Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have developed a mathematical framework explaining how rational individuals adopt social-distancing behavior during epidemics to balance infection risk and cost. Their study identifies simple rules that govern rational distancing, providing key insights for policymakers. The findings identified a simple law by which humans naturally self-organize to reduce harm when infection costs and prevalence are high.

A multi-institutional research team led by Osaka University clarified the energy levels of color centers at the SiO₂/SiC interface, paving the way toward the development of scalable quantum technologies that use them as single-photon emitters.

Researchers from Fujita Health University, Japan, observed a rise in adult central nervous system (CNS) infections, primarily aseptic meningitis caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), post-2019. The researchers highlighted the potential of zoster vaccination to reduce CNS infections. Meanwhile, CNS infection by herpesviruses, including VZV, may contribute to the progression of dementia. Furthermore, the potential effect of zoster vaccines in preventing dementia progression by reducing VZV reactivation has also been highlighted.

Spatial transcriptomics techniques, which map gene activity in intact tissues, often face challenges in accurately identifying distinct tissue regions. Now, researchers from Japan have developed STAIG, a deep-learning framework that integrates gene expression, spatial data, and histological images to identify tissue regions with high accuracy. The proposed framework holds much promise for understanding the complexities of cancer development, brain function, and how our bodies are constructed.

 

Fluidic Elastomer Actuators (FEAs) are lightweight and flexible systems, crucial in robotics and biomedical devices, with challenges in real-time monitoring. Researchers have developed a Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) to measure pressure and vibrations in these deformable structures. This novel sensor allows efficient monitoring, enhancing actuator performance, with applications in robotics, automotive systems, and infrastructure.

A team led by Nagoya University has shown that artificial photosynthesis is feasible using organic materials. Using the technique, they successfully synthesized useful organic compounds, including pharmaceutical materials, and ‘green’ hydrogen, which is a next-generation renewable energy source, from waste organic materials using sunlight and water. Their findings are expected to contribute to the production of medicinal and agricultural chemicals as well as sustainable energy initiatives.

YOKOHAMA National University signed a joint research agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Quantinuum K.K., Keio University, SoftBank Corp., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and LQUOM, Inc. Their collaboration aims to enable deployable and scalable quantum information processing by achieving and demonstrating the connection of multiple quantum devices in a practical environment.

A twist you’ll never see coming: a breakthrough in understanding the relationship between chirality and electric flow at a microscopic level may help us develop chiral information technology.