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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Apr-2025 09:08 ET (26-Apr-2025 13:08 GMT/UTC)

Live imaging captures DNA folding in sperm cells for the first time

Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University and colleagues have achieved a major breakthrough in understanding sperm DNA packaging. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), they captured the real-time process of protamine (PRM)-induced DNA condensation, providing critical insights into fertility, genome stability, and future applications in medicine. Their findings are published in Nucleic Acids Research.

Journal: Nucleic Acids Research

Identifying the neural mechanisms regulating sequential behaviors in male sexual activity

International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have uncovered the neural mechanisms that regulate sequential male sexual behaviors through studies in male mice. Their findings reveal that acetylcholine neurons modulate dopamine neurons projecting to the ventral shell of the nucleus accumbens, thereby orchestrating the execution of each behavioral phase. Notably, stimulating acetylcholine neurons during sexual activity was found to induce ejaculation.

Journal: Neuron

Developing nonviral gene delivery system in Primate

Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Genetic engineering in non-human primates has long been limited by the need for virus-based gene delivery methods. Recently, researchers in Japan successfully used a nonviral system to introduce a transgene—that is, a gene that has been artificially inserted into an organism—into cynomolgus monkeys, which is a species of primate closely related to humans.

Journal: Nature Communications

Antiferromagnets: Micro-ARPES uncovers exotic NdSb surface states

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

AIMR researchers used micro-focused ARPES to identify domain-specific surface states in antiferromagnetic NdSb that disappear above 16 K. This suggests bulk spin order induces these states through symmetry-breaking, potentially enabling control of surface electrons for applications in spintronics and quantum technologies.

Journal: Physical Review B

New study challenges assumptions about solid-state lithium metal batteries

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A recent study evaluating garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries finds that their expected energy density advantages may be overstated. The researchers posited that composite or quasi-solid-state electrolytes may be more viable alternatives.

Journal: Energy Storage Materials

Revolutionary van der Waals open frameworks: a new era in porous materials

Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from Kyoto University have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in materials science by developing the world's first three-dimensional van der Waals open frameworks (WaaFs). This innovation challenges the conventional belief that van der Waals interactions are too weak for open framework materials, demonstrating their potential for stable and highly porous materials.

Journal: Nature Chemistry

Gd-induced oxygen vacancy activates lattice oxygen oxidation for water electrolysis

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

By incorporating gadolinium into a catalyst, its efficiency in a reaction that produces hydrogen fuel increases. This could be the boost we need to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Journal: Advanced Functional Materials

Rational design of precatalysts for efficient hydrogen production

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

To be able to make the switch to environmentally friendly hydrogen fuels, there needs to be a catalyst…or a precatalyst, to be specific!

Journal: Nature Communications

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