https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Toho University 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 amoebae (cellular slime molds). Until now, genetic studies had largely been restricted to a single model species, limiting cross-species comparisons. The work is published in Scientific Reports. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-common-crispr-platform-enables-multicellularity.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:50:01 EST news691778581 A research team led by Associate Professor Shinpei Yamaguchi and the late Professor Masako Tada of the Faculty of Science, together with Professor Yojiro Anzai and Lecturer Yohei Iizaka of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Toho University, have developed a new HepaRG cell line with markedly enhanced activity of CYP2D6, a major drug-metabolizing enzyme. This engineered human hepatocyte model enables more human-relevant evaluation of drug-induced hepatotoxicity mediated by CYP2D6. The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE on December 29, 2025. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-human-hepatocyte-drug-metabolizing-enzyme.html Endocrinology & Metabolism Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:30:01 EST news691252065 A research group has demonstrated that overexpression of Cdc10-dependent transcript 1 (CDT1), a key regulator of DNA replication initiation, induces DNA damage and potentially results in genetic mutations. Although previous studies have linked CDT1 overexpression to cellular transformation and tumorigenesis, the underlying mechanism has remained unclear. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-cdt1-overexpression-suppresses-dna-replication.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:48:29 EST news684431281 A research group led by Assistant Professor Megumi Aimoto and Professor Akira Takahara at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, revealed that pyrazole-3 (Pyr3), a selective inhibitor of the transient receptor potential canonical-3 (TRPC3) channel, a calcium-permeable channel in the heart, prevents the persistence of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a tachyarrhythmia that occurs in the atria and is a major cause of stroke and heart failure. This study demonstrated that the TRPC3 channel is a promising new therapeutic target for atrial fibrillation. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11-trpc3-channels-atrial-fibrillation.html Cardiology Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:30:01 EST news682876541 A research team has discovered that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, directly relaxes smooth muscle in the male reproductive tract by blocking specific calcium channels. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-clue-male-fertility-omega-fatty.html Medical research Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:59:50 EDT news679744786 A recent study has revealed a critical gap in the use of accessibility features among people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers. Though over 90% of ALS patients surveyed reported daily use of smartphones, tablets, or computers, many are unaware of the accessibility tools embedded in these devices—tools that could greatly enhance their quality of life as the disease progresses. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-unmet-potential-als-patients-caregivers.html Parkinson's & Movement disorders Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:27:29 EDT news673007246 A research group has uncovered important details about how platelet-activating factor (PAF)—a powerful molecule involved in inflammation and allergic reactions—triggers contractions in the smooth muscles of the esophagus. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-scientists-reveal-key-inflammatory-molecule.html Inflammatory disorders Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:25:33 EDT news671268328 A research team has made a significant finding that sheds new light on dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). The team was led by Associate Professor Ayako Okado-Matsumoto from the Department of Biology at Toho University in collaboration with Professor Ryuji Sakakibara from the Department of Neurology at Sakura Medical Center, and Professors Hitoshi Nukada and Soroku Yagihashi from the Department of Exploratory Medicine on Nature, Life and Man at Toho University. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-blood-early-dementia-lewy-bodies.html Alzheimer's disease & dementia Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:10:04 EDT news670160968 A new study by Toho University has revealed that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils such as evening primrose and borage, can directly relax constricted coronary arteries by blocking a key receptor involved in blood vessel contraction. This discovery offers promising implications for the prevention of coronary spasms and angina. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-gamma-linolenic-acid-constricted-coronary.html Medical research Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:49:03 EDT news670081741 A team of researchers from Toho University has uncovered a potential new use for a naturally occurring compound, schisandrin A, found in the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Schisandra chinensis. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-natural-compound-traditional-chinese-medicine.html Medical research Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:12:03 EDT news669913921 Liver fibrosis, a pathological condition in which the liver becomes stiff and scarred, commonly develops in the progression of chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Because advanced fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, understanding the underlying mechanisms is critical for developing effective therapies. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-cellular-communication-network-liver-fibrosis.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:29:03 EDT news669634141 A research team at Toho University has revealed that ferulic acid (FA), a polyphenol abundant in rice bran, suppresses intestinal smooth muscle contractions by inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels. This finding may open new avenues for dietary-based strategies to manage intestinal motility disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-compound-rice-bran-suppress-intestinal.html Medical research Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:25:03 EDT news669036301 A research team led by Professor Eiji Inoue from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University have conducted a study on the Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi). The Japanese weasel is an endemic species to Japan, but it was intentionally introduced to a number of non-native islands and its naturalization on some islands has resulted in severe negative consequences to the local ecosystems. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-population-density-habitat-japanese-weasel.html Plants & Animals Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:36:02 EDT news669029761 A new study from Toho University reveals that female earwigs exhibit a similar pattern of exaggerated forceps growth as males, suggesting that both sexes may have evolved these traits through sexual selection. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-female-earwigs-forceps-weapons.html Evolution Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:10:01 EDT news668246161 A research group analyzed large-scale clinical data to examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the incidence of anorexia nervosa (ICD-10 classification: F50.0) in young patients in Japan. Their study revealed that the number of patients with anorexia nervosa increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-young-patients-anorexia-nervosa-japan.html Psychology & Psychiatry Thu, 22 May 2025 16:49:03 EDT news667151341 A research group has discovered that certain naturally occurring peptides in the body can trigger contractions in the vas deferens—a muscular tube that carries sperm in the male reproductive system. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-bombesin-peptides-reproductive-smooth-muscle.html Cell & Microbiology Thu, 22 May 2025 16:37:02 EDT news667150622 A research group has discovered that a natural substance in the body, known as platelet-activating factor (PAF), can strongly stimulate muscle movements in parts of the digestive system, especially the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-key-chemical-potent-esophageal-upper.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Tue, 20 May 2025 16:47:03 EDT news666978421 Sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries—called coronary artery spasms—can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other serious heart problems. Now, a research group has discovered that ferulic acid, a natural compound found in rice, coffee, and certain vegetables, can help prevent these spasms in two different ways. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-natural-compound-rice-coffee-heart.html Health Tue, 20 May 2025 16:46:03 EDT news666978361 A research group led by Associate Professor Takashi Kikuchi and Professor Wei Li from the Department of Pharmacognosy at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, along with Professor Atsushi Sugiyama from the Department of Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine and Industry-Academia Collaboration Advisor Katsuhiko Ito, has analyzed the chemical compounds of the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata (commonly known as "Tsuruninjin") grown in Nagano Prefecture. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-chemical-analysis-codonopsis-lanceolata-roots.html Biochemistry Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:13:02 EDT news662055181 Researchers have discovered that Daphne pseudomezereum (commonly known as Onishibari) contains a substance inhibiting replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The plants were cultivated at the Medicinal Plant Garden of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University. This finding is expected to lead to the discovery of drug seeds for novel drugs with superior anti-HIV activity. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-japanese-yields-compounds-strong-anti.html Biochemistry Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:43:47 EDT news661707824 A collaborative research team from Toho University, the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Nihon University, the Global Environmental Forum, and the Museum Park Ibaraki Nature Museum has revealed that a newly introduced parasite, bucephalid trematode, is infecting native fish in the Tone River system. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-parasite-mainland-china-invades-tone.html Plants & Animals Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:50:02 EST news660570601 A new study reveals a novel connection between aging of visceral adipose tissue and brain health. These findings are published in GeroScience. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-middle-aged-weight-gain-linked.html Gerontology & Geriatrics Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:13:23 EST news659722401 A research team has revealed that cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, increases the synthesis of hyaluronan in vascular endothelial cells. Their study has also identified that this process is mediated by the induction of hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3) expression. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-reveals-toxic-metal-blood-vessels.html Cardiology Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:05:02 EST news658602301 Researchers have uncovered the mechanism underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) caused by variants in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene. Their study, which used a fruit fly model, reveals key insights into the disease, laying the groundwork for future therapeutic development. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-elucidates-mechanism-frontotemporal-lobar-degeneration.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:09:03 EST news656701741 A research team led by Dr. Tetsuya Muramoto from the Faculty of Science at Toho University has demonstrated the mechanisms by which periodic chemical signal frequencies in cells regulate gene expression via transcription factors and influence the cell fate determination processes. This discovery was made using optogenetic technology, which facilitates the manipulation of biological phenomena using light. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-team-intracellular-transduction-optogenetic-technology.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:06:03 EST news656701562 A research group led by Professor Wei Li from the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ankara University and Ankara Medipol University in Turkey revealed the presence of diverse daphnane diterpenoids in Daphne pontica (Thymelaeaceae). https://phys.org/news/2024-12-discovery-diverse-daphnane-diterpenoids-daphne.html Biochemistry Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:07:03 EST news652716422 Dr. Atsuko Nishigaki and their research team from Toho University, discovered that the marine worm Marphysa sp. E, an annelid living in the tidal flat sediments of Tokyo Bay, rapidly decreased the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic environmental pollutants, by ingesting and excreting organic-rich reduced mud containing high concentrations of PAHs. The PAH concentration was halved within two hours. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-environmental-pollutant-decreases-digestive-tract.html Environment Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:16:02 EST news652641361 A research team has explored the agreement or discrepancy between subjective social cognitive difficulties and actual cognitive impairment. Their study aimed to identify clinical subtypes in patients with schizophrenia, and the results were published in Schizophrenia on October 29, 2024. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-explore-social-cognition-schizophrenia-subtypes.html Psychology & Psychiatry Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:21:10 EDT news649434068 A research group led by Professor Keiko Asakura and Assistant Professor Minami Sugimoto of the Faculty of Medicine at Toho University analyzed dietary intake data of the Japanese population collected in 2012. They assessed the contribution of so-called "health foods" (fortified foods and dietary supplements) to nutrient intake. This study is expected to be useful for the formulation of health policies aimed at improving nutrient intake in Japan. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-health-foods-contribute-nutrient-intake.html Health Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:57:02 EDT news647873821 A research group has discovered a new North American trematode, Ochetosoma elongatum, for the first time in Japan in the oral cavities of three native snake species in the Kanto region. https://phys.org/news/2024-10-discovery-north-american-parasitic-worm.html Plants & Animals Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:03:03 EDT news647006581