Mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) plays a crucial role in energy production and abnormalities in mtDNA are linked to various diseases. However, its regulatory mechanism remains insufficiently understood. Researchers have now uncovered the role of mitochondrial transcription elongation factor in maintaining the balance between mtDNA transcription and replication. These findings provide valuable insights into mtDNA regulatory mechanism, potentially paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diseases and aging.

Concrete structures in Japan capture and store about 14% of the CO₂ emissions released during cement production, according to a new study by Japanese researchers. Their findings provide crucial insights for offsetting CO₂ emissions from cement production, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions.

A newly developed pentanuclear iron complex (Fe5-PCz(ClO₄)₃) can offer an efficient, stable, and cost-effective solution for water oxidation. By electrochemically polymerizing the complex, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo obtained a polymer-based catalyst, poly-Fe5-PCz, and achieved water oxidation with up to 99% Faradaic efficiency and exceptional stability, even under rigorous conditions. This breakthrough offers a scalable alternative to rare metal catalysts, advancing hydrogen production and energy storage for renewable energy.

Researchers at Tohoku University have found one more reason to quit smoking: the inhalation of first-hand and/or second-hand smoke may lead to placental abruption in pregnant mothers.

The insect Anomala albopilosa has an exoskeleton that reflects circularly polarized light. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have coated the surface of its exoskeleton with an electrically conductive polymer, polyaniline. By combining the color change caused by the oxidation and reduction of polyaniline with the exoskeleton's properties of reflecting circularly polarized light, the researchers have crafted a new polymer element that can modulate the reflection intensity of the circularly polarized light.

Researchers at Osaka University show that Cartan's First Structure Equation, which relates to edge and screw dislocations in crystal lattices, can be recast in the same form as a basic mathematical formula that governs the behavior of electric currents and magnetic fields. This work can help make new concepts more understandable by employing more familiar frameworks.

Hydrogen energy is widely recognized as a sustainable source for the future, but its large-scale production still relies on expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts. In order to address this challenge, researchers from the Tokyo University of Science developed Bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI), a novel two-dimensional electrocatalyst that effectively facilitates the hydrogen evolution reactions while minimizing the use of precious metals like platinum, paving the way for affordable hydrogen production.

For the first time in the world, the molecular structure of the motor component that powers the gliding apparatus of Mycoplasma mobile, one of the few mycoplasma bacteria that can move, has been revealed by an Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team using cryo-electron microscopy.

How we take actions to balance between openness and security for scientific research appropriately. On March 12, JST holds the symposium aiming to create an opportunity to deepen discussion on efforts necessary to protect research freedom. The event is hybrid, allowing attendees to join on-site or online webinar.