Fluency in a foreign language is often thought to be about speaking quickly and using advanced vocabulary. However, researchers from Waseda University reveal that speakers who use common, everyday expressions sound more fluent than those who rely on rare, complex words. The study highlights the importance of mastering familiar phrases to improve fluency perception, suggesting that learners should naturally incorporate common formulaic expressions in spontaneous speech.

Nanomedicine is revolutionizing cancer treatment through precise drug delivery and advanced therapies, but clinical translation requires scalable solutions. Researchers in Japan have developed bacteria-enhanced graphene oxide nanoparticles that integrate chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and immune activation, effectively suppressing tumors in mice. When combined with laser treatment, they achieved complete tumor eradication. This advancement offers a scalable, targeted approach, addressing the limitations of traditional therapies and paving the way for more effective cancer treatments.

Overheating batteries are a serious risk, in the worst cases leading to fires and explosion. A team including researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed a simple, cost-effective method to test the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which opens up opportunities for research into new and safer batteries for the future. The researchers created an intentionally unstable battery which is more sensitive to changes that could cause overheating. The battery is one-fiftieth the size of conventional batteries, so is less resource intensive and tests can be carried out in a smaller lab environment.