https://medicalxpress.com/ en-us provides the latest news from National Taiwan University A recent study published in Nature Communications demonstrates precise control over electron spatial arrangement in two directions simultaneously—without any applied voltage—through interface engineering between semimetal bismuth (Bi) thin films and two-dimensional semiconductor MoS₂. https://phys.org/news/2026-06-bidirectional-gate-free-quantum-electronic.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 11:00:04 EDT news700150071 Researchers at National Taiwan University refined a pseudo-germ-free mouse model to make gut microbiome studies safer for mice and more reliable. Using this model, they found that antibiotic-driven changes in gut microbes suppressed pancreatic tumor growth and enhanced the effect of gemcitabine chemotherapy. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-refined-pseudo-germ-free-mice.html Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:40:03 EDT news700483981 A new study from Taiwan combines consumer behavior research and life cycle assessment to design reusable cup systems that people are more willing to use. The findings show that convenience and incentives strongly shape participation, while well-designed reusable cup systems can still reduce environmental impacts compared to single-use cups. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-reusable-cups-easy-consumers.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:20:04 EDT news699706866 A new study from National Taiwan University reports a single-layer zigzag-type metallic glass film with precisely tunable emissivity for thermal infrared camouflage technology. A glancing-angle deposition method was used to fabricate the zigzag-type structure. According to the infrared lossy characteristics of metallic glass and the strong optical anisotropy induced by the zigzag microstructure, the absorptance/emissivity of the film is sensitive to the in-plane rotation angle and sample-tilt angles. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-05-layer-zigzag-metallic-glass-enables.html Sun, 31 May 2026 20:30:05 EDT news699112889 Osteoporosis is a silent disease where bone loss develops gradually before fractures occur. Current clinical screening recommendations mainly focus on older women and selected high-risk groups, leaving some men, younger adults, and individuals with normal body weight completely outside routine screening pathways. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-ai-repurposes-routine-chest-rays.html Sat, 30 May 2026 17:00:02 EDT news699274705 In a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, researchers from National Taiwan University found that CASK helps promote the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by regulating the EGFR–p21 signaling pathway. Reducing CASK levels slowed cell growth and blocked cell cycle progression in NSCLC cells. At the same time, p21 expression increased significantly after CASK depletion under both normal and serum-free culture conditions. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-cask-protein-lung-cancer-growth.html Wed, 27 May 2026 15:40:05 EDT news699112381 In a study published in ACS Nano, researchers from National Taiwan University report a new expansion microscopy strategy termed high-fold homogeneous expansion microscopy (hiHomoExM), capable of achieving approximately 8–9× isotropic expansion in a single expansion step while preserving delicate ultrastructural organization. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-9x-expansion-reveals-nanoscale-centrioles.html Tue, 26 May 2026 14:40:01 EDT news699016621 National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), in collaboration with multiple medical centers across Taiwan, has found that patients with hepatitis C remain at a significantly elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after successful viral eradication with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), particularly if metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is present. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-residual-liver-cancer-persist-hepatitis.html Tue, 26 May 2026 13:00:03 EDT news699016682 By combining demand-driven life cycle assessment with a multi-objective optimization framework, researchers identified potential optimal solutions for reusable bubble tea packaging systems under actual market demand conditions. The results show that material selection and low reuse frequency dominate both economic costs and environmental impacts, while durability and logistics become increasingly important as reuse frequency increases. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-reusable-tea-cups-hidden-thresholds.html Wed, 20 May 2026 15:20:09 EDT news698500012 Researchers at National Taiwan University and partner institutions have uncovered new evidence that Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)—a distinct layer sitting 500–1,500 meters below the ocean surface—played a pivotal role in a major atmospheric carbon dioxide transition that occurred roughly 450,000 years ago. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-southern-ocean-intermediate-key-earth.html Mon, 18 May 2026 16:00:06 EDT news698327881 Researchers have developed a new framework that uses artificial intelligence to monitor wastewater treatment in real time, ensuring environmental safety while maximizing resource recovery. This "twin transition" approach allows facilities to predict system health and optimize energy use simultaneously. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-ai-guardians-bridging-digital-sustainability.html Sat, 16 May 2026 19:00:02 EDT news697991122 An international research team led by National Taiwan University has developed a new analytical framework based on Empirical Dynamic Modeling. This framework can quantify how response diversity varies over time using time-series data. Published in Nature Communications, the study offers the first direct empirical evidence that greater response diversity helps stabilize total community biomass. This breakthrough addresses a longstanding methodological challenge in ecology: measuring the response diversity of natural communities solely from observational data. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-analytical-framework-tracks-response-diversity.html Wed, 13 May 2026 16:33:37 EDT news697908781 Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed bioinspired composites that mimic bone and bamboo structures to improve strength and toughness simultaneously. Using artificial intelligence, simulations, and 3D printing, the team discovered how soft layers near cracks can prevent catastrophic failure. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-05-soft-layers-boost-strength-toughness.html Mon, 11 May 2026 18:20:04 EDT news697733357 Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a liver-directed IL-10 gene therapy that strengthens cancer-fighting immune cells and suppresses liver tumors in mice. The treatment also generated long-lasting immune memory cells that remained in the liver after tumors disappeared. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-il-gene-therapy-boosts-immune.html Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:03 EDT news697460041 Electroreduction offers a promising route for converting CO2 into value-added chemicals using renewable electricity. Among the possible products, formic acid is particularly attractive because it is an important chemical feedstock and a potential liquid hydrogen carrier. However, developing catalysts that convert CO2 into formic acid with both high efficiency and selectivity remains a major challenge. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-dynamic-catalyst-interfaces-smarter-route.html Wed, 06 May 2026 18:00:01 EDT news697291981 A National Taiwan University study shows that traffic particles can create sharply localized exposure hotspots near busy roads, intersections and elevated corridors. The findings suggest that targeted street-level planning may better protect children and other vulnerable groups than citywide averages alone. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-invisible-curb-3d-reveal-hidden.html Mon, 04 May 2026 17:00:03 EDT news697122841 Oil spills and fires are two very different hazards, but both can cause major damage before people have time to react. Oil contamination can spread quickly across water and harm marine ecosystems, while undetected heat buildup can lead to destructive fires in high-risk environments. Many current warning systems depend on batteries, large instruments, or delayed responses, making early action difficult in remote or demanding conditions. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-powered-fibers-oil-contamination-buildup.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:30:02 EDT news696521401 Researchers and clinicians from National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital have compiled the first large-scale genetic database for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Taiwan. This initiative identified inherited genetic abnormalities specifically linked to familial and early-onset cases within the local population. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-uncovering-hidden-genetic-early-onset.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:20:06 EDT news696176507 Researchers have uncovered that an orthogonal molecular architecture directs the formation of a rare double-cable structure, offering a new blueprint for advancing the fundamental design of energy-active materials. By guiding charges to move along separate pathways, the new design minimizes energy loss and boosts clean energy generation. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-tiny-shift-big-solar-fuel.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:20:05 EDT news695895142 Researchers from National Taiwan University break traditional frameworks by unveiling a new symmetry-transition mechanism in ZrO2 thin films, achieving ultra-stable antiferroelectric behavior for up to 108 cycles. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-zirconia-thin-reversible-nonpolar-polar.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:30:02 EDT news695565056 Researchers from National Taiwan University and Chulalongkorn University developed a copper-based catalyst system that improves low-temperature methanol synthesis from carbon dioxide hydrogenation by balancing two key steps in the reaction. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-catalyst-functions-temperature-methanol-synthesis.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:40:06 EDT news695309762 By conducting the world's first randomized clinical trial, researchers have demonstrated that while overall survival rates remained comparable in this initial phase, TEE-guided precision CPR enhances end-tidal CO2 levels (indicating better CPR quality and forward blood flow), transforming traditional "blind" compressions into a data-driven science. This research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, paves the way for individually customized resuscitation, challenging global standards to maximize survival for millions worldwide. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-cpr-high-tech-transesophageal-echocardiography.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:20:01 EDT news694971241 Researchers have mapped how genetic switches are regulated in East Asian populations, identifying tens of thousands of unique markers linked to complex diseases. This massive dataset bridges a crucial diversity gap in genetics, paving the way for more inclusive translation of genetic discovery worldwide. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-genetic-unique-east-asian-populations.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:00:04 EDT news694782581 A mitochondrial enzyme, Ak4, strengthens immune defense by promoting mitochondrial DNA synthesis and enhancing macrophage antibacterial activity. When bacteria invade the body, macrophages serve as frontline defenders, rapidly eliminating pathogens to protect tissue integrity. One of their key weapons is mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). However, how macrophages enhance this antibacterial function has remained poorly understood. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-ak4-mitochondrial-dna-synthesis-macrophage.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:05 EDT news694781101 In the world of advanced materials, the ultimate goal is to create a substance that possesses the adaptability of biological tissue: it must be strong enough to maintain its shape, yet fluid enough to be molded. The research team at National Taiwan University (NTU) has achieved this balance by developing a sophisticated CGB hydrogel system, with their findings recently published in the journal Carbohydrate Polymers. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-dual-network-chapter-3d-printable.html Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:00:03 EDT news694363198 A research team from Taiwan has developed a novel hybrid air-conditioning system integrating shallow geothermal energy and a desiccant wheel. Field tests confirm it significantly reduces energy consumption by up to 34.3% in hot and humid climates, offering a promising solution for net-zero buildings. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-03-hybrid-desiccant-shallow-geothermal-cooling.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:20:09 EDT news694101065 A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution connects plant and insect physiology, chemical ecology, molecular function, and evolutionary analysis to offer a new perspective on plant–insect coevolution. The research team was led by Yu-Hsien Lin, Assistant Professor in the Global Agricultural Technology and Genomic Science Program (Global ATGS), International College, National Taiwan University, in collaboration with international research partners and Assistant Professor Ching-Wen Tan at National Chung Hsing University. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-evolutionary-history-chemical-warfare-insects.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:20:01 EDT news694080662 Scientists from National Taiwan University (NTU) and Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) have developed a precision-engineered nanoplatform to conquer glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. Treating glioblastoma is notoriously difficult due to its diffuse infiltration, the formidable blood-brain barrier (BBB), and a highly complex tumor microenvironment. A major component of this protective microenvironment are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)—stromal "helper" cells that support tumor growth and suppress the immune system. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-scientists-trojan-horse-conquer-aggressive.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:20:02 EDT news693668190 Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a unified model that explains how thickness, defects, interface quality, and roughness together control the behavior of ultrathin oxide transistors. The work, published in Small Structures, provides practical design rules for building low-leakage, normally-off devices suitable for future 3D chip stacking. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-03-guidelines-atom-thin-oxide-transistors.html Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:30:01 EDT news693585990 When someone gets a bad infection, the body's immune system rushes in to fight the germs. But sometimes this defense system becomes too strong and starts hurting the person's own tissues and organs. This condition, known as sepsis, is still one of the leading causes of death in hospitals worldwide. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-pp4-protein-body-overreacting-severe.html Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:01 EDT news693586742