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:08:04 EDT news665060881 Cancer metastasis, the spread of cancer to organs, is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Once cancer spreads to multiple organs, conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy become less effective. Scientists at Shinshu University School of Medicine have developed a synthetic mRNA that, when injected, revitalizes the immune system to recognize and attack metastasizing cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies to improve survival rates for cancer patients. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-synthetic-mrna-therapy-weapon-metastatic.html Oncology & Cancer Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:25:04 EDT news661433101 Energy efficiency is crucial for sustainability, yet vast amounts of low-temperature waste heat remain unused in industrial processes. Now, researchers from Japan have investigated erythritol slurry as a promising heat transfer medium for thermal storage and transport. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-erythritol-slurry-potential-recovery.html Engineering Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:15:02 EDT news660917701 Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are well-known risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). NAFLD has emerged as a heterogenous disease tightly linked to metabolic dysfunction and has been redefined under the umbrella term 'steatotic liver disease' (SLD). However, CRC risk variations across different SLD subgroups remain unknown. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-decoding-link-colorectal-cancer-steatotic.html Gastroenterology Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:04:03 EST news659880241 Conventional drones use visual sensors for navigation. However, environmental conditions like dampness, low light, and dust can hinder their effectiveness, limiting their use in disaster-stricken areas. Researchers from Japan have developed a novel bio-hybrid drone by combining robotic elements with odor-sensing antennae from silkworm moths. Their innovation, which integrates the agility and precision of robots with biological sensory mechanisms, can enhance the applicability of drones in navigation, gas sensing, and disaster response. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-bio-hybrid-drone-silkworm-moth.html Robotics Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:00:01 EST news659172967 Natural compounds from plants and animals have long been used in drug development, but mushrooms remain underexplored despite their rich chemical potential. Now, researchers from Japan have successfully developed the first method to synthesize inaoside A, a compound derived from the edible mushroom Laetiporus cremeiporus. This achievement will help better understand more of its bioactive properties and pave the way for similar mushroom-derived compounds in pharmaceuticals and functional foods. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-total-synthesis-mushroom-derived-compound.html Biochemistry Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:50:53 EST news656772650 Osteoporosis, characterized by an imbalance in bone remodeling, is a growing health concern worldwide. Previous research has highlighted the role of osteogenic CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (iSN40) in promoting osteoblast differentiation and supporting bone formation. A new study reveals that iSN40 also inhibits osteoclastogenesis, reducing bone resorption. By modulating both bone formation and resorption, iSN40 offers a potential new approach for the treatment of osteoporosis. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-nucleic-acid-drug-isn40-osteoporosis.html Medications Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:11:39 EST news653825496 Excited state dynamics are essential for understanding fluorescence properties in molecules, impacting their application in technologies. Research at Shinshu University explores how molecular structure and geometry influence light emission in aggregation-induced emission molecules. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-state-dynamics-potential-bioimaging.html Analytical Chemistry Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:40:04 EST news653582402 Salicylic acid is vital for protecting plants from pathogens, but its synthesis remains unclear. A team of Shinshu University researchers has discovered that the protein HSR201 is key to its production. They found that HSR201 localizes to specific organelles called peroxisomes through a unique targeting signal. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-peroxisomal-protein-boosts-immunity-environmental.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:46:19 EST news652369576 Destructive winds during storms and cyclones often cause tree failures, especially through uprooting and stem breakage. However, how trees respond to wind under various forest configurations and weather conditions remains unclear. https://phys.org/news/2024-11-primary-tree-movement-patterns-survive.html Plants & Animals Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:49:04 EST news650638141 Mature egg cells, or oocytes, are essential for fertilization in assisted reproductive technologies. However, some 'denuded' oocytes, or those lacking the protective granulosa cell layer, fail to mature. Now, in a study by researchers at Shinshu University, the team has developed a method to culture mature oocytes from these denuded oocytes in the lab. This innovative approach holds promise for overcoming significant challenges in reproductive science, marking a major advancement in fertility research. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-vitro-technology-successfully-viable-embryo.html Obstetrics & gynaecology Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:03:34 EST news650541809 Maintaining good health and well-being is crucial for how well patients respond to cancer treatments. Unfortunately, cachexia, or involuntary weight loss, is a major concern for many individuals with advanced cancer. A new study from Japan has revealed that lower cachexia rates, particularly with prevalence less than 40–50%, are linked to shorter overall survival (OS) rates. The study also showed that the diagnostic criteria used for cachexia detection can affect the reported cachexia prevalence. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-cachexia-decoded-diagnosis-cancer-survival.html Oncology & Cancer Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:28:04 EST news650132882 Patients with severe heart failure or cardiogenic shock often need mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices but deciding when to safely wean them off remains a challenge. Researchers from Shinshu University developed a simple risk score model using readily measurable health indicators to predict successful MCS weaning. This study analyzed data from 114 patients and found that the new scoring method can help doctors in making better decisions about weaning, promising improved patient outcomes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-simple-score-weaning-patients-mechanical.html Cardiology Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:42:04 EDT news648830521