News

Asian markets rose on Monday, following a strong rally on Wall Street and better-than-expected factory data from China. The U.S. stock market also rebounded after its first correction since 2023, with gains for Big Tech stocks and companies in the artificial intelligence industry supporting the market.

The Japanese government's move to incorporate the Science Council of Japan raises concerns about academic freedom, despite removing the prime minister's role in selecting new members. However, the legislation fails to address why the previous prime minister refused to appoint six nominated candidates.

NASA's Osiris-Rex mission has successfully returned samples from asteroid Bennu, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of the origins of life and the potential for extraterrestrial water worlds. Analysis of the samples has revealed the presence of amino acids, nitrogen, and genetic code components, providing compelling evidence that asteroids may have played a crucial role in seeding life on Earth.

Keio University researchers have achieved a breakthrough in treating spinal cord injuries, with two out of four patients regaining some motor function after receiving neural cells derived from iPS cells. This promising development offers hope for the future of regenerative medicine in treating this debilitating condition.

Land prices in Tokyo rose for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, with an average increase of 7.3% driven by high demand for condominiums and rising numbers of foreign visitors. Commercial land prices also saw a double-digit increase for the first time since 2008, fueled by strong demand from foreign tourists and redevelopment projects.