The ten-day summer camp, which is now in its third iteration, sees the students join one of the 80+ research units at OIST, where they contribute directly to lab research, working closely with professors, researchers and graduate students. The Keio students also participate in various scientific, recreational and cultural activities in and around the OIST campus, such as coral planting excursions, taking classes in Okinawan language and history, or attending workshops on academic English or on how to play the sanshin.

The detection of cancer-associated micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in urine through a combination of nanowire-based miRNA extraction and machine learning (ML) analysis by researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) can fuel the development of early-stage cancer diagnostic tools. The nanowire-based capture and extraction of miRNAs in urine enabled the detection of more than 2,000 distinct miRNA species, while the ML-based classifier accurately distinguished between cancerous and noncancerous samples.

Researchers have explored how a particular chemical can selectively trap certain molecules in the cavities of its structure—even though in normal conditions it has no such cavities. This innovative material with now-you-see-them-now-you-don’t holes could lead to more efficient methods for separating and capturing chemicals right across industry.

A group of researchers has implemented polyphenylene-based anion exchange membranes (AEMs) poised to make hydrogen production more efficient and durable. Its robust hydrophobic design enables effective ion transport while resisting chemical degradation. This supports its potential for durable, high-efficiency use in AEM water electrolyzers, making it a promising component in sustainable hydrogen production applications​, which would advance the goal of a carbon-free energy future.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo combined nuclear reaction analysis and ion channeling to locate hydrogen and deuterium atoms in titanium hydride nanofilms. They found that 11% of the hydrogen present was at octahedral sites, with the remainder at tetrahedral sites. In comparison, deuterium was only found at tetrahedral sites. This understanding will allow control of hydride nanofilm properties to discover new hydrogen-induced phenomena.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all the importance of educating the public about viral infections. Besides educating the general public, we need to equip the next generation of scientists by bringing viral education into the classroom. Now, researchers from the Tokyo University of Science have filmed the ‘giant’ virus Mimivirus in the process of infecting a cell, creating a fascinating film that can help educators teach biology in a more engaging manner.

Researchers look to deep learning techniques in order to streamline the time-consuming process of identifying 2D materials.

A research team from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine found a potential method to slow heart failure progression. They fed mice a diet high in soybean protein, which influenced gut bacteria and supported heart health. Analysis showed that this diet increased the production of the short-chain fatty acids in the gut that help to protect the heart. 

A research team led by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have developed a non-invasive, low-cost tool for assessing the risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women called ViDDPreS (Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring).

Japan’s immigration policies underwent numerous changes during late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s second term from 2012 to 2020. Yet, the government denies having a formal immigration policy. A study by Mr. Maximilien Xavier Rehm from Doshisha University suggests that despite the government’s denial, Abe’s reforms laid the groundwork for bringing a fundamental change in Japan’s immigration regime. However, this change is yet to occur, highlighting the far-reaching implications for policymakers and foreigners in Japan.