This technology is related to the development of a “response-behavior selective” type gas sensor that can discriminate multiple gases in a single sensor channel. The VO₂(M1) phase shows different response behavior (upward/downward) to gases such as ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), enabling highly accurate identification even in gas mixtures. It can be operated at room temperature and is expected to be applied in the healthcare field.

Conventional semiconductor gas sensors rely on “response-intensity selectivity,” making it difficult to distinguish between gases with similar properties. In addition, detection of multiple gases requires a multi-channel configuration, which poses challenges to device miniaturization and low power consumption. This technology enables multi-gas discrimination with a single channel, achieving high selectivity while minimizing interference.

• We propose a new sensing concept called “response behavior-selectivity,” in which identification is based on the directionality of the gas response (forward/reverse). Theoretical calculations predict the response behavior, which can be controlled by doping elements, which is unique to this technology. Furthermore, flexible sensor chips can be fabricated, making them suitable for wearable devices.

Potential applications include smart diapers that identify defecation and urination, health monitoring by exhalation, and VOC detection. In the future, we will promote development toward practical applications while further downsizing the device and improving the efficiency of signal transmission by linking it with MEMS technology and IoT.

• McH/lpr-RA1 mice are recombinant congenic mice descended from MRL/lpr and C3H/lpr mice and develop arthritis, vasculitis, and sialadenitis with high frequency and severity, with severe pannus formation similar to rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and Sjogren's syndrome. On the other hand, McH/lpr-RA1 mice do not develop systemic lymphadenopathy and severe nephritis as seen in MRL/lpr mice, so they are easy to breed and maintain and can be used for long-term drug administration experiments.

Development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for collagen diseases. It can be applied to the elucidation of the mechanism of onset of immunological adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of drugs to prevent the onset of such events, etc. Industry-academia collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, test reagent companies, etc. is possible.

• 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).

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.

• Strong points
• Anemia is a very prevalent disease. Nevertheless, an effective therapy is yet to be discovered. Erythropoietin is effective only for those with renal dysfunction. We have found that inhibition of an enzyme for epigenetic regulation results in a prominent increase of erythropoiesis, pointing to a new target for anemia therapy. We have also generated a new, cell-based assay system for the enzymatic activity and carried out small molecule screening.
• Collaboration with industry partners
• We are seeking a collaboration to accelerate the development of new anemia drugs based on these findings. Together we will advance the development of the candidate molecules currently identified as well as conduct further screening of larger chemical space for better candidates and/or for drug repositioning.

This technology is related to the development of a “response-behavior selective” type gas sensor that can discriminate multiple gases in a single sensor channel. The VO₂(M1) phase shows different response behavior (upward/downward) to gases such as ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), enabling highly accurate identification even in gas mixtures. It can be operated at room temperature and is expected to be applied in the healthcare field.

Conventional semiconductor gas sensors rely on “response-intensity selectivity,” making it difficult to distinguish between gases with similar properties. In addition, detection of multiple gases requires a multi-channel configuration, which poses challenges to device miniaturization and low power consumption. This technology enables multi-gas discrimination with a single channel, achieving high selectivity while minimizing interference.

• We propose a new sensing concept called “response behavior-selectivity,” in which identification is based on the directionality of the gas response (forward/reverse). Theoretical calculations predict the response behavior, which can be controlled by doping elements, which is unique to this technology. Furthermore, flexible sensor chips can be fabricated, making them suitable for wearable devices.

Potential applications include smart diapers that identify defecation and urination, health monitoring by exhalation, and VOC detection. In the future, we will promote development toward practical applications while further downsizing the device and improving the efficiency of signal transmission by linking it with MEMS technology and IoT.