Adverse genetic mutations can cause harm and are due to various circumstances. “Jumping genes” are one cause of mutations, but cells try and combat them with a specialized RNA called piRNA. For the first time, researchers from the University of Tokyo and their collaborators have identified how the sites responsible for piRNA production evolve effective behaviors against jumping genes. This research could lead to downstream diagnostic or therapeutic applications.

A research group led by Professor Wei Li from the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, in collaboration with the Duke University Medical Center in the United States, has discovered for the first time 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.

Kyushu University researchers have developed a new model that can predict sunlight patterns under different weather conditions. By categorizing sunlight into five groups based on intensity and quality, the model reveals that cloudy days can help plant growth by scattering light more evenly to lower leaves. The research can potentially help farmers optimize greenhouse conditions and planting schedules throughout the season to improve agricultural productivity, and enhance our understanding of how climate change affects photosynthesis.

Japan’s bird banding data, collected over decades, has largely remained underutilized in avian movement research. Researchers from Japan have now shown that applying advanced statistical methods to this data can significantly expand the scope of bird movement studies. Their findings highlight that increasing the accessibility of this data for international researchers could enhance conservation efforts for East Asian migratory birds.

Dendritic structures that emerge during the growth of thin films are a major obstacle in large-area fabrication, a key step towards commercialization. However, current methods of studying dendrites involve crude visual inspection and subjective analysis. Moreover, growth optimization methods for controlling dendrite formation require extensive trial and error. Now, researchers have developed a new AI model that incorporates topology analysis and free energy to reveal the specific conditions and mechanisms that drive dendrite branching.

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. 

Sensors attached to animals gather valuable data to track and mitigate the human influence on marine life. The Kobe University review paper emphasizes the importance of integrating data from various sources and advocates for an “Internet of Animals” based on open access and shared standards.