Astronomers have observed a massive and extremely active barred spiral galaxy in the early Universe and found that it has important similarities and differences with modern galaxies. This improves our understanding of how barred spiral galaxies, like our own Milky Way Galaxy, grow and evolve.

A world-first multi-sensor detection of an intense gamma-ray flash has been observed by researchers from The University of Osaka, when two lightning leaders collided. Observations across a wide radiation spectrum enabled precise measurement of the electric current produced during this extreme event, and demonstrated that the gamma-ray flash preceded the collision of the lightning leaders between the thundercloud and the ground.

The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), in collaboration with Seagate Technology (USA), has demonstrated a new recording principle that improves recording efficiency by 35% by combining spin torque with conventional heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). This advancement is expected to reduce thermal energy consumption during magnetic recording and enhance the durability and reliability of hard disk drives (HDDs). The findings were published in Acta Materialia on January 13, 2025.

Researchers from Shinshu University developed a low-cost nanocomposite by embedding bimetallic and trimetallic molybdates into nitrogen-, boron-, and fluorine-doped hollow carbon nanofibers. This material demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors, with high capacitance and long-term stability, as well as strong catalytic efficiency in degrading 4-nitrophenol, a common industrial pollutant. The composite offers promising dual functionality for energy storage and environmental remediation, providing a scalable and efficient solution to address pressing global energy and pollution challenges.

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for advanced tools to predict future outbreaks. The study introduces CoVFit, an AI-driven model that analyzes spike protein mutations to assess the fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variants. By combining molecular and epidemiological data, CoVFit provides early insights into the transmissibility and immunity evasion of emerging variants, offering a powerful tool for pandemic preparedness, vaccine design, and global risk assessment.

Ferromagnetic semiconductors, which combine semiconductor and magnetic properties, are key to developing spin-based devices. Previously studied materials, such as (Ga,Mn)As, have Curie temperatures below room temperature, thereby limiting their practical use. Now, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo and The University of Tokyo have overcome these limitations by utilizing the step-flow growth method, achieving a record-high Curie temperature of 530 K, facilitating the development of stable, room-temperature semiconductor spintronic devices.

Hydrogen boride (HB) nanosheets can inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi within minutes in the dark conditions. By coating surfaces with HB nanosheets, it rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other pathogens. The nanosheets work by denaturing microbial proteins, offering a safe, effective, and versatile antimicrobial coating for everyday items.

Environmental factors and DNA methylation are known to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While environmental factors are known to alter neuronal activity in the dorsal raphe of the brain, researchers have now observed differentially methylated regions in key brain areas as well as heightened expression of RABGGTB—a gene related to autophagy and synaptic function. These findings shed light on the interplay of environmental and genetic factors in ASD.