Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a catalyst that uses vibrational energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO), an important industrial feedstock. The work demonstrates a new piezocatalytic route for CO₂ conversion at low temperature and ambient pressure, offering a potential path toward future low-energy carbon recycling technologies.

A routine heart scan might soon do more than just check for clogged arteries; it could act as a crystal ball for your cardiac health. Researchers at Kumamoto University have revealed that by combining two specific markers from a standard cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scan, they can identify patients at the highest risk for future heart failure and death.

Fukuoka has long served as the gateway to Japan. A researcher conducts archaeological surveys in two distinct time periods: ancient bronze production dating to approximately 2,000 years ago and World War II-era sites. Professor Yoshinori Tajiri of Kyushu University brings together digital tools and interdisciplinary insights to examine what relics can reveal about long-term historical change.

Floatable beads made from chitosan and cellulose acetate and enhanced with bentonite were engineered to effectively clean oil from water. The beads showed good oil adsorption capacity while remaining easy to collect from the water surface. 

Sox9, a master regulator of cartilage formation, switches its target genes dynamically during embryonic limb development instead of following a fixed program, as reported by researchers from Science Tokyo. They analyzed mouse embryonic forelimb cells across different developmental stages using single-cell-level gene expression analysis and a state-of-the-art technique to detect Sox9’s DNA binding sites. The findings lay the foundation for future research on skeletal diseases and regenerative medicine.

Kyoto, Japan -- The Covid-19 lockdowns were difficult for everyone. Many people were stuck at home all day every day dealing with their uncertainty for the future, and some found it hard to avoid frequent eating and snacking habits during lockdown. For many, the effects of this were marginal, but the risks in such a situation are higher for people with glucose intolerance, a group of metabolic conditions that includes diabetes.

Previous studies examining glycemic control in individuals with glucose intolerance during the Covid-19 pandemic have reported mixed results: some showed worsening control while others found no significant changes. In one specific study on individuals in Japan, a team of researchers at Kyoto University found that the state of emergency led to increases in body weight, fat mass, and snacking frequency, all of which were associated with deteriorating glycemic control.

However, the researchers recognized that the longterm metabolic effects of this after the full relaxation of behavioral restrictions has remained unclear. This gap in knowledge motivated the team to explore the post‑restriction period in greater depth.