Adrian Skov

Rendering of chemotaxis in synthetic droplets

Research Update

Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup

A synthetic droplet may give researchers clues on how simplest forms of life on the planet could navigate their surroundings.

Timelapse images from medaka mitosis

Research Update

Unveiling the mysteries of cell division in embryos with timelapse photography

With the help of medaka fish, CRISPR and new imaging techniques, researchers have set a new standard for studying cell division at the very earliest stages of life.

Professor Takahashi at his provost lecture

Institutional News

Half a century of dedication to exploring the secrets of synapses

Professor Tomoyuki Takahashi, who contributed with multiple novel methods for studying synapses, is retiring from OIST.

Header image featuring research vessel used in Ogasawara

Research Update

Nature’s checkup: surveying biodiversity with environmental DNA sequencing

Using DNA found in samples of seawater from the remote Ogasawara Islands of Japan, researchers have been able to gain valuable insights into the state of biodiversity in a unique ecosystem.

20 February 2024

Two female scientists sitting side by side in a podcast studio.

Research Update

Making sci-fi healthcare with microfluidic devices and anti-senescence supplements

In the fifth installment of the OIST podcast series on the Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation, DJ Nick Luscombe talks to Profs. Amy Shen and Keiko Kono about their work to create devices for research and discover the mechanisms of cell aging.

07 February 2024

Photograph of Amphiprion ocellaris in the wild

Research Update

Clown anemonefish seem to be counting bars and laying down the law

New research suggests that the fish may be counting vertical bars on intruders to determine their threat level, and to inform the social hierarchy governing their sea anemone colonies.

02 February 2024

Screenshot of OIST president Karin Markides at the Ryudai online seminar

Institutional News

Diversity, inclusion, and bravery: OIST President speaks at a seminar by the University of Ryukyus

President Karin Markides spoke about her background, how she came to OIST, and approaches for increasing diversity and inclusion in universities.

17 January 2024

Japan Scicom Forum 23 group picture

Institutional News

Japan Scicom Forum 2023 held at OIST

The fifth annual JSF conference took place November 21-22 at OIST, in-person for the first time since 2019.

27 December 2023

2023 highlights article, with a drawing of an octopus, lab 5, and president Karin Markides.

Institutional News

2023 in review: Leaping ahead

As 2023 draws to a close, it's worth reflecting on the year that has gone by. New buildings, new president, and a lot of new research – this year, OIST has been getting back on track post-pandemic. We highlight some of the most notable events, people, articles and media mentions of the year gone by.

22 December 2023

Picture of an acoustic monitoring station, part of the OKEON Churamori project.

Research Update

Acoustic monitoring shows surprising resilience of subtropical forests to extreme weather – but climate change looms

Analysis of 13,000 hours of recorded sound from an acoustic monitoring network across Okinawa Island, Japan, reveals that ecosystems are more resilient to super-typhoons than anticipated but are threatened by climate change.

07 December 2023

Ryukyuan Pygmy Squid (Idiosepius kijimuna) and Hannan’s Pygmy Squid (Kodama jujutsu)

Research Update

Tiny spirits roam the corals of Japan - two new pygmy squids discovered

Named after Japanese folklore, two cephalopod species have been discovered in the coastal waters of the Okinawa Islands.

24 October 2023