Latest news with #NagoyaUniversity
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Science
- Business Standard
Shockwaves in space: Earthquakes found to shake up satellite signals
When the Earth shakes, the impact doesn't stop at the surface. New research reveals that powerful earthquakes can send shockwaves all the way into space, disrupting satellite signals and GPS systems by disturbing the charged upper layers of our atmosphere. Scientists from Nagoya University in Japan have made the first 3D visualisation of how the atmosphere reacted to a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula on 1 January 2024. They used data from over 4,500 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers across Japan. Their research, published in the journal Earth, Planets and Space, shows how earthquakes can send complex sound waves into the upper atmosphere, disturbing a layer called the ionosphere. These disturbances can affect satellite communications and GPS signals, and challenge what scientists previously believed about how these waves travel. What is the Ionosphere, and why does it matter? The ionosphere is a part of the atmosphere that lies 60 to 1,000 kilometres above the Earth. It's filled with charged particles and plays an important role in sending radio signals from satellites to the ground. When the earthquake happened, it created sound waves that travelled upward into the ionosphere. These waves changed the amount of charged particles, which slowed down satellite signals. By measuring the delays in these signals, the researchers were able to calculate these changes and use a technique similar to a medical CT scan to build 3D images of the disturbances. Surprising patterns in the sky About 10 minutes after the earthquake, wave-like ripples appeared in the ionosphere, similar to the way water ripples after a stone is dropped in a pond. However, the team noticed something unusual – some of the waves tilted in a strange direction, south of the earthquake's epicentre, and slowly straightened out as they rose higher. Old models, which assumed that these waves came from a single point, couldn't explain this pattern. The breakthrough came when the scientists considered that the earthquake didn't rupture in one spot, but along a 150-kilometre fault line. Dr Weizheng Fu, the lead author, said, 'Earthquakes don't rupture at one point, but spread along faults.' Their updated model showed that the sound waves were created at different places along the fault, around 30 seconds apart. This matched what they observed in the sky. Why does this matter for technology and safety? These atmospheric changes can interfere with GPS systems and satellite signals, which are used in everything from smartphones to aeroplanes. Co-author Professor Yuichi Otsuka said, 'Understanding these patterns can help reduce the risk of technology failures during earthquakes.' The research could also help improve earthquake early warning systems. By watching for these atmospheric waves as well as ground movements, scientists may be able to give faster and more accurate alerts. Looking ahead: Applying the model to other natural disasters The team now plans to use this method to study how volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and severe weather affect the ionosphere. This could improve how we prepare for disasters and monitor them in real time. By studying how earthquakes leave their mark in the sky, this research helps protect important systems and gives us a better understanding of how Earth and space are connected.
New York Post
04-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Gonna hurl? ‘Sound spice' cures motion sickness through your ears: study
It's music to your inner ear — literally. A study out of Japan recently found sound waves could potentially help you lose weight. Now, another study courtesy of Japanese scientists has unveiled a type of sound therapy that could soon have motion sickness sufferers singing a different tune. 3 zinkevych – Advertisement Dubbed 'sound spice,' this innovative treatment involves a unique sound wave that stimulates the inner ear, effectively reducing symptoms like nausea and dizziness. In the study — published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine and conducted by researchers at Nagoya University's Graduate School of Medicine — participants exposed to this specific 100 Hz frequency experienced significant relief from motion-induced discomfort. Advertisement The sound targets the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby enhancing balance and stability. 'Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness,' said lead researcher Takumi Kagawa. 'The effective sound level falls within the range of everyday environmental noise exposure, suggesting that the sound technology is both effective and safe.' Participants were subjected to motion sickness-inducing scenarios, such as reading in a moving vehicle or using a driving simulator, after receiving the sound therapy. Advertisement 3 The sound targets the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby enhancing balance and stability. Dmitrij – Assessments showed a marked reduction in symptoms, indicating the potential of this non-invasive treatment. While traditional remedies for motion sickness include medications and behavioral strategies like controlled breathing and listening to music, this new approach offers a promising alternative. Advertisement Previous studies have explored the benefits of music and auditory cues in mitigating motion sickness, but the targeted stimulation of the vestibular system using specific sound frequencies marks a significant advancement. As the demand for effective, non-pharmacological treatments for motion sickness grows, especially with the rise of virtual reality and autonomous vehicles, 'sound spice' could become a game-changer. 3 'Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness,' said lead researcher Takumi Kagawa. Patrick – Further research and development are underway to bring this therapy to practical applications across various modes of transportation. 'The health risk of short-term exposure to our unique sound is minimal,' Kagawa said. 'Given that the stimulus level is well below workplace noise safety standards, this stimulation is expected to be safe when used properly.' So if you've tried everything from ginger candies to acupressure bands without success, this auditory intervention might just be the harmonious solution you've been seeking.
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists confirm that people really do get drunker in the summer than winter
It's the time of year characterised by longer days, warmer weather and plenty of beer gardens. And there's nothing quite like enjoying a few refreshing drinks in the summer sun. But they can – inevitably – come with questionable decisions and raging hangovers. Now, experts have confirmed people really do get drunker in the summer than winter. It could go some way to explaining why typical summer drinks – such as Aperol Spritzes and prosecco – hit you harder than those more commonly enjoyed in winter, such as red wine and hot toddies. Nagoya University researchers in Japan set out to find whether alcohol tolerance and carbohydrate metabolism change with the seasons. To test for changes in alcohol tolerance, the team reared mice under winter and summer conditions. They found that mice reared under winter conditions recovered from alcohol intoxication more quickly. 'This result suggests that the body is more likely to become intoxicated in the summer,' Professor Takashi Yoshimura said. 'This was an interesting discovery as this may explain why the number of patients hospitalized for acute alcohol intoxication is higher in the summer in most countries.' They also investigated more than 54,000 genes in 80 tissues in monkeys across one year. The team specifically looked at rhesus monkeys – a primate closely related to humans. They discovered an unexpected difference in how the male and female bodies dealt with carbohydrate metabolism throughout the year. Although the monkeys were fed the same diet across the 12 months, the activity of genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates peaked during winter and spring in the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine – of the female monkeys. Increased carbohydrate metabolism in the duodenum is important for the body to extract the maximum amount of energy from scarce food in the winter months, which may explain why people often gain weight during this period, the team said. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, add further insight into how animals, including humans, have evolved a biological clock that is calibrated to the seasons. Physiology and behaviour, including hormone secretion, metabolism, sleep, immune function, and reproduction, change depending on the time of year. A recent study found that wild chimpanzees love getting drunk with their friends – in a similar way to humans do. Scientists from the University of Exeter filmed wild chimpanzees eating and sharing fruit containing alcohol for the first time. According to the experts, this suggests that alcohol may have benefits for social bonding in chimps - just like humans. 'For humans, we know that drinking alcohol leads to a release of dopamine and endorphins, and resulting feelings of happiness and relaxation,' explained Anna Bowland, an author of the study. 'We also know that sharing alcohol – including through traditions such as feasting – helps to form and strengthen social bonds. 'So – now we know that wild chimpanzees are eating and sharing ethanolic fruits – the question is: could they be getting similar benefits?' WHAT TO EAT TO BEAT A HANGOVER Forget the traditional morning-after fry-up: to survive alcohol's effects, you need to support your liver and digestive system long-term, experts say. Fibre not only keeps your gut moving, it also binds onto toxins and escorts them out of the body, and is great for the liver. Eat kidney beans, brown rice, oats, rye, apples and plums. Foods rich in antioxidants help liver detoxification and heal the gut wall. Plant sources include beetroot, berries, garlic, grapes, green tea, kale, onions, peppers, prunes, tomatoes and watercress. Soothe an irritated stomach with mint tea or avocado. Alternatively, soak golden flax seeds and chia seeds overnight in enough water to cover them, then add them to smoothies or cereals — they produce a mucilage to coat and protect the gut wall. Research has shown that the herb milk thistle (200–300mg daily) can be used to support liver health. Look for a blend at a health food shop, which might include other herbs such as dandelion and artichoke. Other stomach-soothing and supportive supplements include turmeric as an anti-inflammatory, or the antioxidant glutathione, which helps to feed and heal gut cells.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Early cancer detection startup Craif raises $22M
Cancer ranks as one of the top causes of death worldwide. The National Cancer Institute reported nearly 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths globally in 2022, with projections showing a rise to 29.9 million new cases by 2040. Craif, spun off from Nagoya University in Japan in 2018, is using microRNA(miRNA) to develop an AI-powered early cancer detection software, and it has raised $22 million in Series C funding to expand further into the U.S. market and bolster its R&D. Ryuichi Onose, co-founder and CEO of Craif, told TechCrunch in an interview that the company completed its Series C funding round with a valuation of just under $100 million. X&KSK, an existing investor, led the latest funding, which brings its total raised to $57 million to date, along with the U.S.-based investor Unreasonable Group, its first investment in a Japanese startup, TAUNS Laboratories, Daiwa House Industry and Aozora Bank Group. Craif's journey started when Onose saw how deeply cancer affected his family, with both his grandparents being diagnosed with the disease. These personal experiences have inspired a strong commitment to help address the cancer issue. Onose and Takao Yasui, an associate professor at Nagoya University, co-founded Craif just a month after they met. Yasui had created a new method for early cancer detection using urinary biomarkers. Early detection of a treatable condition can be challenging as traditional diagnostic methods like blood tests can be invasive, causing some people to avoid regular screening, Onose said. In addition, limited access to medical facilities in certain areas makes it challenging for individuals to easily obtain cancer testing, according to Onose. Craif aims to address these gaps by providing a non-invasive urine-based test that enables early cancer detection, even at a very early stage, like at Stage 1. 'The test can be conducted from the comfort of a patient's home and is powered by advanced microRNA analysis, making early detection more accessible and effective,' Onose said. 'Our users are health-conscious individuals who are concerned about cancer but find it challenging to commit to conventional screenings due to time, cost and accessibility constraints.' Several startups are creating platforms for early cancer detection in the industry, like Grail, Freenome, DELFI Diagnostics and Clearnote Health. Craif differentiates itself by using microRNA as a biomarker instead of cfDNA (cell-free DNA) like most competitors and utilizing urine. 'miRNA, which gained heightened recognition after being linked to the 2024 Nobel Prize, is known for its deep involvement in cancer biology even at the earliest stages,' Onose explained. 'Unlike cfDNA, miRNA is proactively secreted by early cancer cells, making it particularly suitable for early cancer detection.' Another unique aspect of its product is its use of urine. Onose said urine is easy and non-invasive, providing many scientific and practical benefits. It has fewer impurities than other samples, making the biomarker signals clearer, he added. This helps to decrease any measurement errors, like those from hemolysis in blood and saves money on tests. Craif's first product, miSignal, a test that detects the risk of seven different cancers (pancreatic, colorectal, lung, stomach, esophagus breast, ovarian) using urinary miRNA, is already generating revenues in Japan. The products are distributed through clinics, pharmacies, direct-to-consumer sales, and corporate wellness programs, providing a variety of revenue sources that can be expanded, according to the company CEO. 'We are partnered with over 1000 medical institutions and about 600 pharmacies in Japan, serving about 20,000 users. Our team consists of 73 dedicated employees,' Onose told TechCrunch. The revenue model offers both single tests and subscription packages for regular testing, with many users opting for subscription plans. It posted $5 million in revenue in 2024 and aims to generate $15 million by the end of this year, Onose told TechCrunch. Craig intends to broaden the scope of miSignal to include more than ten different types of cancers in the coming year. Moreover, the startup is getting ready to use its technology for the early detection of non-cancerous diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. Craif has its R&D lab in Irvine, California, and plans to open another office in San Diego to handle its business operations. The new funding will help the startup enter the U.S. market with its miSingal, aiming to complete trials in the U.S. in 2026-end and get FDA approval as early as 2027. It has already begun collecting pancreatic cancer samples in collaboration with 30 medical institutions across 15 U.S. states. This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at
Kyodo News
26-04-2025
- Health
- Kyodo News
Exposure to 1-minute sound may prevent motion sickness: Japan team
KYODO NEWS - 12 hours ago - 10:10 | Japan, All People suffering from motion sickness may be able to prevent their symptoms from developing just by listening to a minute of special sound, a Japanese research team said. The research found a sound at 100 hertz stimulates the inner ear and helps to reduce motion sickness by improving balance, the team said, while current preventive measures are largely limited to taking medicines. The study comes as the risk of suffering from motion sickness is on the rise with the development of self-driving vehicle technology, as it is passengers rather than drivers that tend to develop symptoms, according to the team, which includes researchers from Nagoya University. In the experiment, around 80 volunteers were exposed to the special sound at a certain volume for one minute shortly before riding on a swing, a driving simulator and an actual car, while a similar group took part without exposure to the sound. The study showed 70 to 80 percent of those who were exposed to the sound found symptoms such as lightheadedness and nausea were alleviated, according to the findings published last month in medical journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. The improvement in such symptoms is believed to have been caused by the sound stimulating the otolithic organs in the inner ear, thus activating the vestibular system, the team said. "We'd like to put (the study) into practice at an early date after carefully confirming its safety. We hope that this will be an option for people suffering from motion sickness," said Masashi Kato, a Nagoya University professor who participated in the research. Related coverage: Japan hospital uses insulin-producing iPS cells for type 1 diabetes Innovation over tradition sending Dassai sake to the Moon Japanese people more susceptible to authoritarian messages: research
