Using a simple physical model, researchers at the University of Osaka, The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), RIKEN, and the Institute of Science Tokyo revealed how superionic conduction emerges when mobile ions undergo sublattice melting while the surrounding crystal framework remains intact. Near this transition, ions move cooperatively in spatially heterogeneous, string-like patterns, aided by anharmonic lattice motion. The findings identify general physical principles connecting lattice softness and collective transport, potentially guiding more efficient development of solid electrolytes for batteries and energy-conversion technologies.

- Professor Hae-Won Park's team in the Department of Mechanical Engineering generated 15.5 hours of gait training data in just eight minutes using computer simulations, implementing walking, running, jumping, and other locomotion skills within a single controller

- Reached a peak instantaneous speed of six meters per second (22 kilometers per hour) over rugged terrain. Expected to be used in extreme environments such as disaster response, mountain terrain, and defense

- Selected as the July cover paper of Science Robotics, the world's leading academic journal in robotics

Detecting the overall characteristics of culture medium components as fluorescence patterns and evaluating quality using machine learning

Liquefied natural gas arrives at import terminals at extremely low temperatures, carrying a large reserve of cold energy that is usually released into seawater or the surrounding air during regasification. A new study shows that carefully designed power cycles could convert more of this overlooked resource into useful electricity.

Rare and endangered animals are often among the species most vulnerable to chemical pollution, yet scientists face a difficult problem when trying to assess those risks. Conventional toxicity experiments may require large numbers of organisms, making them impractical and ethically inappropriate for species with limited populations.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from agricultural residues, forestry waste, manure, sludge, and other biomass, has attracted growing interest as an affordable material for water purification. Its porous structure and chemically active surface can capture contaminants, while its production can transform discarded biomass into a useful environmental resource.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo have developed ultrathin, stretchable facial electrodes that are effectively invisible and cannot be felt when worn. The electrodes reduce the visual discomfort and psychological burden associated with conventional facial sensors, allowing eye movements, facial muscle activity, and brain activity to be measured under more natural conditions. The electrodes could allow future technology to be operated with subtle facial and eye signals.

New study helps resolve one of South American archaeology's longest-running debates: the role of maize in precolonial societies. Evidence reveals that large villages in central Brazil were supported by polyculture maize farming while neighboring societies maintained diversified food production strategies.