Research Profiles

JP

"O" Keywords - 47 Result(s)

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[Obesity]

Development of New Drugs and Devices Regulating Inter-Organ Neural Network for Obesity Therapy

 
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特徴・独自性
  • Obesity induced the metabolic syndrome, which causes cardiovascular diseases. Obesity has now become a major health concern not only in developed countries but developing countries. However, diet and exercise are still major therapies. We discovered endogenous systems maintaining homeostasis of energy metabolism and revealed several neuronal networks among organs to be responsible for the regulation systems.
  • 1) Afferent neuronal signals from adipose tissue regulate appetite and prevent over-eating during obesity development (Cell Metab 2006)
  • 2) Neuronal network from the liver enhances basal metabolic rates to prevent obesity development when energy store is increasing (Science 2006) 3) Neuronal network from the liver suppresses adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (Cell Metab 2012).
実用化イメージ

On the basis of these original discoveries, we are aiming at developing new drugs and/or building devices which regulate the inter-organ neuronal networks and hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application to obesity therapy.

Researchers

Graduate School of Medicine

Hideki Katagiri

[Object Tracking]

High-Speed Vision for Real-Time Motion Analysis

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • We are investigating high-speed vision systems that enable real-time image acquisition and visual processing at frame rates substantially higher than the standard video rate.
実用化イメージ

High-speed vision systems are useful for fast measurement and control of dynamic systems in general. When combined with external facilities such as high-speed projectors or acceleration sensors, they enable further wider applications including fast 3D measurement or object identification.

Researchers

Unprecedented-scale Data Analytics Center

Shingo Kagami

[Occlusal accuracy]

High-Precision Capturing of 3-D Dental-Arch Shapes and Their Occlusal Relation and its Potential Implementation into CAD/CAM Dentistry

 
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特徴・独自性
  • In spite of the long history of digital dentistry, the accuracy of the prosthetics fabricated with CAD/CAM systems is far from satisfactory. Jaw opening during taking impression elicits deformation of the mandible and the lower dental arch, and consequently causes the inaccuracy of occlusal relationship of the upper and lower dental arches on the CAD data. The method presented here utilizes the check-bite record at the maximum intercuspation to correct the relative positions among the teeth in the dental arches as well as between the arches. After this correction, the accuracy of the CAD data is satisfactory enough for the fabrication of the dental prosthetics which need no adjustment during their setting.
実用化イメージ

This method uses the newly-developed check-bite recording technique together with the conventional precious impression or optical impression techniques. It can easily be applied to the commercial CAD/CAM systems in the market. We hope to collaborate to the manufacturers of dental CAD/CAM systems to increase the accuracy of the systems.

Researchers

Graduate School of Dentistry

Yoshinori Hattori

[ocean pollution]

Developing plastic waste sorter using Terahertz waves and social implementation of sustainable recycling technology

 
 
 
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概要

This research utilizes the characteristics of terahertz waves, used in next-generation communications and autonomous driving, to identify the materials of plastic waste. It improves existing recycling technologies and can be applied to evaluate the quality of recycled plastics, ensuring stable production of high-quality recycled plastics. It enables easy development of devices to solve various issues in containers and packaging and automobile recycling, contributing to the realization of decarbonization and a circular economy.

従来技術との比較

Conventional plastic waste identification and sorting technologies use specific gravity sorting or near-infrared devices. Particularly, near-infrared sorting technology has accumulated an enormous amount of data and serves as the primary sorting technology in plastic recycling plants. However, near-infrared devices struggle with identifying black plastics, additives, and degradation. This technology uses terahertz waves to measure and evaluate transmission and absorption characteristics, allowing for identification of black plastics, additives, and degradation.

特徴・独自性
  • In recent years, there has been increasing global attention on plastic waste issues, such as marine pollution from drifting garbage and microplastics, the overseas export of plastic waste resources, and the increase in disposable containers like plastic bags and straws, especially due to the impact of COVID-19. There is growing demand for advanced identification and recycling of plastic waste materials, especially in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realizing a circular economy.
  • The research group from Tohoku University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and Shizuoka University has conducted research on the commercialization of advanced sorting devices for plastic packaging waste. We have successfully identified mixed plastics containing black plastics, additives, and flame retardants, which were difficult to identify with existing devices, by utilizing the characteristics of terahertz waves. We have also confirmed the ability of terahertz waves in assessing degradation caused by UV or long-term use. Furthermore, the method has been shown to be effective for distinguishing bioplastics, which is expected to see increasing demand in the future, in addition to plastic waste from container packaging, automobiles, and home appliances.
  • These identification technologies can be applied to properly sort plastic waste generated by the “The Plastic Resource Circulation Act,” enacted in 2022, contributing greatly to securing high-quality recycled resources through plastic waste resource recycling.
  • Our research group conducts interdisciplinary research with experts in various fields: social engineering, resource circulation (Professor Jeongsoo YU), optical engineering (Professor Tadao TANABE of Shibaura Institute of Technology and Professor Tetsuo SASAKI of Shizuoka University), information science and big data analysis (Associate Professor Kazuaki OKUBO), data collection and analysis, international cooperation (Specially Appointed Lecturer Gaku MANAGO), social experiments, and behavioral economics (Assistant Professor Xiaoyue LIU). We address the needs from social, economic, and environmental issues both domestically and internationally, working from diverse perspectives to solve challenges and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society. Collaboration and networking with private companies, government agencies, research institutions, and civic organizations are also expected.
実用化イメージ

This technology can be applied to the development of plastic waste identification and sorting devices from processes such as containers and packaging recycling, automobile recycling, and home appliance recycling, as well as the production and quality evaluation of recycled plastics.

Researchers

Graduate School of International Cultural Studies

Jeongsoo Yu

[Octane number]

Identification of Ignition and Combustion Characteristics by a Micro Flow Rector with a Temperature Gradient

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • We have developed a methodology for identifying general ignition and combustion characteristics of gaseous and liquid fuels including bio and synthetic fuels. It enables identification of ignition and combustion characteristics of new fuels prior to application for practical combustion devices. The reactor system consists of a small diameter channel which has a temperature gradient from room temperature to the auto ignition temperature and thus reaction characteristics in different temperature levels can be easily investigated. Such a measurement had required research level skills and special devices such as rapid compression machine or shock tube which is costly in general, however, the micro flow reactor with temperature gradient enables reaction analysis easily.
実用化イメージ

It is expected to contribute to the designing of combustion devices, developments of new fuels, and chemical promoter and inhibitor.

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Kaoru Maruta

[Oil film breakage]

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

[Okadaic Acid]

Development of a Novel Quantification Method for Diarrhetic Schell Fish Poisoning

特徴・独自性
  • We have investigated isolation and structure determination of natural products and evaluated mode of their actions. We have especially focused on marine natural products causative for a food poisoning, diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP), which has spread worldwide and threatened regional fishery industry. Dinophysistoxin produced by the dinoflagellate Dinophysis spp. and okadaic acid, are thought to be responsible for DSP. Acute toxicity test using mice has been the primary method for detection of DSP in the fish market, though an alternative method to quantify DSP without sacrificing mice has been requested. We isolated OABP2, a novel okadaic acid binding protein, from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai and succeeded in expression of the recombinant OABP2 in E. coli, which eventually showed high affinity to the DSP toxins.
実用化イメージ

We are now working on visualization of OA by utilizing OABP2 in order to provide an easy and quick quantification method for DSP.

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Keiichi Konoki

[oligonucleotide therapeutics]

Creation of cancer cell specific oligonucleotide therapeutics

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Focusing our reseach interest mostly on the recognition and complexation behavior control of bioplymrs, such as DNA/RNA, proteines and so on. Another topics are reaction control based on molecular recognition phenomena in both ground and electronically excited states, we are pursuing mechanistic and synthetic studies on asymmetric photochemistry with supramolecular biopolymers as chiral reaction fields.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials

Takehiko Wada

[olihonucleotide]

Development of Intelligent Molecules for the Regulation of Gene Expression in Cells

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The artificial control of gene expression by synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) has been the subject of considerable interest. In particular, ODNs conjugated with a cross-linking agent have been expected to enhance the inhibitory effect. Recently, microRNAs (miRNA) endogenously expressed small regulatory non-coding RNAs, are recognized as playing a critical role in regulating gene expression and the great concerns have been raised about efficient antisense oligonucleotides against miRNAs. We have already demonstrated that ODNs bearing a 2-amino-6-vinylpurine (2-AVP) derivative exhibited efficient interstrand cross-linking to cytosine selectively. The unique structural features of AVP are to possess both the hydrogen bond donor-acceptor sites as recognition sites and the vinyl group as a reactive moiety in a single molecule. Recently, we have developed of the novel cross-linking agents, which are designed based on the unique structure of AVP. These derivatives can react to thymine at the complementary site with highly selective and efficient under neutral conditions. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials

Fumi Nagatsugi

[opinion/information analysis]

Natural Language Processing for Semantic Analysis of Big Data

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • This lab conducts fundamental research for deep natural language processing (NLP) and NLP-oriented information organization such as classification, extraction, and summarization of language information. Our activities also cover a broad range of applied research including NLP-based information and knowledge mining, information credibility analysis, and resilient ICT through the maximal use of Big Data.
実用化イメージ

(i) Analysis of market trend or research trend through intelligent text mining, (ii) Discovery of potential needs and risks from opinions in social media, (iii) Management of knowledge in a company by analyzing internal documents, etc.

Researchers

Center for Language AI Research

Kentaro Inui

[optical biopsy]

Development of Optical Sysytems for Noninvasive Treatment and Diagnosis

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Optical fiber-based endoscopic systems for non-invasive treatment and diagnosis are developed. The fiber transmits high-powered laser light for treatment and low-powered light for diagnosis. We develop treatment and diagnosis systems utilizing not only common glass-based optical fibers but hollow-optical fibers. Hollow optical fibers deliver high-powered infrared lasers and light with wide range of wavelength from ultraviolet and far infrared.
実用化イメージ

Our potential collaborators will be medical device manufactures, as well as any electronic device, communication device, and measurement instrument manufactures considering new entry to the field.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Yuji Matsuura

[Optical Devices]

Development of Miniature and Highly-Functional Photonic Devices Using Ultrafine Microstructures

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • In our laboratory, miniature and highly-functional photonic devices based on new optical phenomena caused by the interaction of ultrafine microstructures with light have been studied. In addition, development of new production technology to overcome the problems that have been obvious from the practical application viewpoint of nanophotonic devices has been performed.
    • -Main research topics--
    MEMS tunable metamaterials for optical control.
  • Structural color filters using subwavelength gratings for the applications of display and spectroscopic analyzers.
  • Surface-smoothing technology using surface self-diffusion.
  • Study of low loss silicon nanophotonic devices.
実用化イメージ

We aim to realize optical filters, optical resonators, and color filters, by using above technologies. Also, development of nano-photonic elements fabricated by a nanoimprint technology has been progressed.
We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Yoshiaki Kanamori

[optical element]

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

[optical fibers]

Development of Optical Sysytems for Noninvasive Treatment and Diagnosis

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Optical fiber-based endoscopic systems for non-invasive treatment and diagnosis are developed. The fiber transmits high-powered laser light for treatment and low-powered light for diagnosis. We develop treatment and diagnosis systems utilizing not only common glass-based optical fibers but hollow-optical fibers. Hollow optical fibers deliver high-powered infrared lasers and light with wide range of wavelength from ultraviolet and far infrared.
実用化イメージ

Our potential collaborators will be medical device manufactures, as well as any electronic device, communication device, and measurement instrument manufactures considering new entry to the field.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Yuji Matsuura

[Optical Filters]

Development of Miniature and Highly-Functional Photonic Devices Using Ultrafine Microstructures

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • In our laboratory, miniature and highly-functional photonic devices based on new optical phenomena caused by the interaction of ultrafine microstructures with light have been studied. In addition, development of new production technology to overcome the problems that have been obvious from the practical application viewpoint of nanophotonic devices has been performed.
    • -Main research topics--
    MEMS tunable metamaterials for optical control.
  • Structural color filters using subwavelength gratings for the applications of display and spectroscopic analyzers.
  • Surface-smoothing technology using surface self-diffusion.
  • Study of low loss silicon nanophotonic devices.
実用化イメージ

We aim to realize optical filters, optical resonators, and color filters, by using above technologies. Also, development of nano-photonic elements fabricated by a nanoimprint technology has been progressed.
We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Yoshiaki Kanamori

[Optical MEMS]

Design and Fabrication of Micro-Optical Devices Based on Optics, Especially Optical MEMS and Sensors

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • On the basis of optical engineering, optical technologies for sensing mechanical motion, spectroscopic properties, and other physical/chemical characteristics are investigated. Moreover, using semiconductor micro/nano-fabrication technology, integrated micro-optical sensors, micro/nano optical systems, optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are studied. Micro laser scanner for display, deformable mirror for telescope, optical displacement encoder, and fluorescent analysis system are the examples of research topics.
実用化イメージ

Optical design, Optical industries, Industries relating to semiconductor micro fabrication and MEMS, optical telecommunications, etc.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Kazuhiro Hane

[Optical sensor]

Development of Sensors and Measuring Systems for Ultra-Precision Manufacturing and Nanomanufacturing

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The research is being focused on measurement of surface forms of precision workpieces and stage motions of precision machines, which are important items for ultra-precision manufacturing and nanomanufacturing. Optical sensors are being developed for measurement of angle and displacement, which are fundamental quantities for manufacturing. Technologies for improvement of the sensor sensitivity and bandwidth, reduction of the sensor size as well as new multi-axis sensing methods are being The research is being focused on measurement of surface forms of precision workpieces and stage motions of precision machines. Optical sensors are being developed for measurement of angle and displacement. A number of scanning-type measuring systems for precision measurement of surface forms and stage motions are also being developed. Error separation algorithms and systems for straightness and roundness, which are the most fundamental geometries treated in ultra-precision manufacturing, are being investigated. Novel systems based on scanning probe microscopy are under development for micro- and nano-structures as well as freeform optics in responding to new and important challenges from ultra-precision manufacturing and nanomanufacturing.
実用化イメージ

The multi-axis optical displacement and angle sensors developed in the laboratory are expected to measure motions of semiconductor/IC manufacturing and inspection equipment, precision machine tools, ultra-precision measuring instrument. The surface profile measurement systems are expected t play an important role in ultra-precision manufacturing and nanomanufacturing industries.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

I Ko

Design and Fabrication of Micro-Optical Devices Based on Optics, Especially Optical MEMS and Sensors

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • On the basis of optical engineering, optical technologies for sensing mechanical motion, spectroscopic properties, and other physical/chemical characteristics are investigated. Moreover, using semiconductor micro/nano-fabrication technology, integrated micro-optical sensors, micro/nano optical systems, optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are studied. Micro laser scanner for display, deformable mirror for telescope, optical displacement encoder, and fluorescent analysis system are the examples of research topics.
実用化イメージ

Optical design, Optical industries, Industries relating to semiconductor micro fabrication and MEMS, optical telecommunications, etc.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Kazuhiro Hane

[Optically Active Compounds]

Advanced Molecular Transformations by Organocatalysts

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The development of organic molecules which function as a catalyst has been extensively investigated to achieve selective and efficient transformation of organic molecules. Brønsted acids and bases are commonly employed as the catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry. To aim at their functionalization, axially chiral phosphoric acids and axially chiral guanidine bases have been developed as chiral Brønsted acid and base catalysts, respectively. A variety of optically active compounds has been synthesized through the development of highly stereoselective reactions using these catalysts.
実用化イメージ

The development of chiral Brønsted acid and base catalysts has been accomplished as recoverable and reusable organocatalysts and highly stereoselective molecular transformations have been established using these catalysts. The present methodology is applicable to process chemistry in preparing medicines and relevant compounds on the basis of the selective and efficient molecular transformations thus developed with reduction of the waste material.

Researchers

Graduate School of Science

Masahiro Terada

[Optimization Problem]

Optimizing everything / Optimal Society

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Aiming at developing practical quantum optimization technology known as quantum annealing, we are working on exploring basic technologies that can overcome the limitations and applications in collaboration with multiple companies. The advantage of the method is that it can be used simply by formulating a cost function that draws the goal to be optimized once, but we are not limited to the original method. We extend it by considering a much easier problem, sequential optimization by learning, black box optimization, etc.. In particular, it is being applied to automated driving, logistics in factories, and evacuation guidance during disasters.
実用化イメージ

Applications to route search problems such as automatic driving of various vehicles, evacuation route guidance at the time of disaster, process scheduling and a large number of combination problems. We can provide a solution to combinatorial optimization in each industry. (Transportation / distribution, manufacturing, materials, drug discovery, etc.)

Researchers

Graduate School of Information Sciences

Masayuki Ohzeki

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