Life Sciences
Information and Communication
Nanotechnology / Materials
Manufacturing Technology
Human and Social Sciences
Energy
Environment
Tourism / Community development
Arctic Research
Social Infrastructure
Open Facilities
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1. No Poverty
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2. Zero Hunger
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3. Good Health and Well-being
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4. Quality Education
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5. Gender Equality
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6. Clean Water and Sanitation
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7. Affordable and Clean Energy
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8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
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9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
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10. Reduced Inequality
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11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
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12. Responsible Consumption and Production
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13. Climate Action
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14. Life Below Water
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15. Life on Land
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16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
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17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
14. Life Below Water: 13
- 1. No Poverty
- 2. Zero Hunger
- 3. Good Health and Well-being
- 4. Quality Education
- 5. Gender Equality
- 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
- 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
- 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- 10. Reduced Inequality
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
- 13. Climate Action
- 14. Life Below Water
- 15. Life on Land
- 16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
- 17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
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Equipment for Simultaneous Optimization of Quality and Quantity of Liquid Ice for Freshness Preservation
Liquid ice optimization system for long-term freshness preservation of food
We have developed a device that calculates the minimum required amount of food-grade liquid ice (slurry ice (salt water ice) or salt-free water ice) using a simple heat capacity calculation, and that also calculates the salt concentration, water/ice mixing ratio, and shelf life to determine the slurry ice temperature based on the overall heat transfer coefficient (container heat radiation parameter) of the storage container.
Research
The amount of produced slurry ice, which is useful for maintaining the freshness of marine animals, often exceeded the amount actually used because there was not a calculation method that took storage time into account. At our laboratory, we have developed a device to optimize the quality (salt concentration and water/ice mixing ratio) and quantity (shelf life) of slurry ice simultaneously and quickly on the spot based on the overall heat transfer coefficient of the storage container, as described earlier. Since this method can be applied to the production of fresh water-derived salt-free liquid ice, it can also be used for other food than marine animals (vegetables, fruits, and livestock), and we are currently working to obtain the rights to this invention.
Naoto Tsubouchi Associate Professor -
MIRASAL, a Device for Visualizing the Freshness of and Best Timing for Eating Food Animals
A device for evaluating the freshness of and the best timing for eating food animals to ensure safety and security
In collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), we have developed a visualization device called MIRASAL to evaluate the freshness of and the best timing for eating food animals by using a simulation method to determine the concentration of degraded components in any part of a food animal (aquatic or livestock animal), which changes over the course of time after the animal has died.
Research
At the wholesale markets in fish and shellfish production and consumption areas, freshness is an important criterion in the determination of transaction prices, and the K value has been proposed as an evaluation index. However, since the K-value is calculated by sampling any part of a postmortem marine animal and analyzing the components after various pretreatments, real-time evaluation (understanding) at the distribution site is not possible. Aiming to solve this problem using an appropriate simulation method, we have developed a device that can evaluate the freshness and the best timing to eat fish and shellfish based on various information such as the type and size of the fish and shellfish, the elapsed time since death, and the storage temperature, using the method described above. We are currently working on the acquisition of the rights to the invention and for improvement of its portability (for use with smartphones, etc.). This device “MIRASAL” can also be applied to livestock animals such as beef, chicken, and pork.
Naoto Tsubouchi Associate Professor -
Discovery and Application of a Novel Enzyme Capping the N-Terminus of Peptides
Novel peptide ligase
・We discovered a novel enzyme catalyzing the attachment of non-proteinogenic amino acids to the amino termini of various peptides.
・It is expected to lead to the protection of useful bioactive peptides and the development of new anti-tuberculosis drugs.Research
One of the disadvantages of using peptides as pharmaceuticals is that they are degraded by peptidases. Since exo-type peptidases acting on peptide termini are mostly responsible for degradation in humans, attachments of non-proteinogenic amino acids to the peptide termini is valuable from the viewpoint of protecting them from degrading enzymes for drug development. In this study, as a result of biosynthetic studies of the peptide antibiotic pheganomycin, we found an enzyme that capped the amino terminus of various peptides consisting of 2 to 18 amino acids with a phenylglycine derivative, which is a non-proteinogenic amino acids. To understand the broad substrate specificity, we solved the crystal structure of the enzyme and found that the enzyme has a large substrate binding site, which is not found with other enzymes, and that can thus accept a variety of substrates. Nat. Chem. Biol., 11, 71 (2015).
Tohru Dairi Professor -
Environmentally Friendly Marine Biofouling Prevention Compounds Derived from Biomass
Toxic marine anti-biofouling agents against barnacles and other marine organisms are causing pollution to the marine environment, and it is necessary to develop safe alternatives. We have succeeded in creating potent and low-toxicity compounds by synthesizing biomass-derived compounds. Further optimization is also possible.
Research
The use of the ocean by mankind (e.g., ships and cooling pipes for power plants) is essential, but marine fouling organisms such as barnacles impairs the fuel efficiency of ships and obstructs the functions, for example by clogging. Organotin compounds have been used to prevent functional impairment, but their use has been banned due to their toxicity, and the development of alternatives is desired. We are focusing on compounds used by marine organisms such as nudibranchs to protect against fouling by other organisms. As a result of synthesizing the compounds, we found functional groups (anti-fouling units) that are important for anti-fouling. The functional group was introduced into inexpensive biomass derived from marine organisms in a short process, and when the synthetic product was tested for anti-fouling (cypris larvae of striped barnacles), they were found to have both very strong anti-fouling activity and very weak toxicity. We are currently conducting research on the synthesis of similar compounds and the addition of further functions.
Taiki Umezawa Associate Professor -
Exploration of Marine Phytoplankton from Space
Development of techniques for classification exploration and quantification of phytoplankton in the ocean using satellites
We are developing a method to remotely survey floating microalgae (phytoplankton) in the ocean using earth observation satellites. We are currently examining a method to quantitatively observe the world’s largest number of taxonomic groups (11 groups) for remote sensing.
Research
Phytoplankton in the ocean is a primary producer that supports bioenergy production required for fish production, and the abundance ratios among different kinds of phytoplankton can be used as an indicator of different ecosystem structures (and thus different biological resources). It is expected that the application of satellite exploration technology will enable us to understand where, when, and how different ecosystem structures are fluctuating around the world, which will in turn enable efficient exploration, evaluation and management of biological and fishery resources.
Takafumi Hirata Specially Appointed Associate Professor -
Exploring Strategies for Coexistence between Indigenous Siberians and Wildlife
A practical study on an adaptive wildlife management system for utilization and protection of wild animals and birds
To reduce conflicts between local communities and wildlife (e.g., agricultural damage and invasive species problems), we plan and implement surveys and countermeasures with the participation and initiative of local residents, and provide bottom-up policy support. In recent years, we have also been involved in the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries to protect the livelihoods of indigenous people in Siberia.
Research
◇ Survey of reindeer and other wild animals and establishment of protected areas
In the Arctic region of the Republic of Sakha in the Russian Federation, which is the closest Arctic area to Japan, we have attached satellite transmitters to wild animals (e.g., reindeer, musk ox, wolf) used by indigenous people to clarify the effects of global warming and seasonal migration. Based on this information, we are working with indigenous groups, local governments, hunting groups and other parties to establish and evaluate protected areas and hunting areas that contribute to traditional livelihoods.
◇ Survey of Migratory Birds in Japan and Evaluation of International Protected Areas
Siberia is an important breeding ground for migratory birds that use the arctic and other northern regions, including Japan, but their habitats are changing due to global warming. Therefore, we are conducting surveys, research, and practical applications to comprehensively evaluate the impact of global warming on habitat protection areas by creating a network of different surveys that have been conducted in individual countries.Shirow Tatsuzawa Assistant Professor -
Functional Modification of Food Proteins
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.
Research
Summary
The Maillard reaction can be used to bind reducing sugars to proteins and peptides to create new fish food products with modified properties.
Comparison with conventional technology and uniqueness
High-molecular complex proteins such as muscle proteins are prone to thermal aggregation, and progression of the Maillard reaction leads to deterioration of various properties. We have developed a new method to create functional materials from unstable proteins such as fish food proteins by controlling both protein denaturation and the Maillard reaction.
Characteristics of the materials and manufacturing technologies that can be created.
1. Introduction of sugar chains without using chemical reagents
2. Making muscle soluble in water and adding highly emulsifiable properties
3. Improving the stability of unstable proteins
4. Modification of in vivo active health functions
5. Can be applied to the development of functional peptides.
6. No limitations on the form of the raw materialsHiroki Saeki Professor -
Glacier Ice Sheet-Ocean Interactions in Greenland
Warming Greenland's Coastal Environment
In Greenland, which is located in the Arctic region, the mass of the glacier ice sheet has been rapidly decreasing in recent years. We are conducting research using field surveys and satellite data, with the focus on the environmental changes along the coast of Greenland, where the glacier ice sheets meet the ocean.
Research
Greenland is approximately six times the size of Japan, and 80% of its area is covered by glacial ice sheets. The ice in Greenland is rapidly diminishing due to the effects of global warming. In particular, glaciers flowing from the ice sheets into the ocean are undergoing remarkable changes, suggesting the influence of the warming ocean. In addition, the inflow of meltwater into the ocean is expected to raise sea levels and cause changes in ocean circulation and ecosystems, although the details are still unclear. Against this background, we are working to understand the interaction between glacier ice sheets and the ocean, and the resulting changes in the coastal environment of Greenland. We are conducting field observations and satellite data analysis with special focus on the Kanak region in the northwestern part of the country. Ultimately, we aim to clarify the impact of environmental changes on fisheries and traffic, and to provide feedback to local residents.
Shin Sugiyama Professor -
Glowing Plankton
GFP and luciferase in copepods
Marine organisms include various bioluminescent creatures. We have identified a green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a secreted luciferase (luminescent enzyme) from copepods, the most dominant plankton species.
Research
Zooplankton serves as energy transmitters in marine ecosystems, passing basic production to higher organisms. The dominant zooplankton species in the Arctic Ocean are copepods, most of which have a lifespan of one year or less, but their samples can be preserved semi-permanently with formalin fixation, making them an ideal taxonomic group for assessing the interannual variability in biological production in the region. Some species of copepods are also bioluminescent. It is thought that they emit light when they are about to be predated upon in dark waters, and use it to distract predators. We have identified a fluorescent protein (GFP) and a luciferase (luminescent enzyme) from copepods.
Atsushi Yamaguchi Associate Professor -
Resilience and Adaptive Capacity of Arctic Marine Systems under a Changing Climate
Overall understanding of marine ecosystems throughout the Arctic Rim
International workshops have been held to present individual research results of existing research projects in the pan Arctic seas (i.e., the Arctic Ocean and adjacent subarctic seas), which have been underway in Japan, the U.S., and Norway, with the aim of achieving an overall understanding of the results in each area by identifying similarities and differences.
Research
The objective of this study is to provide an overall understanding of the response of marine ecosystems to environmental change in the Pacific-Arctic-Atlantic region by identifying similarities and differences in the circumpolar pan Arctic seas (i.e., the Arctic Ocean and adjacent subarctic seas). The Ecosystem Studies of Sub-Arctic and Arctic Seas (ESSAS), a regional research program of the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR), is the parent organization of this project. The research is promoted mainly by the scientific steering committee members from Japan, the United States, and Norway. Between 2015 and 2018, in particular, three international workshops were held to present the results of existing research in each country and to promote an integrated understanding of marine ecosystems throughout the pan Arctic seas.
Sei-Ichi Saitoh -
Simple Pathogen Measuring Devices
Pathogens can be measured by simply adding samples to the kit.
We have developed technology that allows measurement of the concentration of E. coli, coliforms, and enterococci within as early as 1 hour and as late as 12 hours after simply adding 0.1 mL of a sample (sewage, wastewater, food extract, drinking water) to the measurement kit and installing it in the device.
Research
Currently, the measurement of pathogenic bacteria requires a much time and labor, including the preparation of agar media, multiple dilutions of a large amount of sample, and 24-hour incubation. We have developed a kit that can measure pathogenic bacteria (fecal contamination indicator bacteria) such as E. coli, coliforms, and enterococci simply by injecting 0.1 mL of liquid sample or food extract. Compared to the current general bacteria measurement technology, this is an extremely simple technology that requires only mixing of the sample with the solution. The bacterial concentration is measured using a fluorescent dye. The fluorescent dye can be used even if the liquid is turbid, so the concentrations of various bacteria, even in turbid samples such as wastewater or food extracts, can be measured directly without any pretreatment.
Hisashi Satoh Professor -
Understanding the Effects of Monoploidy on Animal Individual Development
Toward the establishment of a single-fold system control technology for industrial use
It is aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which the monoploid state, which has only one set of genomes, causes serious disorders in the development of individual animals, and to establish a technology for creating monoploid individuals that can be used for genetic engineering and strain improvement.
Research
The cells that make up the body of an animal cell are diploid, having two sets of genomes, one maternal and one paternal. In contrast, unfertilized eggs, which normally do not proliferate as such, become monoploid embryos with only the maternal genome, when they are activated to induce individual development (monogenesis). If monoploid individuals can be obtained from them, it will be very useful for genetic engineering and pure line creation. However, in vertebrates in general, monoploid embryos die due to the early developmental abnormality called “hemiparity syndrome,” so the use of monoploid embryo technology has not been realized yet. Using human cultured cells and early mouse embryos as models, we aim to clarify the effects of the monoploid state on developmental processes at the cellular level using molecular cell biology techniques. Based on these results, we aim to establish a cell manipulation method to eliminate the hemiploidy syndrome and to create viable monoploid individuals with stable traits.
Ryota Uehara Associate Professor -
Utilize Archaeological Sites as Cultural and Regional Resources
To Establish a Jomon Ecomuseum in My Community
By surveying archaeological sites and maintaining and preserving them as satellites of an ecomuseum, we are preparing and applying mechanisms to routinely/continuously utilize them as local resources for the people who live there and as cultural resources shared by all humankind.
Research
Instead of treating archaeological sites as an annoyance for development work, we will change their value as local resources for the people living in the area and as cultural resources shared by all human beings. For this purpose, a part of the archaeological sites will be excavated in a planned manner and will be maintained and preserved as a "satellite" of the “ecomuseum.” An ecomuseum is a museum that does not require a roof or walls. Satellites are open-air exhibits. While working with local people to develop and preserve the archaeological sites as historical heritage, we are proud to live in the area and participate in the ecomuseum activities as hosts. The planned excavation of the site will be carried out in cooperation with local people and the board of education as part of the university's “Archaeology Practice” educational program. We find it meaningful to practice part of the university education in the local community, the practice of which then becomes the practice of ecomuseum activities as such.
Yasushi Kosugi Professor
