Research Profiles

JP

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 S

[synchrotron radiation]

High-speed X-ray phase tomography with a millisecond-order temporal resolution

 
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特徴・独自性
  • We successfully realized millisecond-order X-ray phase tomography using a fringe-scanning method in grating-based X-ray interferometry. We obtained phase tomograms with a measurement time of 4.43 ms using a white synchrotron X-ray beam. The use of a fringe-scanning method enables us to achieve not only a higher spatial resolution but also a higher signal-to-noise ratio than that attained by the Fourier transform method. In addition, our approach can be applied to realize four-dimensional or high-throughput X-ray tomography for samples that can be rotated at a high speed.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart

Wataru Yashiro

[Synthetic Medicines]

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

[Synthetic Organic Chemistry]

Development of New Reactions Using Organocatalyst

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Organocatalyst is a synthetically useful catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry, because of the several merits. We have been investigating the development of new and efficient organocatalysts derived from proline. We have already reported the diphenylprolinol silyl ether, which is called as a Jorgensen-Hayashi catalyst, and siloxyproline, which is effective in the presence of water. We have also developed several practical asymmetric catalytic reactions based on the organocatalysts. We also applied these reactions to the total synthesis of natural products and drugs. We have already synthesized Tamiflu in one-pot reaction, and prostaglandin E1 methyl ester via three one-pot procedure.
実用化イメージ

Our newly developed reactions using organocatalysis can be widely used for synthesis of medicines, agrichemicals, and chemical products.

Researchers

Graduate School of Science

Yujiro Hayashi

[systemic chemotherapy]

Development of an intranodal administration method

 
 
 
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概要

The response rate of systemic chemotherapy for metastatic lymph nodes is low. This invention presents the optimal values for solvent properties, especially viscosity, in a method for directly administering drugs to lymph nodes (lymphatic drug delivery system). In 2024, a specified clinical study (jRCTs021230040) on lymph node metastasis was started at the Iwate Medical University Hospital Head and Neck Cancer Center.

従来技術との比較

In systemic chemotherapy for metastatic lymph nodes, the amount of drug delivered to the metastatic lymph nodes is small. This is due to the increase in internal pressure caused by tumor growth in the lymph nodes and the disappearance of microvessels caused by the formation of tumor mass. In this invention, we clarified the optimal viscosity range of the solvent for the lymphatic drug delivery system, which directly administers drugs to lymph nodes.

特徴・独自性
  • The amount of anticancer drug required to treat one metastatic lymph node is 1/100 to 1/1000 of the systemic dose.
  • The drug can be administered into the lymph node under ultrasound guidance.
  • An international patent has been filed for the solvent of the administered drug.
実用化イメージ

1. Treatment and prophylactic therapy of affiliated lymph nodes in head and neck cancer, breast cancer, etc.
2. Pharmaceutical companies aiming to develop drugs by drug repositioning and generics
3. Medical device manufacturers aiming to develop a dosing system

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Tetsuya Kodama

[Systems Biology]

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

 T

[Tactile sensor]

Study on Tactile/Touch Feeling Sensor

 
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特徴・独自性
  • Tactile sense and the sense of touch are multiple combinations of fundamental sensations, such as smooth and rough, soft and hard, dry and wet, and hot and cold sensations. These sensations are described with the information on force, distortion, temperature, stickiness and oscillation.
  • A tactile sensor corresponding to several types of human skin sensory receptors and an active tactile sensor system that is an integrated sensor structure imitating human haptic motions have been developed. These sensor systems allowed measurement of "Kansei" words that are extremely vague tactile feelings, and roughness, softness and temperature sensations. However, tactile sense or the sense of touch also includes other sensations and combinations of them. Therefore, to develop a sensor, it is important to define how the sensations and physical information relating to the sensations are obtained and what relationships exist between them.
  • In this research, the relationships between sensations, including fundamental sensations that have already been obtained and other sensations, and the relevant physical information are being investigated. Additionally, on the basis of the knowledge through the investigation, an advanced sensor system that allows obtaining haptic information is being developed.
実用化イメージ

The research is beneficial not only to life science but also to manufacturing fields.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Mami Tanaka

[Teachers' assessment burden]

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

[tectonic plate]

Role of Volatiles on Petit-Spot Volcanoes

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The new kind of volcanoes, petit-spot, are located off NE Japan and Chile. They erupt at a submarine portion to be far from tectonic plate boundaries (e.g., mid-oceanic ridges and volcanic arcs) of the usual sites of volcanoes, earthquakes, and related geologic activity. The magmas have extremely high carbon dioxide and possibly originate from the base of tectonic plate.
実用化イメージ

The magma is squeezed upward and erupts in deep submarine environment wherever the tectonic plate flexes and fractures in the world. Collaborating work with business community would be required in order to search the submarine volcanoes and their related mines.

Researchers

Center for Northeast Asian Studies

Naoto Hirano

[telepsychology]

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

[Terahertz]

Spintronics Devices and Materials

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Spintronics is a technology utilizing electron spin which provided magnetic sensor, nonvolatile magnetic memory, and so on. Our studies are as below.
  • Noble & Rare-earth free magnetic films with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. We achieved to develop various Mn-bases alloy films exhibiting high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (Fig.1 ).
  • THz range observation of magnetization motion. We achieved to detect a motion of magnetization using pulse laser in time domain (Fig. 2).
  • Novel organic spin devices. We achieved to fabricate hybrid junction consisting of an organic layer sandwiched by two inorganic magnetic layers and to observe magnetoresistance effect.
  • Tunnel Magnetoresistive devices: We are developing TMR devices with Mn-Ga alloys films (Fig.3 ).
実用化イメージ

Magnetic memory and storage. Microwave and Terahertz wave. Magnetic sensors.
We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of these devices and materials in industry.

Researchers

Advanced Institute for Materials Research

Shigemi Mizukami

[Terahertz wave]

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

[Terms and conditions]

Consumer evaluation of the binding nature of terms and conditions in online transactions.

概要

In light of the increase in online transactions since the onset of the pandemic, this study examines how consumers' tendency to agree to terms and conditions without reading them in detail affects
consumers' perception of binding force of fine print contracts. Building on previous research in the United States, we conducted an online experiment targeting Japanese consumers and analysed their responses to different virtual scenarios involving financial products and sports clubs, including fraudulent conditions.

従来技術との比較

Unlike previous studies, which focused on face-to-face transactions, this study examines online transactions in Japan. It takes a unique approach by investigating the impact of website explanations, the stepwise effect of consumers' purchase behavior, and the effect of different transaction targets, such as financial products and sports clubs.

特徴・独自性
  • The following findings were obtained from the online experiment.
  • (1) In online transactions, the presence of terms and conditions makes consumers strongly aware of their binding nature. Even if the terms and conditions contain unfair contents, consumers believe that they have 'agreed' to them and are bound by them simply by virtue of their existence and the act of clicking or tapping on them.
  • (2) The effect of explanations on websites in strengthening the binding force of terms and conditions is limited.
  • (3) The evaluation of the binding nature of terms and conditions by consumers varies depending on the type of transaction, e.g. financial products versus sports club memberships. In everyday sports club transactions, consumers tend to evaluate unfair conditions more strictly.
実用化イメージ

The results of this study suggest two practical measures for creating a fair trading environment: policy formulation and legal reform.
(1) Consumer protection laws and cancellation rules must be strengthened to prevent unfair trading practices.
(2) Since the impact of binding rules varies depending on the type of goods and services, it is necessary to formulate sector-specific policies.

Researchers

Graduate School of Law

Hatsuru Morita

[testosterone]

Prevention and amelioration of late-onset hypogonadism by food ingredients

 
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特徴・独自性
  • Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is induced by age-related decline of testosterone synthesis, which leads to decrease muscle and sexual nature as well as mental symptoms such as depression. Now great attention is focused on prevention and amelioration of LOH via ingestion of foods and supplements.
  • We developed screening system of functional ingredients from food extracts for anti-LOH using testis-derived cells, and clarified that vitamins, nutraceuticals, and edible plant extracts have potentiating activities for the production of testosterone.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Hitoshi Shirakawa

[TGV (Through-Glass Via)]

Creating three-dimensional heterogeneous integration technology (chiplet integration technology) and bio-adaptive flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) to support next-generation AI and edge computing infrastructure.

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概要

As a global leader in three-dimensional stacking (3D-IC) and chiplet integration technologies, which are driving performance improvements in next-generation semiconductors, our laboratory has spearheaded research in chip-to-wafer type three-dimensional integration for over 20 years. Utilizing unique technologies, including "self-alignment packaging" that leverages the surface tension of droplets, we have tackled the challenging trade-off between positional accuracy and throughput, contributing to the realization of ultra-high-speed, low-power AI chip systems.
Furthermore, we have developed "dilet" technology, which miniaturizes silicon chips and embeds them in flexible substrates, establishing a platform that enables high-performance device mounting on curved surfaces. This has made significant contributions to the integration and applied research of flexible devices, such as wearable systems that naturally fit the arm, blood vessel visualization sheets, and low-power phototherapy devices that integrate chips and fine wiring into hydrogels primarily composed of water.

From basic research to social implementation utilizing GINTI, we are promoting consistent technological development and opening up new possibilities in semiconductor integration technology.

従来技術との比較

Compared to conventional planar mounting, vertical stacking of chips (3D-IC) shortens wiring length and dramatically improves signal transmission capability and energy efficiency. Furthermore, self-alignment enables the simultaneous placement of tens of thousands of tiny chips at ultra-high speed and precision

特徴・独自性
  • At IEDM2005, we demonstrated the world's first chip-to-wafer 3D stacking, and since then, we have continued to showcase our achievements at IEDM, leading the way in industrial applications. By using the surface tension of droplets for self-alignment, we have achieved both nano-precision and high throughput, and have established dielet technology that conforms to flexible substrates, as well as die-level 3D-ICs utilizing existing ICs. Furthermore, through collaboration with GINTI and venture companies, we are promoting high-speed prototyping and social implementation.
実用化イメージ

Applications are envisioned in areas such as HPC, edge AI, and medical devices. We anticipate collaboration with materials and equipment manufacturers to co-create new materials and processes, as well as design and fabless companies exploring innovative structures.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Takafumi Fukushima

[Thallium Bromide (TlBr)]

Development of Compound Semiconductor Radiation Detectors

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The main research subject of our group is developing material purification methods, crystal growth methods and detector fabrication technologies for compound semiconductor radiation detectors. Our group intensely studies a compound semiconductor, thallium bromide (TlBr), for fabrication of gamma-ray detectors for the advanced radiation applications. The attractive physical properties of TlBr lie in its high atomic number (Tl: 81, Br: 35), high density (7.56 g/cm3) and wide bandgap (2.68 eV). Due to the high atomic number and high density, TlBr exhibits high photon stopping power. The wide bandgap of TlBr permits the device low-noise operation at and above room temperatures.
実用化イメージ

Our group focuses on development of compound semiconductor radiation detectors for advanced radiation applications including ultra-high resolution PET systems, ultra-high resolution SPECT systems, photon counting CT systems and Compton cameras. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Keitaro Hitomi

[The 2011 Tohoku earthquake]

[Therapeutic apparatus]

Biometric Monitor and Therapeutic Apparatus System Mounted Inside Mouth

 
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特徴・独自性
  • We propose the biometric monitor and therapeutic apparatus system with telemedicine, especially for the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. This system is consisted of the sensor probes gathering biometric information and daily living activities, the signal processing units with wireless telecommunication with telemedicine center, and the therapeutic operation units with drug delivery into the mouth.
実用化イメージ

This system is embedded in usual dental prosthesis, such as denture or mouthpiece, so that this system can be installed into the mouth with no sense of discomfort. The system provides the necessary means of health support in an aging society, especially for the elderly who live alone and the hospital inpatients.

Researchers

Graduate School of Dentistry

Takeyoshi Koseki

[thermoacoustics]

Understanding and application of thermoacoustic phenomena

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Acoustic oscillations of a gas column in narrow flow channels can lead to various thermal phenomena such as production and amplification of acoustic power from heat and generation of low temperatures. We aim at understanding these thermoacoustic phenomena from experimental point of view, and developing heat engines that can operate without any moving parts like solid pistons.
実用化イメージ

Acoustic prime mover can use various heat sources like industrial waste heat and sunlight. Acoustic cooler is a Helium-gas based heat pump that needs no Freon gases as a coolant.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Tetsushi Biwa

[Thermodynamics]

Eco-Material Processing

 
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特徴・独自性
  • The major subject of our group is ferrous process metallurgy including thermodynamics of metals, alloys and molten slags, high temperature heterogeneous kinetics, phase equilibria of complex oxide systems and so on. We are interested in physic-chemical fundamentals of processing of metals, slags, scrap and waste. Recently our research interests are extended to multidisciplinary area so-called "Industrial Ecology" by the combination of process metallurgy, LCA (life cycle assessment) and social science such as econometrics.
実用化イメージ

Typically our research group is aggressively working in the area of material flow analysis of critical metals considering the quality of recycled materials. Currently our major research partners are steel and non-ferrous industries, while we do hope to collaborate with waste treatment company, mineral industry and an administrative organ.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Tetsuya Nagasaka

[thermophysical properties of high-temperature melts]

High-Temperature Processes and Measurements of Materials

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Fukuyama laboratory studies novel material processing based on chemical thermodynamics with high-temperature thermophysical property measurements. As examples, we are developing new crystal growth processes to bring a breakthrough in nitride-semiconductor devices, which are promising materials for next-generation optical devices applied in environmental, medical, bio and information technologies fields. Database of thermophysical properties of materials is needed for modeling heat and mass transports in materials processes.
実用化イメージ

A new thermophysical property measurement system is currently under development, which enables accurate measurements of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, emissivity, density and surface tension of high-temperature melts, utilizing electromagnetic levitation in a dc magnetic field.

Researchers

Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials

Hiroyuki Fukuyama

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