A new computational tool improves the analysis of genetic data, making it easier and faster to study the evolutionary relationships between species.

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a groundbreaking method to expand the palette of bioluminescent protein colors for cell labeling. By creating 20 distinct colors, they have enabled the simultaneous detection of multiple labeled cells using a standard camera. This innovative approach simplifies the tracking of individual cells within a population and holds significant potential for applications such as monitoring cell fate or identifying rare cells with unique responses to drugs.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is prominently used for analyzing elemental composition in individual cells. However, the conventional sample introduction system of ICP-MS causes damage to large mammalian cells. Now, researchers from Japan suggest an efficient method of introducing mammalian cells using a microdroplet generator (µDG) that maintains the cell’s structure without compromising elemental composition. These findings can open new avenues for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases.

Thermal sensations are consciously differentiated as hot or cold by the brain; however, the neural mechanism that enables this differentiation is not well understood. To address this, researchers from Waseda University have used electroencephalography to record brain activity during hot or cold stimuli. They found that while both temperatures activate the same ten cortical regions, their patterns of EEG across frequencies differ, influencing behavior. These findings contribute to developing objective methods for evaluating thermal comfort.

Oral mucositis is a painful condition in which the mucous membranes inside the mouth become inflamed. To help alleviate this, researchers at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have developed a mucoadhesive film using xyloglucan and antioxidant-rich green tea extract containing catechins. With its strong adhesive properties, the film directly adheres to the affected area. Made from accessible ingredients, this solution could provide localized relief and improve the quality of life for patients.