研究者・留学生向け英文メールニュース 「Tokyo Tech Bulletin No. 58」を配信

Creating a nanospace like no other

Researchers at Tokyo Tech, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Copenhagen have built a self-assembled nanocage with a very unusual nanospace: Its walls are made of antiaromatic molecules, which are generally considered too unstable to work with. The study creates an entirely new nanospace for scientists to explore.

Histone modifications are the influencers of zygotic genome awakening

Scientists at Tokyo Tech observed changes to the gene-regulating factors during zebrafish development and discovered that modifications to "histone H3", one of the proteins around which DNA is bound, play an important role in "zygotic genome activation" or transition of control of zebrafish embryonic development from maternal material to the zygote.

Deep-Earth mineral named in honor of ELSI Director Kei Hirose

ELSI director Kei Hirose has been honored for his pioneering work in identifying and describing components of the Earth's lower mantle. In recognition of his work, a newly identified lower mantle mineral has been given the name of hiroseite. (Nerissa Escanlar)

Scientists develop DNA microcapsules with built-in ion channels

A Research group led by Tokyo Tech reports a way of constructing DNA-based microcapsules that hold great promise for the development of new functional materials and devices.Their study will accelerate advances in artificial cell engineering and molecular robotics, as well as nanotechnology itself.

Measuring changes in magnetic order to find ways to transcend conventional electronics

Researchers from Tokyo Tech have developed an approach for precisely measuring changes in the magnetic order of antiferromagnetic materials in real time. Further understanding of these materials could enable electronic devices with speeds orders of magnitude higher.

A new timeline of Earth's cataclysmic past

The joint press release was issued by University of Colorado Boulder in collaboration with ELSI.

Can't get thinner than this: synthesis of atomically flat boron sheets

Scientists at Tokyo Tech find a simple method for producing atomically thin layers of oxidized borophene, a promising 2D boron-based nanomaterial that could serve in a variety of fields.

Wet-dry cycling as means of controlling the prebiotic chemistry

The research described here employs the process of gelation in hyperbranched polymer as a model for tar formation in prebiotic reaction. By subjecting hyperbranched polyesters forming reactions to wet-dry cycles, the onset of gelation was delayed. The finding suggests that wet-dry cycling systems, associated with tidal or geyser activity, could impose rudimentary control over prebiotic chemistry, guiding the products toward selection and function rather than deterioration to tar.

Possible early life on Mars through an impact-generated hydrogen atmosphere?

Humanity has always been curious about whether life exists or has ever existed on Mars. Here the authors study whether such a long-lived H₂ atmosphere could have also existed on the surface of Mars.