Research Profiles

JP

"M" Keywords - 123 Result(s)

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[Measurement/analysis]

Development of Advanced Device and Process Technologies and New Image Sensors

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Toward the ultimate performances of image sensors, advanced research activities are being conducted that cover a wide range of technology fields from cleanroom infrastructure, materials, process equipment, process, device, circuit, assembly, signal processing, measurement/evaluation and reliability. Following technologies have been successfully commercialized:
  • A fast and accurate measurement technology of electrical characteristics for over 1 million transistors
  • A wide dynamic range CMOS image sensor technology capturing images over five decade brightness ranges
  • An ultra-fast CMOS image sensor technology with 10 million frames/sec
実用化イメージ

Followings are available for industry collaborators:
A. 200mm-diameter-wafer silicon device fabrication utilizing the ultra-clean facility including wafer mutual fabrication processing between device manufacturers.
B. Process technology development and various kinds of analyses.
C. Development of new image sensors.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Shigetoshi Sugawa

[mechanical biocompatibility]

Novel CoCr-based superelastic metallic biomaterial with low Young's modulus

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • General metallic biomaterials, such as stainless steels and conventional CoCr alloys, show a high Young's modulus ten times higher than that of human bones. This is an unfavored feature because it causes the so-called "stress shielding effect" when they are used as implants. β-type Ti alloys have a relatively lower Young's modulus, but they come with a compromise of low wear resistance. The current novel CoCr-based alloys are a breakthrough; they exhibit both a low Young's modulus similar to human bones and a high wear and corrosion resistance. Moreover, they exhibit superelasticity with a huge recoverable strain over 17%, also showing promise as shape memory alloys.
実用化イメージ

It is the first time that a low Young's modulus, a high corrosion and wear resistance, and a superior superelastic behavior are simultaneously obtained in a single material. The current novel CoCr-based alloys are promising for biomedical applications such as total hip or knee joint replacements, bone plates, spinal fixation devices, and vascular stents.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Xiao Xu

[Mechanical contact]

Development of a Numerical Prediction System for Sliding Part Wear and Seizure Occurrence Portions

 
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概要

Focusing on the lubricant film flow with phase change between the engine piston pin and connecting rod small end, we developed a new multiphase fluid-structure coupled analysis method that takes into account elastic deformation of the structure and flow path changes and developed a simulation prediction method for tribological properties under high load conditions. The simulation prediction method for tribological properties under high load conditions has been created. As a result, we succeeded in simulation prediction of the wear/seizure generating areas in sliding parts. We discovered that the peculiar deformation behavior of the components is the cause of wear/seizure.

従来技術との比較

It has been thought that computational prediction is impossible to verify the wear and seizure locations in fluid lubrication. Still, this study succeeded in the simulation prediction of wear and seizure locations in sliding parts.

特徴・独自性
  • Numerical prediction of the wear and seizure locations in the sliding parts of engine piston pins was successfully performed.
  • The bow-like deformation of the piston pin was identified as the cause of mechanical contact and seizure at the connecting rod edge.
  • A three-dimensional multiphase fluid-structure coupled analysis method has been successfully developed, considering the piston pin's elastic deformation and connecting rod and thin-film cavitation1 lubrication with unsteady flow path changes.
実用化イメージ

This research method applies to automotive engines and all sliding component elements using fluid lubrication. It contributes to damage prediction and the development of safety guidelines for transportation and industrial machinery components, enabling the optimal design of components.

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Jun Ishimoto

[Mechanical Excitation Process]

Noninvasive Ultrasonic Measurement of Dynamic Properties of Heart and Arteries

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Complexity of the cardiac contraction sequence is still not fully understood because the dynamic mechanical excitation process, which directly correlates with contraction, cannot be accurately measured by CT, MRI, SPECT, or conventional ultrasound. By developing a noninvasive novel imaging modality with high temporal and spatial resolutions (US patent 5840028), we have detected the minute mechanical response (velocity component) to the propagation of the action potential in the human heart or to detect the propagation of the vibrations along the heart wall caused by the valve closure (Fig. 2).
  • By applying the same procedure to the human arteries, the regional change in wall thickness caused during one cardiac cycle can be measured with high spatial resolution (Fig. 1). From the measurement, the regional elasticity of tissue surrounding atherosclerotic plaque can be determined. By comparing the pathological findings with the distribution of elasticity, elasticity of lipid and that of fibrous tissue were determined. Thus, each point inside the plaque is classified into lipid or fibrous tissue using transcutaneous ultrasound (Fig. 3).
実用化イメージ

This novel method offers potential as a diagnostic technique for detection of plaque vulnerability with high spatial resolution.
We are prepared to provide academic consultations to companies interested in our research.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Hiroshi Kanai

[mechanical property]

[Mechatronics]

Robot Technology for Achieving Secure Society

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Tadokoro Laboratory developed ‘Active Scope Camera,' a world-unique rescue robot that can search deep in rubble piles of collapsed structures through a gap of a few cm wide. It also developed ‘Quince,' a world-unique unmanned ground vehicle that could survey the second to fifth floors of Nuclear Reactor Buildings of Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Its technologies was applied industries, including unmanned transfer vehicle for outdoors under ice and snow environment being actually used in a factory of Toyota Motor East Japan, and ‘Robo-Scope' for debris inspection in collaboration with Shimizu Corporation.
実用化イメージ

We have a policy of education through and research for solution to actual problems. Current nearly ten collaborative researches focuses on outdoor investigation, infrastructure/plant inspection, and remote/autonomous task execution by robots.

Researchers

Tough Cyberphysical AI Research Center

Satoshi Tadokoro

[Medical Device Development]

Bioimplants that are as close to natural teeth as possible

概要

By applying nanoscale surface modification to individually designed 3D-printed titanium implants based on CT data, a biomimetic microenvironment is recreated, enabling regeneration of periodontal ligament-like tissue through host stem cell induction. This provides a novel treatment approach without cell transplantation for cases where existing implants are difficult to adapt.

従来技術との比較

Conventional implant treatment assumes direct bonding with bone, thus disregarding the regeneration of periodontal tissues such as the periodontal ligament. Furthermore, some patients avoid treatment due to concerns about bone-cutting surgery and multiple invasive procedures. This technology utilizes a nano-surface to induce stem cells, forming periodontal tissues similar to natural teeth. This enables the restoration of natural occlusal sensation through a single minimally invasive procedure.

特徴・独自性
  • Custom-designed for each patient's root morphology, it reproduces natural force transmission and chewing sensation. Furthermore, by utilizing nanostructures to control cell adhesion and differentiation, it enables periodontal tissue reconstruction without the need for cell transplantation or regenerative factor administration.
実用化イメージ

In the future, we aim to collaborate with implant manufacturers to advance mass-production prototyping and quality evaluation, targeting practical application as a medical device. We also seek partnerships with companies and management talent who can jointly undertake strategic planning and clinical deployment for commercialization.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Masahiro Yamada

[medical robot]

Magnetic Applications and Magnetic Materials

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The aim of our research are to obtain the high accuracy sensor system for the signals from the human body or electric devices and to obtain the system for approaching action to the human body by using the nano-scale controlled magnetic materials and by the development of the devices under the functions of the magnetics.
  • We studied the mechanism of obtaining the magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic thin films for the sensitive magnetic sensors. We obtained a non-metal probe for high frequency magnetic field, and confirmed the probe can measure the high frequency magnetic field with its phase information. In addition, 3D position detecting system using magnetic markers was studied to improve its position accuracy. The study about the magnetic actuator driven by the external magnetic field was carried out for biomimetic robots using the rotational magnetic field, and small wireless pumps were obtained and clarified for their application for an artificial heart-support pump.
実用化イメージ

<Medical Applications>
Motion system for capsule endoscope, Support system for endoscopic surgery, Position detecting system (motion capture), Wireless pump for artificial heart
<Sensors>
Magnetic field sensors, Strain sensors, Wireless sensors
<Materials>
Electrical steels of ultra low loss, Electrochemicaly produced materials (structure controlled in nano-scale)

Researchers

Research Institute of Electrical Communication

Kazushi Ishiyama

[Medical-Dental-Engineering Collaboration]

Bioimplants that are as close to natural teeth as possible

概要

By applying nanoscale surface modification to individually designed 3D-printed titanium implants based on CT data, a biomimetic microenvironment is recreated, enabling regeneration of periodontal ligament-like tissue through host stem cell induction. This provides a novel treatment approach without cell transplantation for cases where existing implants are difficult to adapt.

従来技術との比較

Conventional implant treatment assumes direct bonding with bone, thus disregarding the regeneration of periodontal tissues such as the periodontal ligament. Furthermore, some patients avoid treatment due to concerns about bone-cutting surgery and multiple invasive procedures. This technology utilizes a nano-surface to induce stem cells, forming periodontal tissues similar to natural teeth. This enables the restoration of natural occlusal sensation through a single minimally invasive procedure.

特徴・独自性
  • Custom-designed for each patient's root morphology, it reproduces natural force transmission and chewing sensation. Furthermore, by utilizing nanostructures to control cell adhesion and differentiation, it enables periodontal tissue reconstruction without the need for cell transplantation or regenerative factor administration.
実用化イメージ

In the future, we aim to collaborate with implant manufacturers to advance mass-production prototyping and quality evaluation, targeting practical application as a medical device. We also seek partnerships with companies and management talent who can jointly undertake strategic planning and clinical deployment for commercialization.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Masahiro Yamada

[Medicine]

IVR (Interventional Radiology) Treatment of Hypertention: Minimally Invasive Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism Based on the Adrenal Vein Sampling Technology

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Primary aldosteronism is a leading cause of secondary hypertension accounting for approximately 10 % of hypertensive patients; 4 million patients potentially exist in Japan. We aim to optimize the method of ablating aldosterone producing adenoma using newly developed bipolar radiofrequency ablation system with 300-400kHz high-frequency current and electric power of 40W (Celon Prosurge Applicator), and establish a less invasive interventional radiological treatment of primary aldosteronism.
実用化イメージ

Collaboration with medical equipment manufacture and universities are expected to develop new devices enabling ablation of aldosterone producing adenoma. Flexible guide-wire-type ablation system and rapid aldosterone assay system should be co-developed to tread aldosterone producing microadenoma which is difficult to detect due to its small diameter of less than 5mm.

Researchers

Graduate School of Medicine

Kei Takase

Yeast models of familial Alzheimer disease to screen for gamma-secretase inhibitors and modulators

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Using the yeast transcriptional activator Gal4 system, we reconstituted the production of amyloid beta (Aβ), responsible for Alzheimer disease. Aβ production could be monitored by the positive growth in the selection media or by the reporter enzyme (β-Gal). Utilizing familial Alzheimer disease mutants, we established a system to screen for mutations and chemicals that modulate gamma secretase activity and reduce toxic Aβ42.
実用化イメージ

Our yeast system can be used to screen for chemicals, natural products, food ingredients, genes, and mutations that modulate γ-secretase activity and block Aβ42 production specifically. We hope to conduct collaboration research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Eugene Futai

[MEMS]

Minimally Invasive Medical Devices and Healthcare Devices Using Micro/Nano Machining Technology

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Medical devices and healthcare devices which have several functions with small size have been developed using precise micromachining technology and MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) technology. More precise and safe diagnostics and therapy, as well as novel diagnostics and treatment can be realized by developing high-functionalized endoscopes and catheters and developing novel medical devices. Healthcare without restriction of location and time is aimed by developing thin, light and high-functionalized new healthcare devices.
実用化イメージ

Besides of basic research, we are working in cooperation with clinicians and medical device companies for practical use. We founded a university-launched venture company for bridge-building between university and company and collaborative researches have been performed.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Yoichi Haga

Hands-On Access Fabrication Facility –Open Facility for MEMS and Semiconductor Prototyping–

 
 
 
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概要

We offer shared facility for the development of semiconductor prototypes equipped with 4-inch, 6-inch and some 8-inch wafer fabrication tools available on an hourly basis. Know-how accumulated at Tohoku University is available, and staff provide maximum support for prototyping. The service is performed at the 1,200 m2 Super Clean Room on the second floor of the Junichi Nishizawa Memorial Research Centre at Tohoku University. For information on equipment and fees, see our website.

従来技術との比較

More than 10 experienced technical staff assist customer's usages. Standard process conditions for each process, such as etching and deposition, are provided. allowing customers to start prototyping immediately. Various materials other than silicon can also be supported.

特徴・独自性
  • We support the development of devices and semiconductor materials such as MEMS, optical elements and RF components.
  • Technical consultation on devices and processes before and during prototyping is also available.
  • A
  • 'Prototype lab' for device packaging is also available.
  • The museums where you can learn about the history of semiconductors, measuring instruments and sensors are open.
  • As part of Technology Co-creation for Semiconductor of Tohoku University, we promote R&D of semiconductors and the development of human resources.
  • On-demand semiconductor human resource development programs for students and engineers are available.
  • As a member of the MEXT's Advanced Research Infrastructure for Materials (ARIM) program, we are involved in sharing facility and data.
実用化イメージ

More than 330 companies have used our shared facility since its launch in 2010, not only from device manufacturers such as MEMS, but also from manufacturers of materials, mechanical components and equipment. To date, we have successfully supported the commercialization of about 10 devices.

Researchers

Micro System Integration Center

Kentaro Totsu

MEMS/Micromachines and Microfabrication Technology

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • We are studying MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) and related technologies, which are typically used for the input/output of information/communication devices, the safety of automobiles etc. Our representative topics include integrated sensors, piezoelectric devices, RF MEMS, micro energy devices and wafer-level packages. Our facilities are open-accessible and well equipped with a lot of tools for lithography, dry/wet etching, thin film deposition, wafer bonding, device mounting and evaluations, which can be operated by each researcher. Using these tools, a variety of MEMS are being prototyped. Also, new microfabrication tools are being developed by ourselves.
実用化イメージ

We are collaborating with many companies, from which visiting researchers are dispatched to our laboratory. We also accept companies which want to just use specific tools in our facilities. Consultation is always welcome.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Shuji Tanaka

[mental health]

Leveraging Telepsychology to Improve Access to Mental Health Support

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概要

The importance of mental health has been widely recognized. Nevertheless, in Japan, the treatment gap remains unresolved. On the user side, there are barriers such as stigma and time/financial costs associated with help-seeking. On the provider side, challenges include the difficulty of matching clients with appropriate psychological support. Telepsychology has the potential to solve these issues. My research focuses on online psychological support and examines its effectiveness and potential applications.

従来技術との比較

Previous studies have focused on examining the effectiveness of various forms of online psychological support. However, whether telepsychology improves people’s help-seeking have been underexamined. My research investigates both the effectiveness of telepsychology and explores appropriate service provision to enhance people’s help-seeking.

特徴・独自性
  • • My research goes beyond showing the “effectiveness” of online psychological support and focuses on improving accessibility, aiming for outcomes that are practical and useful in society.
  • • It examines both user factors (such as stigma and costs) and provider factors (such as matching difficulties).
  • • Based on empirical evidence, it explores better ways of delivering services so that psychological support becomes easier to access.
実用化イメージ

The goal of this research is to improve access to psychological support services, contributing to early intervention and the maintenance of mental health and well-being. There is potential for collaboration with companies providing mental health-related services, organizations promoting employee health management and corporate wellness, as well as ICT-based medical and welfare service developers.

Researchers

Graduate School of Education

Schlemper Lenna

[Message relay]

Message Transmission without Cellular Coverage, “Relay-by-Smartphone"

 
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特徴・独自性
  • Our technology provides the necessary method for sending messages even when the physical infrastructure is not available. The technology utilizes common smartphone WiFi functionality to send message in a multi-hop fashion. Thus it is possible to send message to people further away. Our technology has been designed to be based on Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTN), but the technical key idea is the combination of DTN and Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET), which can improve the message delivery in an area with high population density or where mobility are fixed such as evacuation center.
実用化イメージ

This technology can be used to distribute information during emergency situation such as after disaster. In addition, it is possible to provide additional services such as advertisement within shopping areas, distribution of coupons, exchange of information within small group during public events or uses as transceiver during group hiking. There is also possibility of using this technology to provide communications service in developing nations.

Researchers

Graduate School of Information Sciences

Nei Kato

[Metabolic syndrome]

Exercising "Cultured" Myotubes!

 
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特徴・独自性
  • We succeeded in generating highly developed cultured C2C12 myotubes by manipulating intracellular Ca2+ transients with electric pulse stimulation (EPS), that are endowed with similar properties to in vivo skeletal muscle in terms of (1) excitation-induced contractile activity as a result of de novo sarcomere formation, (2) higher energy expenditure (as assessed by AMPK activation), and (3) improved insulin responsiveness (as assessed by exofacial myc-GLUT4 translocation assay).
実用化イメージ

Taking advantage of our “in vitro Exercise Model", our innovation will be an excellent alternative for the animal experimentation that can be applicable for a wide array of skeletal muscle research including drug screen.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Makoto Kanzaki

[Metabolism]

The intersection between the skeleton and metabolism

 
 
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概要

Beyond the classic function of bone, bone cells have been shown to regulate whole energy metabolism through bone-derived factors (osteokines). However, much of the research done to elucidate the pathophysiology of metabolic dysfuntion uses the classical approach of studying organs obviously implicated in energy metabolism. When Looking at the importance of skeletal integrity through the lens of evolution, we find that bone served a survival function. Humans had to consistently be mobile to look for food and shelter. Furthering this logic reveals that bone and energy metabolism are entwined. Therefore, this project aims to 1. identify bone factors that are associated with metabolic conditions and 2. to bridge our knowledge of the skeletal system represented by its cell types and our understanding of energy metabolism of the organism into one integrated subject.

従来技術との比較

Our research project offers a transformative advantage over conventional approaches by thinking with the end in mind (i.e translational potential) . We employ a multi-omics approach that goes beyond the conventional focus on single layers of biological information that will deepen our understanding of metbaolic diseases and accelerates identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

特徴・独自性
  • Interdisciplinary approach
  • Multi-omics integration
  • Translatioal potential
実用化イメージ

Our research offers potential for early diagnostics, novel biomarkers, and personalized therapeutic approaches for conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and diabetic osteoporosis. Our work fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and inspires future translational research and RnD with industrial partners.
This work promotes public awareness of the importance of bone health and ultimately aims to deliver tangible societal benefits.

Researchers

Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences

Aseel Mahmoud Suleiman Marahleh

[Metabolomics]

Oral Biofilm Functional Analysis: from “What Are They?" to “What Are They Doing?"

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • A large number of microorganisms inhabit the oral cavity, such as the teeth, gingiva and tongue, in the form of oral biofilm. The oral cavity forms an ecosystem where the host (humans) and parasites (microorganisms) coexist. Disruption of the balance of this oral ecosystem leads to dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral malodor, and even deterioration of dental materials.
  • Using leading-edge techniques of anaerobic experimental systems including original and unique devices, as well as the notion of "omics" such as metagenomics and metabolomics, we conduct research on oral biofilm functions. Knowledge of oral biofilms, from "what are they?" to "what are they doing?", enables us to address their control, that is, prevention of and therapy for oral biofilm-associated diseases.
実用化イメージ

Risk assessment of oral biofilm-associated diseases, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, oral malodor and aspiration pneumonia
Effects of medicine and food ingredients on oral biofilm function
Evaluation of biofilm-mediated material deterioration

Researchers

Graduate School of Dentistry

Nobuhiro Takahashi

[Metacognitive ability]

Development of an AI Diagnostic Model for Summarization Skill and Metacognitive Ability in English Listening and Reading Comprehension-Based Summarization

 
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概要

Having devoted many years to English language education, my primary research interest lies in its pedagogical applications. Writing summaries in English is widely recognized as a crucial academic literacy skill for English language learners. However, English summarization is an exceptionally demanding cognitive skill that proves challenging to acquire, as it requires multiple competencies: summarizing skills, English writing skills, and metacognitive abilities. Consequently, English learners, despite being able to comprehend information in English and mentally organize it, frequently fail to produce high-quality summaries due to constraints in their English writing skills.
Our current research focuses on developing an AI-based diagnostic model designed to assess not only overall English summarization performance but also learners’ underlying summarizing skills and metacognitive abilities based on English summaries produced by Japanese English learners.

従来技術との比較

The development of an AI model that estimates and diagnoses summarizing skills and metacognitive abilities addresses criteria missing in conventional assessment frameworks, and our research, as an interdisciplinary study integrating English education, cognitive psychology, and natural language processing, is expected to make valuable contributions to both educational practice and academic research.

特徴・独自性
  • A distinctive feature of our research is its attempt to define the fundamental nature of summarizing skills more precisely by comparing summaries produced by Japanese English learners in both English and their first language, Japanese, with a particular focus on the presence or absence of barriers related to writing skills.
  • Furthermore, our research prioritizes high authenticity by targeting English source materials that integrate both listening and reading comprehension for summarization tasks. This integrated approach realizes assessment conditions that more closely approximate actual classroom environments and study-abroad learning contexts.
実用化イメージ

The AI-based diagnostic model developed in our study is expected to contribute to the improvement of summary writing instruction in English language education and to reduce teachers’ assessment burden. Teachers will be able to understand the extent to which learners have acquired summarizing skills and how effectively they can utilize metacognitive strategies when they write English summaries, thereby facilitating the provision of more effective instructional strategies and formative feedbacks. Furthermore, in the longer term, the diagnostic data of our study may support the development of online instructional materials incorporating VR (Virtual Reality) avatars, as well as the design of engaging learning environments in which avatars provide both verbal and non-verbal feedbacks at appropriate moments, thereby enhancing learner motivation.

Researchers

Graduate School of Arts and Letters

Makiko Kato

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