kitasato university

12 Scientists From Japan To Watch

By no means an exhaustive list, these 12 scientists have made significant contributions to Japan’s science and technology landscape.

Hey, Diddle Diddle, More Cows Born Around The Full Moon?

There might be some truth to the popular belief that more births happen during a full moon—at least with cows.

Dopamine Keeps Movements Smooth

Researchers have shown that dopamine D1 receptors maintain the flow of information in the brain for smooth movements.

Chinese TCM Expert Wins 2015 Nobel Prize In Medicine

Tu Youyou has received one half of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for developing an anti-malarial drug based on ancient herbal medicine.

Bacteria Can Make Terpenes Too

A genetic study has revealed that many bacteria possess the enzymes required for the synthesis of terpenes, a main component of essential oils.

How Salmon Sense Seasons

Japanese researchers have identified an area in the salmon brain that functions as an internal clock to sense seasonal changes in day length.

Ryukyuan, Ainu People Genetically Similar

The Ryukyuan and the Ainu share similar genetic traits despite living on opposite ends of the Japan Archipelago, a new study has found.

Discovery Of Novel Fusion Gene: Hope For Targeted Treatment Of Lung Cancer?

Four research groups, including three based in Asia, have independently identified a novel fusion gene found in a subpopulation of lung tumors.