Your cells can hear

Uncovering the relationship between life and sound

Kyoto University

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The fundamental relationship between life and sound. 

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Credit: (KyotoU/Kumeta lab)

Kyoto, Japan -- There's a sensation that you experience -- near a plane taking off or a speaker bank at a concert -- from a sound so total that you feel it in your very being. When this happens, not only do your brain and ears perceive it, but your cells may also.

Technically speaking, sound is a simple phenomenon, consisting of compressional mechanical waves transmitted through substances, which exists universally in the non-equilibrated material world. Sound is also a vital source of environmental information for living beings, while its capacity to induce physiological responses at the cell level is only just beginning to be understood.

Following on previous work from 2018, a team of researchers at Kyoto University have been inspired by research in mechanobiology and body-conducted sound -- the sound environment in body tissues -- indicating that acoustic pressure transmitted by sound may be sufficient to induce cellular responses.

"To investigate the effect of sound on cellular activities, we designed a system to bathe cultured cells in acoustic waves," says corresponding author Masahiro Kumeta.

The team first attached a vibration transducer upside-down on a shelf. Then using a digital audio player connected to an amplifier, they sent sound signals through the transducer to a diaphragm attached to a cell culture dish. This allowed the researchers to emit acoustic pressure within the range of physiological sound to cultured cells.

Following this experiment, the researchers analyzed the effect of sound on cells using RNA-sequencing, microscopy, and other methods. Their results revealed cell-level responses to the audible range of acoustic stimulation.

In particular, the team noticed the significant effect of sound in suppressing adipocyte differentiation, the process by which preadipocytes transform into fat cells, unveiling the possibility of utilizing acoustics to control cell and tissue states.

"Since sound is non-material, acoustic stimulation is a tool that is non-invasive, safe, and immediate, and will likely benefit medicine and healthcare," says Kumeta.

The research team also identified about 190 sound-sensitive genes, noted the effect of sound in controlling cell adhesion activity, and observed the subcellular mechanism through which sound signals are transmitted.

In addition to providing compelling evidence of the perception of sound at the cell level, this study also challenges the traditional concept of sound perception by living beings, which is that it is mediated by receptive organs like the brain. It turns out that your cells respond to sounds, too.

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The paper "Acoustic modulation of mechanosensitive genes and adipocyte differentiation" appeared on 16 April 2025 in Communications Biology, with doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-07969-1

About Kyoto University

Kyoto University is one of Japan and Asia's premier research institutions, founded in 1897 and responsible for producing numerous Nobel laureates and winners of other prestigious international prizes. A broad curriculum across the arts and sciences at undergraduate and graduate levels complements several research centers, facilities, and offices around Japan and the world. For more information, please see: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en

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Journal

Communications Biology

DOI

10.1038/s42003-025-07969-1 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Cells

Article Title

Acoustic modulation of mechanosensitive genes and adipocyte differentiation

Article Publication Date

16-Apr-2025

1812 OVETURE CLIMAX WITH CANNONS

 

HKU civil engineering team develops innovative solution for tracking antibiotic resistance genes

The University of Hong Kong

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Argo overview

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Credit: The University of Hong Kong

The global proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) poses a significant threat to the efficacy of antibiotic-based treatments for diseases. Effective monitoring of ARGs across both spatial and temporal dimensions is essential to understanding their transmission and implementing preventive measures.

A research team led by Professor Tong Zhang from the Department of Civil Engineering of Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has developed a computational tool, Argo, designed to accurately track ARGs in environmental samples, providing insights into their dissemination and associated risks.

“Short-read sequencing method is currently used as a high-throughput DNA sequencing technique that generates large volumes of short DNA fragments, typically 150 base pairs. However, it often fails to provide information on the hosts of ARGs," explained Professor Zhang. “Without detailed host information, it becomes challenging to accurately assessing the risks of ARGs and tracing their transmission, hindering our understanding of their impact on human health and the environment.”

Argo utilises long-read sequencing, a method that can generate DNA fragments significantly longer than 150 base pairs, to rapidly identify and quantify ARGs in environmental metagenomes. By assigning taxonomic labels to read clusters (collections of reads that overlap to each other), Argo significantly enhances ARGs detection resolution. The key difference between Argo and existing tools lies in its method of grouping and analysing DNA fragments based on their overlaps, assigning labels to these groups rather than individual reads. Argo has a distinct advantage in host identification accuracy, providing a more comprehensive ARG profile.

Professor Zhang elaborated, “It is like solving a puzzle. Initially, we group DNA fragment pieces based on shared features like colour, making it easier to identify and label the locations of overlapping or similar pieces in groups. Our research showcased that Argo's read-overlapping approach achieved the lowest misclassification rate in comparison to other tools through simulations. For a 10 Gbp (10^10 base pairs) metagenomic sample, Argo typically completes analysis within 20 minutes using 32 CPU threads.”

While long-read sequencing remains costly for achieving high throughput, the team considers the new method vital in addressing the growing threat posed by ARGs. Professor Zhang concluded, "Argo has the potential to standardise ARGs surveillance and enhance our ability to trace the origins and dissemination pathways of ARGs, contributing to efforts to tackle the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).”

The research paper, “Species-resolved profiling of antibiotic resistance genes in complex metagenomes through long-read overlapping with Argo,” was published in Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57088-y.

About Professor Tong Zhang
Professor Tong Zhang leads the Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory at the Department of Civil Engineering of Faculty of Engineering at HKU. His research focuses on the “environmental microbiome.” He has conducted pioneering work on the emerging topic of the “Environmental Dimension of Antibiotic Resistance” in the microbiome field.

Currently, Professor Zhang is leading an interdisciplinary team of professors from various universities to conduct a Theme-based Research project "Assess Antibiotic Resistome Flows from Pollution Hotspots to Environments and Explore the Control Strategies (T21-705/20-N)". More information about Professor Zhang and the research team can be found at https://smile.hku.hk/.

About the Research Team
The first author, Mr Xi Chen, is a third-year PhD candidate under the supervision of Professor Zhang. Other scientists contributing to the research include Dr Xiaole Yin, a former postdoctoral researcher in Professor Zhang’s research group, and Dr Xiaoqing Xu, a postdoctoral researcher in the same group.

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Journal

Nature Communications

DOI

10.1038/s41467-025-57088-y 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Species-resolved profiling of antibiotic resistance genes in complex metagenomes through long-read overlapping with Argo

 

HKU Department of Geography holds “Extreme Weather and Sustainable Development" education event

Uniting cross-sector forces to inspire climate action in the next generation

The University of Hong Kong

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Ms LEE Shuk Ming, Senior Scientific Officer of The Hong Kong Observatory (third left), Professor LAM Chiu Ying, SBS, former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory (fourth left), Professor LAM Yun Fat Nicky of the Department of Geography of the University of Hong Kong (fourth right) and other guests of honor at the event.

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Credit: The University of Hong Kong

Jointly organised by the Department of Geography at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Scout Association of Hong Kong, the "Extreme Weather and Sustainable Development" education event was successfully held on 13 April at HKU. The event attracted around 300 participants, including secondary school students, educators, and members of the public, all united by a shared commitment to raising youth awareness and engagement in climate action, and rethinking the pathway toward a sustainable future.

Interdisciplinary collaboration to build sustainable cities of the future
The Department of Geography collaborated with the Faculty of Social Sciences of HKU to organise an interdisciplinary applied learning workshop, allowing participants to experience DIY assembly of programmable portable meteorological instruments to collect microclimate spatial geographic data on campus, to understand the relevant concepts of urban heat island effect. The workshop instructor, Mr CHANG Man Hei Jeffrey, a doctoral student from the Department of Geography at HKU, also introduced the integrated education direction of citizen science and geographical and meteorological surveys in the teaching content.

In the keynote session, Ms LEE Shuk Ming, Senior Scientific Officer of the Hong Kong Observatory, reviewed recent extreme weather events affecting Hong Kong and stressed the urgency of both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Professor LAM Yun Fat Nicky from HKU’s Department of Geography highlighted the critical role of educators in integrating STEAM education and citizen science. He advocated for inquiry-based, student-centered approaches to cultivating climate literacy among the younger generation.

The themed symposium welcomed distinguished speakers from the fields of education and meteorological science, including former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Professor LAM Chiu Ying, SBS; Mr. Marius CHOW, Director of Talent Development at the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE); Principal KWOK Chi Tai of the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen); and Vice Principal LEUNG Wing Kin of Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College. The discussion focused on the positioning of meteorological education within the local curriculum, opportunities and challenges in integrating STEAM, and strategies to deepen student engagement in sustainability issues through cross-sector collaboration.

All speakers emphasised that in the face of intensifying climate change, cross-disciplinary cooperation and youth empowerment are more important than ever. They noted that climate action can begin with simple lifestyle changes—what we eat, wear, and how we commute—and need not be confined to traditional academic subjects. In today’s STEAM-driven landscape, technologies and data offer exciting opportunities to spark curiosity and empathy among students toward weather and environmental issues.

This event not only strengthened ties between the academic and educational sectors, but also served as an innovative model for experiential learning in Hong Kong secondary schools—demonstrating the powerful synergy of geography and STEAM education in advancing sustainability.

This event also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Meteorology Team of the Scout Association of Hong Kong. The diverse programme featured the 4th Scout Meteorology Day, a DIY portable weather station workshop, a Geography x STEAM-themed symposium, an exhibition of student innovations, a STEAM poster competition, and an award ceremony and sharing session hosted by the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen). Together, these offerings provided a multifaceted learning experience that deepened participants' understanding of extreme weather events, the urban heat island effect, and climate change.

About the Department of Geography, HKU
Founded in 1931, the Department of Geography at HKU is one of the city’s oldest academic units dedicated to geographical research and education. The department explores interactions between people and the environment and actively promotes sustainable development across local and regional scales. Its areas of study span both human and physical geography, including urban and transport planning, regional development in China, geomorphology and hydrology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Located in the Centennial Campus’s Jockey Club Tower, the department houses specialized laboratories and Hong Kong’s largest map library. To date, it has nurtured over 3,500 undergraduate and 1,100 postgraduate alumni, upholding a core mission to cultivate globally minded and locally grounded geographic talent.

Media Enquiries
Please contact the Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong
(Email: geog@hku.hk) or Mr. Jeffrey Chang (Email: mhjchang@connect.hku.hk)

 

Holiday flights could carry fewer passengers as world warms

University of Reading

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Rising temperatures due to climate change may force aircraft at European airports to reduce passenger numbers in the coming decades. 

Scientists from the University of Reading studied how hotter air affects aircraft performance during take-off at 30 sites across Europe. When air gets warmer, it becomes less dense, making it harder for planes to generate lift, the force that allows them to fly. 

The research, published in the journal Aerospace, focused on the Airbus A320, a common aircraft used for short and medium-haul flights across Europe. By the 2060s, some airports with shorter runways may need to reduce their maximum take-off weight by the equivalent of approximately 10 passengers per flight during summer months. 

Dr Jonny Williams, lead author of the study at the University of Reading, said: “A warming world has an impact on people and businesses worldwide, and we are now showing one way it could increase the price of your summer holiday. Flying to Spain, Italy or Greece could get more expensive as flights carry fewer people due to climate change. 

“Hot summer days when smaller airports have to reduce their weight will get more common. Our research shows conditions which used to happen about 1 day in a summer may happen 3 or 4 days a week by the 2060s. 

“Aviation is sometimes singled out as a significant source of the greenhouse gases that are causing the planet to heat up. Our study provides yet more evidence that aviation is itself not immune to the impacts of climate change.” 

Mediterranean misery 

Of the sites studied, the findings suggest four popular tourist destinations will be most affected:  

• Chios, Greece 

• Pantelleria, Italy  

• Rome Ciampino, Italy 

• San Sebastian, Spain.  

These airports have shorter runways meaning the airlines can’t operate them at the maximum weight set by the manufacturer. Future increases in heatwaves will only make this worse, forcing operators to reduce aircraft weights and profit margins even further. 

While larger airports like London Heathrow and Gatwick have runways long enough to handle the A320 even in extreme heat, they may face challenges with larger aircraft like the Airbus A380, which needs more runway space. 

The problem may also affect airport operations beyond simply reducing passenger numbers. Airlines might need to reschedule flights to cooler parts of the day, and runway maintenance needs could increase as surfaces degrade faster in extreme heat. The researchers note that following a more sustainable climate path would stabilise these effects, whereas continued high emissions would make the problem significantly worse. Future studies will examine how other factors like humidity and changing wind patterns may further impact take-off performance.

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Journal

Aerospace

DOI

10.3390/aerospace12030165 

Article Title

Quantifying the Effects of Climate Change on Aircraft Take-Off Performance at European Airports

 

Microorganisms employ a secret weapon during metabolism

MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen

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White waters of Kueishantao: sulfur-rich hydrothermal fluids turn the sea milky. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; S. Bühring

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Credit: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; S. Bühring

Extremely harsh conditions can be found even in shallow marine waters. A common cause for this is the presence of hydrothermal systems where dissolved materials from the Earth’s interior make their way to the surface. These systems are usually the only energy source in the deep sea because photosynthesis is not possible in the dark depths. Hydrothermal vents, however, also occur in shallow coastal regions, for example, near the volcanic island of Kueishantao in eastern Taiwan. The island is surrounded by hydrothermal vents in shallow water, at depths of around ten meters. Hot and acidic water rises to the surface here and alters the sea-water chemistry. This results in extreme conditions.

“These chimneys release super-heated, highly acidic water into the overlying water columns. One might think that such an extreme location is lifeless, but it is actually full of life because at the same time the vents are constantly producing chemical energy in the form of reduced chemical compounds,” says Joely Maak, first author of the study and a PhD student at MARUM. One of the predominant organisms at these hydrothermal systems is a microorganism called Campylobacteria. Its “secret weapon”, as Maak refers to it, is the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle. This cycle is a biochemical pathway for transferring carbon into organic molecules and biomass. Compared to the more widely utilized Calvin cycle, organisms using rTCA do not have to go through as many energy-intensive steps. That is the secret weapon that makes it possible for them to predominate in this extreme environment.

“The analysis of isotope ratios has enabled us to track the carbon fixed using this 'secret weapon' even into the crab that lives there - a transfer that could not be detected in this way before,” explains Dr. Solveig Bühring of MARUM, a senior author of this study.

The study is an integral element of research within the current Cluster “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface”. The main objective here is to gain a better understanding of ocean-floor ecosystems under changing environmental conditions and material cycles.

Contact:

Joely Maak
MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen
Telephone: 0421 21865585
Email: jmaak@marum.de

Dr. Solveig I. Büring
MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen
Telephone: 0421 21865964
Email: sbuehring@marum.de

MARUM produces fundamental scientific knowledge about the role of the ocean and the seafloor in the total Earth system. The dynamics of the oceans and the seabed significantly impact the entire Earth system through the interaction of geological, physical, biological and chemical processes. These influence both the climate and the global carbon cycle, resulting in the creation of unique biological systems. MARUM is committed to fundamental and unbiased research in the interests of society, the marine environment, and in accordance with the sustainability goals of the United Nations. It publishes its quality-assured scientific data to make it publicly available. MARUM informs the public about new discoveries in the marine environment and provides practical knowledge through its dialogue with society. MARUM cooperation with companies and industrial partners is carried out in accordance with its goal of protecting the marine environment.

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Journal

Biogeosciences

DOI

10.5194/bg-22-1853-2025 

Article Title

The energy-efficient reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle drives carbon uptake and transfer to higher trophic levels within the Kueishantao shallow-water hydrothermal system

Article Publication Date

15-Apr-2025

 

Favorite music sets the brain's opioids in motion

University of Turku

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Brain regions where favourite music affected opioid release.

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Credit: Turku PET Centre

A new imaging study by the Turku PET Centre in Finland showed that listening to favorite music affects the function of the brain’s opioid system.

Music can evoke intense pleasure, sometimes experienced physically as pleasant “chills.” While the effect of music on pleasure is clear, the brain mechanisms behind musical enjoyment are not yet fully understood. The brain's opioid system is known to be involved in pleasurable experiences related to survival-critical behaviors, such as eating and sex. This new study from the Turku PET Centre in Finland demonstrates for the first time that listening to favorite music also activates the brain’s opioid receptors.

The study measured the release of opioids in the brain using positron emission tomography (PET) while participants listened to their favorite music. Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine how the density of opioid receptors affects brain activation when listening to music.

The results show that favorite music influenced opioid release in several brain areas associated with the experience of pleasure. The release of opioids was also linked to how often participants reported experiencing pleasurable chills while listening to music. Furthermore, individual differences in the number of opioid receptors correlated with brain activation during music listening: the more opioid receptors participants had, the more strongly their brains reacted in MRI scans.

“These results show for the first time directly that listening to music activates the brain’s opioid system. The release of opioids explains why music can produce such strong feelings of pleasure, even though it is not a primary reward necessary for survival or reproduction, like food or sexual pleasure,” says Academy Research Fellow Vesa Putkinen from the University of Turku.

Professor Lauri Nummenmaa adds: “The brain’s opioid system is also involved in pain relief. Based on our findings, the previously observed pain-relieving effects of music may be due to music-induced opioid responses in the brain.”

The study provides significant new insight into how the brain’s chemical systems regulate the pleasure derived from music. The results may also help develop new music-based interventions, for example, in pain management and the treatment of mental health disorders.

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Journal

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine

DOI

10.1007/s00259-025-07232-z 

Method of Research

Imaging analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Pleasurable music activates cerebral µ-opioid receptors: a combined PET-fMRI study