University of Hiroshima

Researchers have used genome editing technology to develop a less allergenic chicken egg

Allergies

Genetically modified eggs may mean the end of allergies

Egg allergies are one of the most common allergies in children, triggered by everything from meatloaf to flu vaccines. Now, researchers have used genome editing technology to develop a chicken egg that may be safe for allergy sufferers to eat.

A new study has tapped into the muscle maintenance secrets of hibernating black bears

Science

Serum from hibernating black bears boosts muscle mass in human cells

Scientists in Japan have made a fascinating discovery around muscle wasting, demonstrating how human muscle cells can be infused with serum from hibernating black bears to not just prevent atrophy, but actively promote an increase in mass.

Scientists have tapped into rice husk waste to produce an environmentally friendly quantum dot LED

Electronics

World-first quantum dot LED lights made from discarded rice husks

Scientists at Japan's Hiroshima University have demonstrated a greener path forward in quantum dot manufacturing, by using discarded rice husks to produce the world's first silicon quantum dot LED light.

A microscope image of peptide droplets that can self-replicate, which may represent protocells that arose along the path to life

Biology

Self-replicating protocells created in lab may be life's "missing link"

How life first emerged from non-living matter is one of the most enduring mysteries of science. In a new study, scientists have created self-replicating protocells in the lab, which could represent the “missing link” between chemistry and biology.

Scientists have developed a new technique to separate male from female-producing sperm in mice, but urge caution regarding its use in humans

Biology

Sperm separation technique allows Japanese scientists to select the gender of mice

A significant breakthrough in genetics research out of Japan has raised the prospect of gender preselection, with scientists establishing a new kind of chemical treatment that can produce mice litters made up mostly of a desired sex.

While human trials will be needed to verify the findings of the rodent study, the research clearly highlights the drug as a promising new candidate for relieving patient nerve pain

Body & Mind

Molecule-blocking drug opens new path to pain relief

New research has shown success at blocking specific molecules involved in maintaining pain following a nerve injury, significantly lowering patient discomfort. The tests were successful in laboratory mice, indicating that it might prove effective in human tests.

The system could identify conditions such as pneumonia, as seen in this x-ray

Imaging & Diagnostics

Electronic system takes the guesswork out of respiratory diagnoses

Listening to a patients' breathing is certainly a key part of diagnosing their respiratory problems. However, doctors' individual observer bias does come into play. That's why scientists have created an electronic system that objectively matches lung sounds to specific maladies.

Using the Unplugged Powered Suit, disabled or elderly wearers could jog with less effort

Robotics

Japanese exoskeleton could help users walk and run, no batteries required

Japanese researchers at Hiroshima University and Daiya Industry Co. have created an assistive exoskeleton that does away with heavy batteries and motors. Instead, their Unplugged Powered Suit (UPS) harnesses the wearer's own weight.

The iSAVE-SC1 cushions the blow with predestrians

Automotive

Cushion-coated iSAVE-SC1 electric vehicle is a soft touch

iSAVE-SC1 is an electric vehicle developed by students at Hiroshima University that resembles a drivable cushion.