Protein translocation across cellular membranes is crucial for moving proteins to specific locations and their extracellular secretion. Recently, researchers from Japan have used high-speed atomic force microscopy to observe SecYEG-SecA complex-mediated bacterial protein translocation in real-time for the very first time. Their study revealed how energy-driven conformational changes in SecA regulate protein movement across the membrane, offering new insights into mechanisms underlying protein transportation and showcasing the potential for several applications in pharmacy and medical science.

Soft robots are revolutionizing the world of technology. Advancing robotics in automation, a team of researchers from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed Leafbot. This monolithic soft robot moves efficiently across rugged terrains using a vibration-driven mechanism. By combining analytical modeling, finite element analysis, and real-world testing, the study provides valuable insights into terradynamics—the science of movement on complex terrains—unlocking new possibilities for diverse robotic applications.

Graphite has been widely used as an anode material for lithium ion-batteries. However, its low storage capacity falls short of meeting current demands for high-capacity batteries required for long-range electrical vehicles and renewable energy storage. In a new study, researchers developed a novel germanium (Ge)/LiAlGePO composite material for LIB anodes that significantly improves storage capacities and capacity retention. This new anode material can lead to next-generation LIBs that can support the growing renewable energy demand.

A multi-institutional research team led by Osaka University has introduced a piezoelectric device that can measure acceleration and pressure simultaneously. The device can be manufactured at room temperature and is made from inexpensive materials, which makes it a promising candidate for a wide range of applications, including the maintenance of industrial machinery and disaster mitigation.

    Led by Assistant Prof. Kou Li, a research group in Chuo University (President: KAWAI Hisashi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, Japan), under a collaboration with National Institute of Informatics (Director-General: KUROHASHI Sadao, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan), has developed a synergetic strategy among millimeter-wave–terahertz–infrared photo-monitoring and computer vision three-dimensional modelling toward ubiquitous non-destructive inspections, with a recent paper publication in Advanced Materials Technologies.

Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a way to treat ageing-related muscular atrophy using regenerative medicine. Conventional methods to implant myoblasts, precursors to muscle fiber, required prior scarring for the new cells to graft properly. By adding extracellular matrix (ECM) fluid into the implant, the team successfully grafted myoblasts onto healthy muscle in mice. Their technique opens the way for using implantation to treat unscarred muscle atrophied by ageing.

The clownfish-anemone living arrangement is one of the most widely recognized examples of symbiosis. Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how anemonefish can live safely among sea anemones without being stung by their venomous tentacles, solving a century-long mystery. Scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and their international collaborators have discovered that anemonefish have evolved to maintain very low levels of sialic acid in their skin mucus to avoid triggering the release of nematocysts (stinging cells) in their sea anemone hosts. The researchers found that sea anemones also lack these sugar compounds in their own mucus, likely to avoid stinging themselves. Their findings, published in the journal BMC Biology, suggest anemonefish might be using a similar protective strategy to their hosts. 

Three innovative design techniques substantially enhance wireless transmitter performance and can boost power efficiency and elevate data rates concurrently, as reported by the researchers from Science Tokyo, Japan. This effectively aligns with the growing demand for speed and efficiency, accelerating the widespread deployment of wireless devices. This enables synergistic operation of wireless electronic devices and better quality of modern life.Three innovative design techniques substantially enhance wireless transmitter performance and can boost power efficiency and elevate data rates concurrently, as reported by the researchers from Science Tokyo, Japan. This effectively aligns with the growing demand for speed and efficiency, accelerating the widespread deployment of wireless devices. This enables synergistic operation of wireless electronic devices and better quality of modern life.

In a significant advancement for renewable energy technologies, a new catalyst has been developed that dramatically improves the efficiency and stability of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media, a critical process for water splitting and hydrogen production.

We are using up nickel at an alarming rate to make stainless steel. Thankfully, researchers have found a way to cut nickel out of the equation, without compromising on strength.