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Tag: Osaka University

  • How faces teach robots to smile

    How faces teach robots to smile

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – Robots able to display human emotion have long been a mainstay of science fiction stories. Now, Japanese researchers have been studying the mechanical details of real human facial expressions to bring those stories closer to reality.

    In a recent study published by the Mechanical Engineering Journal, a multi-institutional research team led by Osaka University have begun mapping out the intricacies of human facial movements. The researchers used 125 tracking markers attached to a person’s face to closely examine 44 different, singular facial actions, such as blinking or raising the corner of the mouth.

    Every facial expression comes with a variety of local deformation as muscles stretch and compress the skin. Even the simplest motions can be surprisingly complex. Our faces contain a collection of different tissues below the skin, from muscle fibers to fatty adipose, all working in concert to convey how we’re feeling. This includes everything from a big smile to a slight raise of the corner of the mouth. This level of detail is what makes facial expressions so subtle and nuanced, in turn making them challenging to replicate artificially. Until now, this has relied on much simpler measurements, of the overall face shape and motion of points chosen on skin before and after movements.

    “Our faces are so familiar to us that we don’t notice the fine details,” explains Hisashi Ishihara, main author of the study. “But from an engineering perspective, they are amazing information display devices. By looking at people’s facial expressions, we can tell when a smile is hiding sadness, or whether someone’s feeling tired or nervous.”

    Information gathered by this study can help researchers working with artificial faces, both created digitally on screens and, ultimately, the physical faces of android robots. Precise measurements of human faces, to understand all the tensions and compressions in facial structure, will allow these artificial expressions to appear both more accurate and natural.

    “The facial structure beneath our skin is complex,” says Akihiro Nakatani, senior author. “The deformation analysis in this study could explain how sophisticated expressions, which comprise both stretched and compressed skin, can result from deceivingly simple facial actions.”

    This work has applications beyond robotics as well, for example, improved facial recognition or medical diagnoses, the latter of which currently relies on doctor intuition to notice abnormalities in facial movement.

    So far, this study has only examined the face of one person, but the researchers hope to use their work as a jumping off point to gain a fuller understanding of human facial motions. As well as helping robots to both recognize and convey emotion, this research could also help to improve facial movements in computer graphics, like those used in movies and video games, helping to avoid the dreaded ‘uncanny valley’ effect.

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  • Smaller carbon, more comfort

    Smaller carbon, more comfort

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – As organizations work to reduce their energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, one area that remains to be optimized is indoor heating and cooling. In fact, HVAC – which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning – represents, on average, about 40% of a building’s total energy use. Methods that conserve electricity while still providing a comfortable indoor environment for workers could make a significant difference in the fight against climate change.

    Now, researchers from Osaka University have demonstrated significant energy savings through the application of a new, AI-driven algorithm for controlling HVAC systems. This method does not require complex physics modelling, or even detailed previous knowledge about the building itself.

    During cold weather, it is sometimes challenging for conventional sensor-based systems to determine when the heating should be shut off. This is due to thermal interference from lighting, equipment, or even the heat produced by the workers themselves. This can lead to the HVAC being activated when it should not be, wasting energy.

    To overcome these obstacles, the researchers employed a control algorithm that worked to predict the thermodynamic response of the building based on data collected. This approach can be more effective than attempting to explicitly calculate the impact of the multitude of complex factors that might affect the temperature, such as insulation and heat generation. Thus, with enough information, ‘data driven’ approaches can often outperform even sophisticated models. Here, the HVAC control system was designed to ‘learn’ the symbolic relationships between the variables, including power consumption, based on a large dataset.

    The algorithm was able to save energy while still allowing the building occupants to work in comfort. “Our autonomous system showed significant energy savings, of 30% or more for office buildings, by leveraging the predictive power of machine learning to optimize the times the HVAC should operate.” says lead author Dafang Zhao. “Importantly, the rooms were comfortably warm despite it being winter.”

    The algorithm worked to minimize the total energy consumed, the difference between the actual and desired room temperature, and change in the rate of power output at peak demand. “Our system can be easily customized to prioritize energy conservation or temperature accuracy, depending on the needs of the situation,” adds senior author Ittetsu Taniguchi.

    To collectively achieve the goal of a carbon-neutral economy, it is highly likely that corporations will need to be at the vanguard of innovation. The researchers note that their approach may enjoy rapid adoption during times of rising energy costs, which makes their findings good for both the environment as well as company viability.

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  • Brain cell sensor captures dynamic connections

    Brain cell sensor captures dynamic connections

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – When brain cells, or neurons, are putting out processes to connect with other neurons, how do they tell the difference between their own processes and those of other neurons? One important part of this puzzle involves a molecule called clustered protocadherin (Pcdh).

    In a recent publication in iScience, researchers from SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) and the Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences at Osaka University reported the development of a sensor to look at Pcdh interactions in live neurons, which brings us closer to understanding this mystery.

    In the brain, millions of neurons make trillions of connections with each other. To do so, each neuron puts out tiny processes that grow and travel until they find another cell’s processes to connect with. However, because each cell has so many processes all over the place, cells can accidentally make connections with themselves rather than with others. One way to avoid this involves Pcdh, which is expressed in different combinations on each neuron’s surface.

    One role of Pcdh is in cell adhesion; if two neuronal processes have exactly the same combination of Pcdh molecules, the molecules bind to one another. Conversely, if the combinations are even slightly different, they are viewed as “other” rather than “self,” and do not bind. Although there are conventional techniques for detecting molecular interactions between cell surfaces, which can show us when the molecules bind, but not when they split apart again. Researchers from Osaka University wanted to tackle this issue.

    “We developed a fluorescent-based sensor that we named IPAD, or Indicators for Protocadherin Alpha 4 interactions upon Dimerization,” says lead author of the study Takashi Kanadome. “This sensor allows us to see not only interactions between processes, but also the dissociation of these interactions for the first time.”

    This new technique does have a few disadvantages. For example, its fluorescence is much duller than that observed using older techniques, and it is unable to differentiate connections between processes from the same cell and those from two different cells with the same combinations of Pcdh on the surface. 

    “Despite its current drawbacks, we think that our new sensor will be useful for a number of different research applications,” explains Tomoki Matsuda, senior author of the study. “The development of IPAD is an important step toward a better understanding of the neuronal recognition of self/other.”

    The sensors developed in this study have many potential applications. In particular, the technique may be used to develop a range of fluorescent sensors to visualize neuronal self-connectivity, which is implicated in brain disorders such as autism and epilepsy. A better understanding of neuronal self-connectivity may lead to improved treatments for these disorders.

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    The article, “Visualization of trans-interactions of a protocadherin-α between processes originating from single neurons,” was published in iScience at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107238

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  • Yeast screen reveals chromosomal mutation genes

    Yeast screen reveals chromosomal mutation genes

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – While developing a computer program, coding mistakes can lead to software bugs. Likewise, errors in our body’s genetic code, DNA, housed within structures called chromosomes, can trigger alterations in the body. These alterations are responsible for numerous fatal illnesses, including cancer. Presently, Japanese researchers have unveiled fresh insights into a specific kind of genetic alteration: extensive chromosomal reconfiguration (ECR).

    In an article published in Communications Biology, a team of researchers from multiple institutions, led by scientists from Osaka University, conducted an analysis on fission yeast to discover two crucial genes associated with the mechanism of ECR.

    The scientists were particularly focused on studying the centromere, a crucial region responsible for the separation of chromosomes during cell division. The centromere consists of repetitive DNA sequences, and it is known that ECR tends to happen in regions with repeated DNA sequences. Rad51, an essential enzyme involved in DNA recombination and the exchange of genetic material, was of specific interest. Surprisingly, contrary to expectations, Rad51 actually inhibits rather than facilitates ECR at the centromere. The mechanism by which ECRs occur using the centromere repeat remains mysterious.

    “By inducing mutations in Rad51-deficient yeast, which are known to have elevated GCR levels, we aimed to identify genes associated with GCR occurrence,” explained senior author Takuro Nakagawa. “We observed cells with decreased GCR levels and identified mutations in the Srr1 and Skb1 genes. This finding suggests that these genes are involved in the occurrence of GCR.”

    Subsequently, the researchers proceeded to delete the Srr1 and Skb1 genes in Rad51-deficient yeast and assessed the occurrence of GCR. The cells lacking Srr1 as well as those lacking Skb1 demonstrated decreased rates of GCR. Furthermore, cells lacking both Srr1 and Skb1 exhibited even lower rates of GCR.

    Lead author Piyusha Mongia explained, “Through our analysis, we discovered that Srr1 and Skb1 are implicated in the formation of isochromosomes, a specific type of structural mutation found in chromosomes. Deletion of either Srr1 or Skb1 resulted in a significant decrease in the occurrence of isochromosomes.”

    The findings of the research team mark a significant advancement in unraveling the mechanisms that drive GCR at the centromere. Since GCRs are implicated in various genetic disorders, including cancer, gaining insights into the process of GCR formation has the potential to enhance our capacity to treat specific genetic diseases. This represents a crucial step forward in our understanding of GCR and its broader implications for human health.

     

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    The article, “Fission yeast Srr1 and Skb1 promote isochromosome formation at the centromere,” will be published in Communications Biology at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04925-9

     

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  • This one-atom chemical reaction could transform drug discovery

    This one-atom chemical reaction could transform drug discovery

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – Pharmaceutical synthesis is often quite complex; simplifications are needed to speed up the initial phase of drug development and lower the cost of generic production. Now, in a study recently published in Science, researchers from Osaka University have discovered a chemical reaction that could transform drug production because of its simplicity and utility.

    Pharmaceuticals generally contain a few tens of atoms and a similar number of chemical bonds between the atoms. Thus, designing complex drug architectures from simple precursors using the techniques of organic chemistry usually requires careful planning and tedious, incremental steps. The gold standard in drug synthesis is to create, in one step, as many chemical bonds as possible. In principle, adding one carbon atom—by forming four bonds in one step—to a drug precursor can be a means of doing so. Unfortunately, atomic carbon is generally too unstable for use in common chemical reaction conditions. This is the problem that the researchers sought to address.

    “Because atomic carbon is too unstable for use in organic synthesis, reagents such as dihalocarbenes are basically all that’s available as atomic carbon equivalents,” explains Miharu Kamitani, the lead author of the study. “We have expanded the toolkit for such reactions and have applied our technique to an established pharmaceutical.”

    The Osaka University researchers’ discovery is based on a class of molecules known as N-heterocyclic carbenes. By a chemical process known as resonance, these molecules contain a stabilized version of a carbon atom equivalent. By a straightforward reaction with alpha, beta-unsaturated amides (an important molecule in cancer progression), various gamma-lactams (cyclic molecules that are common in antibiotics) were produced in one step, often in greater than 60% yield. Particularly noteworthy is a one-step chemical modification of aminoglutethimide—a drug for treating seizures and other conditions—in 96% yield. Thus, even complex drugs can be modified for drug targeting and activity studies, as well as a myriad of other procedures that are otherwise synthetically complex aspects of drug discovery.

    “Pharmaceutical companies are always on the lookout for straightforward reactions that achieve complex chemical transformations,” says Mamoru Tobisu, senior author of the study. “We envision that our single carbon atom doping reaction will be broadly useful in this context.”

    This work succeeded in using an atomic carbon equivalent to form four chemical bonds in one step, synthesize pharmaceutically useful chemical architectures, and fundamentally transform the chemical nature of an established drug molecule. The Osaka University researchers’ approach will be useful for quickly preparing potential pharmaceuticals, which will speed up drug research and development as well as production of currently established drugs—especially if the approach is extended to additional classes of transformations in organic chemistry.

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    The article, “Single carbon atom transfer to α,β-unsaturated amides from N-heterocyclic carbenes,” will be published in Science at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ade5110

    About Osaka University

    Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan’s leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world, being named Japan’s most innovative university in 2015 (Reuters 2015 Top 100) and one of the most innovative institutions in the world in 2017 (Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017). Now, Osaka University is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation.

    Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en

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  • Which test is best? Frequent versus infrequent testing for the Omicron variant of COVID-19

    Which test is best? Frequent versus infrequent testing for the Omicron variant of COVID-19

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – Testing plays a crucial role in humanity’s strategy to mitigate the effects of widespread COVID-19 infection. However, given multiple options for testing and the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant, how do we choose which test to use?

    A study led by Osaka University recently found that the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests (RATs) for the Omicron variant of COVID-19 when compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests was 0.63 and that this value was not affected by the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing. This finding suggested the possibility that, as with previous variants, frequent testing using RATs for the Omicron variant of COVID-19 still outperformed infrequent testing using PCR tests. This is despite RATs requiring a larger amount of the virus to be present to return a correct positive result (i.e., lower sensitivity) when compared with PCR tests. However, RATs are also cheaper and produce results quickly.

    Prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant, frequent testing using RATs was known to be a better strategy than infrequent testing using PCR tests. RATs detect infection early, which allows for swift isolation of individuals who are infected, thus preventing the spread of COVID-19.

    “The sensitivity of the RATs was important information for setting up an effective testing system,” explains lead author Michio Murakami.

    However, when the Omicron variant of COVID-19 emerged, the sensitivity of RATs for this variant was called into question, particularly during the crucial early stages of infection. If the sensitivity of RATs is low, then the advantages of RATs would be negated, requiring a rethink in testing strategy for combating the spread of infection.

    Therefore, the researchers directly compared the sensitivity of RATs and PCR tests in cases of COVID-19 infection known to be caused by the Omicron variant.

    “We used data collected from players and staff members of clubs belonging to the Japan Professional Football League,” explains co-author Seiya Imoto of The University of Tokyo. “This organization carried out RATs and PCR tests in the same person on the same day, making this data set uniquely useful to assess the comparative sensitivity of these tests.”

    The results showed that sensitivity was not associated with the duration of the onset of symptoms to testing in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. The researchers also found the sensitivity of RATs for the Omicron variant to be high enough to suggest the possibility that, when combined with other studies on the relationship between sensitivity or frequency of testing and its effectiveness in preventing infection, frequent testing using RATs, as opposed to less frequent testing using PCR tests, is still the right course of action.

    The study findings form an important knowledge base for assessing the effectiveness of a testing system using antigen qualitative tests. However, as the Omicron variant is more infectious than previous variants and has a shorter incubation time, the researchers point out that further testing and modeling are required to determine the most effective testing protocol.

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    The article, “Sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 during the Omicron variant outbreak among players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs: A retrospective observational study,” will be published in BMJ Open at DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067591

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  • Would you like a QR code embedded in that cookie?

    Would you like a QR code embedded in that cookie?

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – There is currently a race to develop edible tags for food so that, for example, you can see where the food comes from or its ingredients, and the information disappears once you’ve eaten it. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a way to include an unobtrusive edible tag embedded inside the food—in their original experiments, cookies—that can be read without having to first destroy the food. Another major advantage of their method, known as “interiqr,” is that the tag doesn’t change the outer appearance or taste of the food at all.

    Tags containing data are commonly used in the food industry. They range from the very basic, like stickers on fruit, to the more technological, such as radio frequency identification tags that use electromagnetic fields for the automatic identification and tracking of products. However, as the world attempts to cut back on extra packaging, the race is on to develop edible food tags that are non-toxic, don’t change the food’s flavor or appearance, and can be read without having to destroy the food itself. The research team at Osaka University wanted to address all of these issues.

    “Many foods can now be produced using 3D printers,” explains Yamato Miyatake, lead author of the study. “We realized that the insides of edible objects such as cookies could be printed to contain patterns of empty spaces so that, when you shine a light from behind the cookie, a QR code becomes visible and can be read using a cellphone.”

    In this way, a QR code that is made of the cookie itself is used as the tag, thereby solving any issues of taste and flavor. Even better, because all of the information is contained inside the food, the outer appearance of the cookie is completely unchanged. And because a simple backlight can be used to make the QR code visible, the information is readily available to producers, retailers, and consumers at any stage of the cookie’s journey from factory to stomach.

    “Our 3D printing method is a great example of the digital transformation of foods, which we hope will improve food traceability and safety,” says senior author of the study, Kosuke Sato. “This technology can also be used to provide novel food experiences through augmented reality, which is an exciting new field in the food industry.”

    Given that food tags and packaging are a large source of waste worldwide, this new method of embedding edible information into food will also be important for waste reduction. The widespread adoption of such technologies is hoped to pave the way toward a cleaner, more cookie-filled future.

    For more information, visit the project page (https://punpongsanon.info/foodcode/index.html).

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    The article, “interiqr: Unobtrusive Edible Tags using Food 3D Printing,” will be presented at The 35th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.

     

    About Osaka University

    Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan’s leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world, being named Japan’s most innovative university in 2015 (Reuters 2015 Top 100) and one of the most innovative institutions in the world in 2017 (Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017). Now, Osaka University is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation.

    Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en

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