Controlling interactions between molecules and their functions from the molecular level to the macroscopic scale is challenging in supramolecular chemistry and materials chemistry. To this end, a research team led by Associate Professor Yosuke Tani from WPI-ITbM at Nagoya University and Keisuke Wada from Kyoto University designed a vapor-controlled reversible host–guest chemistry system that controls the optical and physical properties of a functional molecular liquid (FML)—non-volatile fluids that can feature optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. Their research was published in Chemical Science on July 21, 2026.

Kyoto, Japan -- A diamagnetic substance is slightly repelled by magnetic fields: with a strong enough magnet, the diamagnetic force can override gravity and the substance will float in the air. Graphite, the main component of pencil lead, is considered one of the best substances for such real-world levitation, and its potential application in sensing weak external perturbations is drawing growing interest.

Until recently, graphite's electric conductivity posed an obstacle, as electric currents suppress this levitation. Previous research has found that a glass coating blocks the current efficiently, but also causes the particles to point in all directions, weakening the lifting force.

Serendipitously, a team of researchers at Kyoto University happened to be developing a possible solution, making single-crystal equivalents of various substances out of fine powders by aligning micro-crystals in a uniform direction. Though the scientists specialize in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, once they came across the graphite levitation issue, they realized that they could make a substantial contribution to solving this conundrum.

Genetic adaptations that helped neotropical manakins detect and digest fruit may have laid the foundation for the evolution of elaborate courtship displays and vivid plumage observed in manakins. An international research team, including researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, combined genomic, functional, and evolutionary analyses to show that changes in taste perception and digestion preceded the emergence of these vibrant traits—revealing how simple physiological changes could drive behavioral evolution and biodiversity.