Acute sublethal irradiation led to a prolonged reduction in thymic iNKT cell numbers. This population decrease is associated with concurrently increased cell death and proliferation rates.

Radiotherapy continues to cause skin disorders. In this article, with the aid of our human skin model maintained in ex vivo survival conditions for 15 days, we describe the modifications caused by irradiation and their modulation by a trola...

Radiotherapy continues to cause skin disorders. In this article, with the aid of our human skin model maintained in ex vivo survival conditions for 15 days, we describe the modifications caused by irradiation and their modulation by a trola...

In a nutshell: In a breakthrough that could reshape how tools for harsh environments are made, scientists at Hiroshima University have developed a method to 3D print one of the toughest materials used in industry: tungsten carbide – cobalt. The advance overcomes a long-standing challenge in additive manufacturing – how to shape ultra-hard composites without damaging their internal structure. The university's team reports that their approach centers on controlled "softening" of the material rather than complete melting. The process, known as hot-wire laser irradiation, reshapes tungsten carbide while maintaining its exceptional hardness and minimizing defects – an achievement that could transform how cutting, drilling, and construction tools are manufactured. Unlike most 3D printing workflows, which rely on fully melting metal powders or rods, the Hiroshima group used a laser to heat tungsten carbide rods just enough to make them pliable. This prevented grain growth and decomposition that often occur at full melting temperatures. To bond multiple printed layers securely, researchers added a nickel-based alloy as an intermediate layer within the build. The result: dense parts with a measured surface hardness exceeding 1,400 HV, approaching the hardness of gemstones like sapphire. Assistant Professor Keita Marumoto of Hiroshima University's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering described the technique as an entirely new approach to forming metallic materials. He noted that, while the current work focused on cemented carbides such as WC – Co, the same principle could potentially apply to other difficult-to-manufacture compounds. Tungsten carbide – cobalt composites are prized in industry for their extreme wear resistance and ability to withstand friction, heat, and mechanical stress. However, those same qualities make the alloy notoriously difficult to shape using conventional methods. Traditional approaches involve sintering powdered materials in molds, which limits geometrical complexity and generates substantial waste. Additive manufacturing could, in theory, solve both problems – if the material could survive the process. The Hiroshima method takes a distinct path between welding and 3D printing. By carefully tuning laser power and wire feed rates, the team ensures that the carbide softens just enough to fuse without losing its microstructure. This controlled phase prevents cracking and preserves the distribution of cobalt binder, which gives the alloy its signature balance of hardness and toughness. While the achievement represents a leap forward, the research group acknowledges that their work remains ongoing. They are fine-tuning the process to eliminate occasional cracking and plan to test how far the technique can be extended to more intricate geometries. If successful, additive manufacturing could soon produce complex industrial tools that combine durability with material efficiency – an outcome long out of reach for engineers working with ultra-hard composites.

Tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) is prized for its hardness, but that same property makes it unusually difficult to shape.