A Single Microscopic Image Can Tell the Whole Story

The Nikon Imaging Center was established as a facility where researchers throughout Japan can use the latest biological microscopes, and is now operated by the Research Institute for Electronic Science. Our dedicated staff will explain how to operate the equipment and software to beginners who may never have touched a microscope before.

Clarifying the health functions and mechanisms of phycoerythrin, which is abundantly contained in red algae dulse

We have discovered that Dulse, an unused red alga distributed along the coast of Hokkaido, is rich in the red protein phycoerythrin (PE), which may have a variety of health functions. Currently, we are analyzing the structure of PE to elucidate the mechanism of its health functions.

Using low-molecular-weight nucleic acid (microRNA) to control the function of immune and cancer cells, and to determine the immune status of subjects.

We provide microRNAs that control the immune response of the body and the proliferation of cancer cells. It is expected to be used as a nucleic acid medicine to improve the immune status and to treat cancer patients, and as a new biomarker to determine the immune condition of subjects by monitoring microRNA in the serum.

A system that collects data from a few weeks before an event to the day of the event and recommends appropriate event information.

Although event information was only valid for a short time and it was hard to handle it with conventional information recommendation technology, we have developed a flexible recommendation method by combining multiple factors such as user interest and geographic characteristics.

Using the data analysis environment R

To statistically analyze people's economic behavior, we generally use the results of actual behavior. However, the necessary data may not always be available. In such cases, the stated preference method of questionnaire-based research is useful. We conduct research using the stated preference method and develop the software to implement it.

Technology to reduce iodine in dried kelp by the competitive adsorption method

We have developed technology that can remove approximately 90% of iodine from kelp by simply circulating and distributing an extraction solvent containing monosaccharides and calcium through a column filled with dried kelp and adsorbents.

Toward more sophisticated analysis, maintenance and management, and planning of environments and structures where human activity takes place

We are developing theories and algorithms for point cloud processing to automatically recognize and create 3D models of objects and structures that exist in environments where human activity takes place, such as rooms, roads, pole-like objects (utility poles and street lights), street trees, and buildings, from 3D laser scanned point clouds.

Ammonia photosynthesis system involving hydrogen produced from water by visible and near-infrared light using an optical nano-antenna

To realize highly efficient artificial photosynthesis, we have used an optical nano-antenna made of metal nanostructures to convert solar energy to a wide range of wavelengths from visible to near-infrared, succeeding in hydrogen generation based on the photolysis of water and the photosynthesis of ammonia, which has recently attracted attention as an energy carrier.

Microfabrication and microstructure analysis

To support research and development of microfabrication and microstructure analysis, we make Hokkaido University’s state-of-the-art equipment and technical know-how available. In close cooperation with implementing institutions throughout Japan, we also support approaches to solving problems in the industrial field and at research sites under a nationwide system of equipment sharing.

Monitoring and risk assessment of geothermal resources through geophysical observations

Evaluation of the subsurface structure necessary for geothermal resource development by gravity survey and precise determination of the seismic source. Monitoring of geothermal reservoir resources by precise gravity measurements and crustal deformation observations. Risk assessment of induced earthquakes associated with geothermal well development and research on seismic activity prediction.

Preparation of liposomes encapsulating luciferase and application as an ultra-sensitive label in immunoassays

We have encapsulated the enzyme luciferase (Luc), which catalyzes bioluminescence reactions, in liposome, a lipid bilayer vesicle, and applied it as an ultrasensitive label for immunoassays. As a model substance, we performed immunoassay of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, and found that it could be quantified.

Creating community value through resident participation

From the perspective of landscape planning, we are researching ways to preserve and utilize the local environment by linking it to people's awareness and social understanding. In recent years, we have been practically researching how values and spatial needs that change with society, such as “health” and “funerals” can be reflected in the landscape.

Simple production of antifouling surfaces through a wet process

We have successfully fabricated a micro/nano-hierarchical surface morphology through chemical etching/anodization of aluminum sheets and meshes. By coating the surface with a fluoroalkyl monolayer, we have also succeeded in obtaining a surface that is not wetted by almost any liquids, including oil.

Ultra-rapid electrochemical deposition technology that does not require high temperature heat treatment

Crystalline titanium dioxide is a practically important oxide as a photocatalyst. We have developed a technology to form crystalline titanium dioxide thin films, which generally require heat treatment at high temperatures, on various metal substrates within only a few seconds using an electrochemical deposition method in aqueous solution.

Sugar modification for processing and improved health functions

Using the Maillard reaction to bind sugars to fish meat proteins, we can prepare water-soluble muscle proteins and peptides with modified processing properties and health functions (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant function, suppression of blood pressure increase and suppression of lipid absorption, etc.). It can also be applied to livestock and poultry meat and various proteins.

A system that can recognize gestures, including the internal state of the human body, based on the response to ultrasonic waves propagated in the human body.

We are developing a method of recognizing gestures, including the internal condition of the human body, such as the amount of force applied to an object, by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the human body using microphones and speakers in smartwatches or other devices and analyzing the responses.

Can windowpanes and mirrors serve as memory devices?

We have developed new information display and storage devices by incorporating electrochromic materials, which are attracting attention as “electronic curtains,” into thin-film transistors and using the color change of colorless transparent ? black and the conductivity changes of insulator ? metal. Information can be displayed and stored on window glass and mirrors.

As a result of replacing the sodium ions in the layered cobalt oxide with barium ions of heavier atomic mass, only the thermal conductivity decreased while the electrical properties remained unchanged. We have found that the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT reaches 0.11 at room temperature.

We have developed a matrix that can ionize sialylated glycans and glycoconjugates without modifying the carboxylic acid moiety of the sialic acids, and can analyze them with high sensitivity and resolution (reflector mode) without desorption of the sialic acid residue.

Significant improvement of peptide cyclization efficiency by controlling hydrogen bonds

By focusing on forming a hydrogen-bond network in the solvent, we have succeeded in both efficient peptide cyclization and improved solubility of poorly soluble peptides. This system can apply to drug discovery and molecular tool design.