The research team at the University of Electro-Communications has introduced "HikingTTE," a deep learning model that accurately predicts hiking travel times. Traditional methods typically use slope-speed relationships but fail to account for individual ability and accumulated fatigue. HikingTTE integrates a modified Lorentz-based slope-speed function with LSTM and attention modules, adapting to each hiker’s walking data. Experiments showed a 12.95 percentage point reduction in Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) compared to established models and an additional 0.97 point improvement over other deep learning approaches. By enabling safer, more accurate planning, it has the potential to reduce mountain accidents and revolutionize hiking time estimation.

Primates scratch their skin or fur in a stressful situation (Figure 1). By using this self-scratching behaviour as a behavioural indicator of stress, our study on wild female Japanese macaques provided a novel and counter-intuitive finding: females exhibit higher stress levels when a closely related female is nearby. This pattern was found only during foraging but not resting, suggesting that food-related competition among relatives is a cause of their elevated stress. This unexpected finding provides new insight into the complex social dynamics of primates and their stress responses.

A Japanese version of the U.S. Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale questionnaire to investigate the psychological impact on esophageal symptoms has been developed and validated by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers.

　Led by Assistant Prof. Kou Li, a research group in Chuo University, Japan, has developed an all-printable device fabrication strategy to resolve the existing technical limitations of multi-functional image sensor sheets for non-destructive inspections, with a recent paper publication in Small Science.

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have investigated the structure and light energy transfer efficiency of a protein complex crucial to the photosynthesis of purple sulfur bacteria thriving in high-salt, high-alkaline environments. Cryo-electron microscopy observation and computer analysis revealed that this unique protein complex significantly enhances energy conversion ability.

Researchers from Okayama University of Science have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying bitter taste receptors in keratinocytes (skin cells). Previously thought to exist only on the tongue, these receptors detect and expel harmful substances from the skin, serving as a crucial protective mechanism. The study reveals that upon binding to harmful substances, these receptors activate efflux pumps to remove them from cells, highlighting a novel biological defense system in the skin. This finding paves the way for potential applications in developing skin protectants and anti-inflammatory treatments. The research, conducted in collaboration with Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo, was published in FASEB BioAdvances.

Researchers developed crossing matrices to classify doubly periodic weaves, addressing challenges in mathematical modeling of woven structures. This breakthrough enables systematic analysis of periodic entanglements, with applications in materials science, fabric design, and nanostructure development.

Researchers have uncovered a surprising layer of complexity in aldosterone-producing adenomas—adrenal gland tumors that drive high blood pressure. Using cutting-edge analysis techniques, they discovered that these tumors harbor at least four distinct cell types, including ones that produce cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Published in PNAS, their findings not only explain why some patients with these tumors develop unexpected health issues, like weakened bones, but also pave the way toward new treatment strategies.

Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have carried out an unprecedentedly detailed survey of pumice rafts in the aftermath of the 2021 Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba volcanic eruption in Japan. Using samples from 213 different locations, they considered raft density, the size and roundness of individual pumice, and biological species attached. Their findings revealed three phases in the evolution of drift pumice, involving rounding, fragmentation, and the diversification of attached biological organisms over time.

Mechanochemistry using a ball mill demonstrates versatility for generating academically and industrially significant organolithium compounds.