Dani Ellenby

The lefthand side depicts a black and white image of a closed fist, while on the right hand side, the hand is open and holding a complex protein shape. The background is a mottled blue, and is darker on the right.

Research Update

Scientists reveal how dividing cells precisely trigger spindle formation

The newly found, step-by-step process ensures that a key protein needed to kickstart spindle formation only switches on at the right place and time.

A yellow and black wasp walks inside the pitcher-shaped modified leaf of a carnivorous pitcher plant.

Research Update

Carnivorous plants and wasps blur the line between friend and food

A new study on the chemical composition of pitcher plants and their wasp neighbors suggests that what was thought to be a purely predatory-prey relationship might benefit both sides.

A scientist stands next to a giant water tank and looks at waves on the water’s surface.

Research Update

Making waves: water simulation of famous quantum effect reveals unexpected patterns

A new study reveals how a spinning vortex causes system-wide, counter-rotating wave patterns, mimicking effects that occur, but cannot be seen, in the quantum realm.

Cuttlefish in tank

Research Update

Cuttlefish camouflage: more than meets the eye

High resolution video coupled with artificial intelligence reveals that camouflaging in cuttlefish is more complex than previously thought.

A stylized illustration of an octopus dreaming on a coral reef with bingata influence

Research Update

Octopus sleep is surprisingly similar to humans and contains a wake-like stage

Like humans, octopuses transition between two sleep stages – a quiet stage and an active stage that resembles REM sleep in mammals. But could this mean that octopuses dream?

Researcher displays COVID-19 vaccine

Research Update

Gut bacteria could be behind weaker immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine

Digestion of fucose sugar by bacteria in our digestive tract could be hampering how effectively we respond to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

A large bridge spanning the sea

Research Update

Can noisy and polluted coastlines harm baby fish? OIST researchers aim to find out

Less than 40% of Okinawa’s coastline remains natural. An innovative coastal monitoring program investigates how human activity and development affects the health of juvenile fish living near the shore.

Ulf Skoglund stands at the front of a lecture hall and talks to rows of listeners.

Research Update

A life devoted to science: Ulf Skoglund's quest to overcome the ‘impossible’

The Dean of Graduate School, Professor Ulf Skoglund, retires after a decade of pioneering research and service to shape the future of OIST.

A large clownfish and a smaller juvenile clownfish swim over the top of an anenome

Research Update

In hot water: Ocean warming impacts growth, metabolic rate and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish

The oceans are heating up, and just 3°C of warming could significantly impact the development and growth of clownfish larvae, a new study finds.

A brown day octopus, Octopus cyanea, is photographed on top of a coral reef.

Research Update

Scientists record first-ever brain waves from freely moving octopuses

Scientists have figured out how to capture brain activity in octopuses that are awake and moving – a breakthrough step in understanding how the brain controls their behavior.

24 February 2023

Turbulent flow in a red, orange and black color scheme

Research Update

New pumping strategy could slash energy costs of fluid transport by 22%

A fluid dynamics simulation has shown that switching pumps on and off can cut energy costs by reducing turbulence in pipes.

17 February 2023

Mineral-laden water emerging from a hydrothermal vent

Research Update

Mining at key hydrothermal vents could endanger species at distant sites

Hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough are at imminent threat from deep-sea mining — the damage could also threaten vents across the Pacific Ocean.

15 February 2023