An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team found out how AHCC, a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, might be able to suppress the progression of liver fibrosis.

Motor competence (MC), in early childhood, is an important indicator that needs to be monitored regularly as it impacts both overall health as well as cognitive function. However, most MC assessment tools are either expensive, require special equipment or large space, making them unsuitable for early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities. To address this issue, Japanese researchers have developed a novel MC assessment tool for preschoolers, termed Simple Motor Competence-check for Kids (SMC-Kids).

A group of researchers in Japan has found that subjective walking speed, assessed by asking individuals to compare their pace with peers, is linked to lower odds of metabolic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in individuals with obesity. This simple, equipment-free assessment could serve as an effective tool in health examinations, paving the way for earlier interventions to prevent the “metabolic domino effect” triggered by obesity-related disorders.

Combining the adsorption properties of solids with the dissolution capabilities of liquids, researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have created a versatile and efficient material for improving oxygen separation in gases. In addition to increasing the supply of affordable oxygen, they are developing their material to separate a variety of gases, increasing its use in industry and potentially controlling greenhouse gases.

In-plane magnetic fields are responsible for inducing anomalous Hall effect in EuCd₂Sb₂ films, report researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo. By studying how these fields change electronic structures, the team discovered a large in-plane anomalous Hall effect. These findings pave the way for new strategies for controlling electronic transport under magnetic fields, potentially advancing applications in magnetic sensors

Adding sugar or artificial sweeteners to coffee disrupted the body clocks in mice more than coffee on its own, researchers have found, with it causing day and night to be reversed in some mice. If this holds for humans as well, adding sweetener to coffee would have significant health ramifications.

Galaxy clusters—the big cities of the universe—are home to many giant elliptical galaxies that have completed their growth and are not forming stars. However, it is still unclear what has shut down star formation. In a new study, researchers utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to observe an ancestor of galaxy clusters, revealing the role of supermassive black holes in slowing star formation and allowing them to evolve into giant elliptical galaxies.

Water oxidation offers a promising path to achieve sustainable energy by efficiently generating oxygen. This study investigates how optimizing Ru(II) photosensitizers, metal oxide catalysts, and pH conditions can enhance water splitting efficiency. By introducing a simplified method to estimate catalyst performance, researchers make it easier to design more effective systems. These findings provide crucial insights for advancing clean energy solutions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

An Osaka Metropolitan University research team developed the world’s first system that automatically recommends the optimal rehabilitation program based on a simple test to check the severity of motor paralysis after a stroke.

A future where lightweight car parts can be made with a 3D printer is here, thanks to multi-material additive manufacturing research conducted at Tohoku University.