Animal survival depends on effective attack and defense strategies, yet how these behaviors arise remains unclear. Addressing this question, a recent study shows that predator and prey behaviors emerge naturally as stable patterns shaped by simple sensory abilities and motor rules. These patterns correspond to Nash equilibria—states in which neither predator nor prey can improve its outcome by unilaterally changing behavior—providing a theoretical framework for understanding predator–prey interactions.

Blockchain is a promising solution for secure data sharing in the Internet of Things (IoT) networks, but existing systems often suffer from high latency that limits time-sensitive applications. Now, researchers from Japan have investigated how the structure of peer-to-peer blockchain networks affects IoT-blockchain performance. They developed Dual Perigee, a lightweight peer-selection algorithm that significantly reduces data propagation delays without increasing resource usage on IoT devices.

A prospective phase I/II clinical trial led by QST Hospital reports that carbon-ion radiotherapy achieved five-year local control and disease-free survival rates of 92%, with no grade ≥2 toxicities, in selected patients with stage I breast cancer who did not undergo surgery. Excellent cosmetic outcomes were maintained. These findings position carbon-ion therapy as a promising alternative for medically inoperable patients or those who decline surgery and support the need for larger, controlled studies.

What if that traffic associated with the daily commute could be put towards computing? It may sound like a stretch, but that is what researchers from Tohoku University have recently proposed, developing a new artificial intelligence framework that harnesses road traffic as a computing resource. The framework would lessen AI’s reliance on power-hungry hardware, making it more sustainable.

Research on using Marchantia polymorpha, commonly known as liverwort, a plant closely related to moss, for food and as an ingredient in medicine and supplements is being conducted at Kobe University. Not only can liverwort be cultivated quickly and in large amounts, it’s also very nutritious, a trait which has gathered attention as the space food of the future. As its genes can be easily manipulated in experiments, liverwort also shows great potential to be used to produce various useful substances. At the center of this research is Professor ISHIZAKI Kimitsune of the Graduate School of Science. He told us more about the hidden potential of liverwort and its future industrial applications.

The term “well-being” has become widely used as a term to express favorable conditions physically, mentally and socially. However, it’s a broad concept, with a wide range of related research fields. In 2022, Kobe University created the Office for Promoting Well-being, a university-wide organization that promotes research, education and regional partnerships, and established the Advanced Research Center for Well-being, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research activity. What is the center aiming to achieve, and what kind of activity is being performed there? We asked Professor KATAGIRI Keiko, director of the center and expert in social gerontology and social psychology, about the current state and future prospects of this research.

Freshwater carbon — CO₂ that has been absorbed and accumulated in fresh water areas like lakes and reservoirs — is receiving attention for its potential contributions to achieving a carbon neutral society. Kobe University is a hub for freshwater carbon research, with Graduate School of Engineering Professor NAKAYAMA Keisuke, an expert in aquatic and environmental engineering, at the forefront. Relatively unexplored when compared to the “blue carbon” absorbed by the oceans, Nakayama realized the potential of freshwater carbon and has conducted surveys both in Japan and around the world. Also known for his research on the marimo algae balls in Hokkaido’s Lake Akan, Nakayama told us about the current state and results of his freshwater carbon research.

Initially stacked benzene layers increase their fluorescent color change drastically when exposed to pressure, suggesting new ways to create the pressure sensors used in the mechanical and medical industries.

The distinct foot odor that comes with the skin disorder Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis (NPPK) is caused by the overgrowth of a specific bacterial strain. The Kobe University result also shows that topical application of benzoyl peroxide restores balance in the bacterial skin flora, reducing the odor.

A single enzyme that can generate all four nucleotide triphosphates, the building blocks of ribonucleic acid (RNA), was identified by researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo. By using polyphosphate as a phosphate donor, the enzyme efficiently converts inexpensive nucleotide precursors into the active forms required for RNA synthesis. Overall, the method dramatically simplifies the process of nucleotide production—offering a low-cost, efficient option for the in vitro synthesis of RNA.