Conventional spontaneous Raman spectroscopy of interfacial molecules typically requires plasmonic or electronic enhancement, limiting accessible systems. A nonlinear coherent Raman method now enables direct, high sensitivity detection without such requirements. A time-frequency engineered optical design suppressed strong substrate background signals by four orders of magnitude, allowing Raman detection of ångström scale ultrathin interfacial molecular layers. This method opens new opportunities for real-time operando observations in electrochemistry, catalysis, adhesion, and molecular devices.

Researchers created models to reconstruct fault movement of the 8.8 magnitude 2025 Kamchatka earthquake. This detailed analysis may help us better understand tsunami risks from giant earthquakes.

Researchers use a light-activated protein to illuminate when embryos can cope with disruptions to cell division.

Researchers from QST, The University of Tokyo, and Kyushu University have developed biocompatible molecular quantum nanosensors (MoQNs) that function inside living cells. These sensors enable precise, absolute temperature measurements at subcellular resolution and detect radical-related spin signals in both cytoplasm and nucleus. By using molecular spin qubits in nanocrystals, MoQNs overcome limitations of existing sensors, offering improved uniformity, stability, and biocompatibility, opening new possibilities for intracellular thermometry and biochemical sensing. 

The sperm and the egg cell’s nuclei compete for size directly after fertilization and this is necessary for the proper embryonic development. The mouse study with Kobe University participation finally gives meaning to a phenomenon biologists have known for decades.

Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a simple and efficient method for synthesizing polyfunctionalized biaryls without transition-metal catalysts or complex multistep prefunctionalization. Through an innovative substrate design strategy, the researchers achieved a benzidine-type sigmatropic rearrangement of nitroarenes that efficiently produces the desired biaryls in high yields. This approach offers precise control over the reaction pathway, enabling the synthesis of diverse organic compounds, thereby benefiting many industries.

Enzymes are essential in industries such as food production and pharmaceuticals, but natural enzymes often need improvements for commercial applications. Researchers in Japan have developed an in vitro selection platform, SMART, which could produce custom enzyme much more quickly and cost-effectively than conventional methods.