The animation illustrates OIST research’s findings in obesity: the degradation of Ucp1 mRNA in fat cells is mediated by Tob and Cnot7 (credit: Letizia Diamante, Juna Kurihara, flaticon).

Here Red particles represent Active agents and green represent  Passive  agents. The variation in density of the mixture and the strength of the self-motile agents creates vortexes in the fluid space.

OIST scientists have gained new insight into the abnormal brain activity underlying Parkinson’s disease. In a mouse model of the disease, the scientists observed that one group of neurons in a particular brain region--the striatum–fire in sync and dominate the overall activity of that region. When striatal neurons are stimulated continuously, they exhibit this abnormal behavior. By stimulating the neurons in precise pulses, the researchers observed that the neurons returned to their normal activity pattern, with groups of cells firing in turn.    

The Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit has devised a machine learning software to segment, track, and analyze the movement of migrating cells. Named Usiigaci, a Ryukyuan word that means “tracing,” the software significantly outperforms existing programs and has many applications across biology and medicine.

For generations, researchers have thought about ecology in terms of the landscape. Now, new technology and methods are allowing scientists to record and examine the particular "soundscape" of a place.

Dr. Johannes Schönke and Prof. Eliot Fried of the OIST Mathematics, Mechanics, and Materials Unit have introduced a new class of kaleidocycles into the world. They call them Möbius Kaleidocycles because they resemble the famous Möbius band, a geometrical object with a characteristic topology. These mystifying objects can be turned inside-out continuously and have unique mathematical properties. While classical kaleidocycles typically have six hinges, the new class of kaleidocycles can have seven or more. Not only are these objects beautiful to see, but they could also have very practical applications in a variety of fields.