Life Sciences
Information and Communication
Nanotechnology / Materials
Manufacturing Technology
Human and Social Sciences
Energy
Environment
Tourism / Community development
Arctic Research
Social Infrastructure
Open Facilities
-
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
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: 95
- 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
View All
View Detail-
Detoxification and Removal of Nitrogen from Carbon Resources Using Nanoparticles
Use of nanoparticles for fuel nitrogen pre-removal and high-temperature gas purification
To establish principles for advanced utilization of carbon resources in harmony with the global environment is one of the most important research themes for the next generation. With this study, we aim to develop a catalytic process that can efficiently convert carbon resources into clean energy using nanoscale metal and metal oxide particles.
Research
Nitrogen in carbon resources (Fuel-N) is emitted as NOx and N2O during combustion. During high-temperature gasification, it is mainly converted to NH3, which becomes a source of NOx in later-stage gas combustion. With this study, we have worked on the development of a method to convert Fuel-N into harmless N2 through a pyrolysis process prior to combustion or gasification, and found that Ca ions supported by the ion-exchange method change into CaO nanoparticles during pyrolysis and catalyze the formation of N2 formation.
We have also found that Fe ions, which are originally contained in lignite coal, and FeOOH, which is abundantly found in brown iron ore, readily become metallic iron nanoparticles during the heating process, and that N2 is selectively produced during the decomposition reaction of NH3, pyridine and pyrrole by this catalyst. Since these N-containing species are contained in the crude gas produced during coal gasification, we are working to develop a new high-temperature gas purification method for the removal of these compounds.Naoto Tsubouchi Associate Professor -
Developing Applications of GIS and Geospatial Information
A human geographical approach to the advanced information society
GIS (Geographical Information System) is a system for analyzing, searching, and displaying geospatial information (data including location information). In this laboratory, we are developing GIS analysis and visualization methods related to geospatial information for the purpose of supporting regional planning and disaster prevention planning.
Research
At this laboratory we are using GIS to study the use of geospatial information, such as Geospatial Information Authority (GSI) maps and digital national land information, maintained by the national government as well as open data maintained by local governments and big data such as movement history acquired by GPS. For example, the results of this research are being used to support the formulation of plans for tsunami evacuation in snowy and cold regions. The winter environment in snowy and cold regions (frozen road surfaces, reduced road width due to snow, etc.) makes tsunami evacuation in coastal areas extremely difficult. At our laboratory we generate a lot of information necessary for planning, such as the demarcation of difficult-to-evacuate areas, the estimation of difficult-to-evacuate populations, and evaluation of the capacity of evacuation sites under such snowy cold conditions, and publish our techniques and results. In this way, we are developing technologies to easily and quickly create socially useful information from a geographical perspective, and are continuing our research to contribute to the formation of the foundation for an advanced information society.
Yuichi Hashimoto Professor -
Developing Interfaces that Read Users’ Intentions
Controlling robots and mice freely
We are developing interfaces that make it possible for users and machines to learn from each other and to operate machines as the users intend. It also facilitates the control of robots and other machines, and input with pointing devices such as mice and trackballs.
Research
For a user to operate a multi-degree-of-freedom robot such as a humanoid robot, it is necessary to remember which commands correspond to which operations, and the more commands there are, the harder it becomes for the user. Since it is usually difficult to prepare a set of commands that are easy to remember and use for all, there is no guarantee that the interface created will be easy to use. With this research, we read the user's intentions through the interaction between the user and the machine, and construct an interface that the user can operate intuitively. As a result, we can develop easy-to-use interfaces that match the characteristics of individual users. We are also applying this technology to the development of an air mouse and air trackball that can be operated without a device by sensing the movement of the hand operating the mouse or trackball.
Masahito Yamamoto Professor -
Development of a Non-destructive CT-XRD Coupling Method and Its Application
Visualization of the microstructure of hardened cement
To develop innovative cement-hardening materials, we are devising a non-destructive integrated CT-XRD method, a novel measurement method combining the CT method to obtain geometric and spatial information on microstructures inside concrete with an accuracy of several microns, and a diffraction method to investigate hydrates and alterations in the region of interest.
Research
Concrete is structurally hardened by binding rock (aggregate) through a hydration reaction between cement and water. As a structural material, concrete is intended to withstand loading and certain weather/environmental conditions, but these may cause cracking of the concrete, which may progressively deteriorate due to strong acids and other chemical reactions caused by erosion and materials from the atmosphere, seawater and groundwater that come in contact with it. To stably use the social infrastructure for a long period of time, it is important to be able to see inside the internal structure of concrete with “bug eyes” and find any abnormalities that have occurred.
With the pioneering “non-destructive integrated CT-XRD method,” the sample is irradiated with high-intensity X-rays from synchrotron radiation to selectively visualize 3D structures from transmitted monochromatic X-rays at 25 keV. Energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction is also performed in specific regions of interest through multiple slit operations to identify hydrates (portlandite, calcite, etc.), their alteration and aggregate minerals.Takafumi Sugiyama Professor -
Development of Gd?Si?O?-based High-performance Scintillators and Their Application
Development of high luminescence scintillators for radiation detectors
Scintillators are materials that emit light by radiation and are used in medical diagnostic equipment, and for oil exploration and other purposes. Gd2Si2O7 (GPS) scintillators have excellent features such as high luminescence, high energy resolution and non-tidal dissolution, and can be made into single crystals, ceramic plates and powders.
Research
The Gd2Si2O7: Ce (GPS) single crystal scintillator has excellent features such as high luminescence (1.4 times that of NaI:Tl), high energy resolution, non-tidal and no self-radioactivity, and can be used in high temperature environments of 250°C or higher. The technology has been transferred to Oxide Corporation, and is now ready for use in SPECT and other applications. We have also established a stable manufacturing technology for 5 cm square GPS sintered plates. By combining a position sensitive photomultiplier tube, it is now possible to detect nuclear fuel materials emitting alpha rays, which were released in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, with high sensitivity. The prototype device succeeded in detecting nuclear fuel-induced α-ray-emitting radionuclides in an environment with nuclear fuel-induced α-ray-emitting radionuclides: natural radioactivity (radon progeny) = 1:200, which had been inconceivable with conventional devices.
Junichi H. Kaneko Associate Professor -
Development of Innovative Anodized Aluminum and Their Functions
When the surface changes, everything changes.
We will introduce our research on the development of superior properties and new functions of aluminum by innovation of anodizing, which is an extremely well-known corrosion-resistant passive coating for aluminum.
Research
Anodic oxide film is an artificial passive film formed on the surface of aluminum, and was developed in Japan about 100 years ago. There are many anodized aluminum products around us, but our research group is reviewing the chemical substances and formation methods (anodic oxidation) used to form anodized aluminum surfaces from the ground up, and we try to develop a new anodizing method that exhibits superior properties and innovative functions. Specifically, we are developing anodized aluminum with highly ordered nanostructures, hard anodized aluminum with a Vickers hardness of Hv = 600 or higher, anodized aluminum with high corrosion resistance in acid, base, and chloride environments, and anodized aluminum that shines beautifully by producing luminescence and structural colors.
Tatsuya Kikuchi Professor -
Development of Mathematical Algorithms for Biomedical Optical Imaging
Development of a mathematical model for light propagation model inside biological tissues
A highly accurate and computationally efficient light propagation model is necessary for the progress of biomedical optical imaging. In this study, we have succeeded in constructing a fast solution method for the radiative transfer equation that describes light propagation with high accuracy. We are working on the advancement of an optical diagnosis and treatment using the proposed method.
Research
In this study, we are constructing a mathematical algorithm for biomedical optical imaging based on the radiative transfer equation. Our goal is to develop an imaging technique with excellent image resolution that can be applied to biological tissues and body parts where conventional imaging based on mathematical models cannot be applied. Until now, the numerical computational burden of the radiative transfer equation has been enormous, limiting its applicability to small-sized organisms. In this study, we have succeeded in developing a highly accurate and computationally efficient light propagation model by coupling the radiative transfer equation and the photon diffusion equation. Optical imaging based on the developed light propagation model can be applied to various biological tissues and sites. Currently, we are working on applying the model to the optical diagnosis of thyroid tumors in the human neck and the in-vivo evaluation of optical property values in biological tissues.
Hiroyuki Hujii Associate Professor -
Development of Microstructure Prediction Simulation Technology for Metallic Materials
From solidification to solid phase transformation
In the manufacturing process of structural and functional materials, various material structures are formed during solidification, heat treatment, and plastic processing, and the characteristics of these structures determine the properties of the materials. We are developing a simulation method to predict the series of material microstructure changes from solidification to solid phase transformation.
Research
We are developing and applying methods for predicting temporal changes in the microstructure of metallic materials during the series of phase transformations that occur in the manufacturing process, such as solidification, grain growth, and diffusional solid transformation. We are specifically engaged in the development of a phase-field model, a method to simulate microstructure formation, and have succeeded in developing a model that calculates the diffusional phase transformation with the highest accuracy in the world. We are also working on microstructure control in various alloy systems by combining experimental approaches, atomistic approaches using molecular dynamics, and information science approaches such as data assimilation and machine learning. We are developing new theories of microstructure formation by using ultra-large scale calculations and obtaining results that lead to optimization of the actual processes.
Munekazu Ohno Professor -
Development of novel control strategies for intractable diseases in animals
Development of immunotherapy using antibody drugs and protein preparations for chronic infectious diseases and tumors in domestic and companion animals
In case of intractable diseases, the elimination mechanisms of pathogens and tumors are disturbed in vivo. This is thought to be due to various immunosuppressive factors that exhaust immune cells. the mechanism of eliminating pathogens and tumors in the body is disturbed, probably due to various immunosuppressive factors that exhaust immune cells. This study is aimed to develop novel formulations that target the immune evasion mechanism and apply them as a novel treatment for animal diseases.
Research
Research objective: Development of veterinary antibody drugs and protein drugs targeting PD-1 and other immunosuppressive factors and their application to therapeutics. Comparison with and advantage over conventional technology: This approach does not target a specific disease, but rather a wide range of diseases in which the anti-pathogen and anti-tumor effects are lost due to immunosuppressive mechanisms. Since the immunotherapy is based on activated lymphocytes, it is expected to have a multifunctional immune-enhancing effect. Uniqueness of the research: There are limited reports of clinical applications of this approach in the veterinary fields. Characteristics: We will establish therapeutic antibodies for animals and evaluate their effectiveness against various diseases. Efficacy: We aim to provide new treatments for diseases of livestock (cattle, horses, pigs, etc.) and companion animals (dogs, cats, etc.) for which there are no effective vaccines or treatments.
Satoru Konnai Professor -
Development of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells with Excellent Sub-zero Start-up Performance
Elucidation of micro-nano freezing phenomena in fuel cells
We are visualizing the freezing phenomenon near the reaction layer in fuel cells, which cannot normally be observed, using an ultracold electron microscope. By combining electrochemical measurements, we are also elucidating the freezing phenomenon of produced water, which becomes a problem in cold climate applications, and are developing fuel cells with excellent sub-zero activation performance.
Research
In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), which is a highly efficient and clean energy conversion device, the water produced by the reaction passes through a catalyst layer pores of several tens of nanometers in diameter and is discharged into the gas diffusion layer and gas supply channel through the microporous layer (MPL), which is a porous layer with pores of several micrometers in diameter, as shown in the left figure below. In the activation in a sub-zero environment in cold regions, the produced water freezes, causing the power generation to stop and degrade. However, the phenomenon is on a micro-nano scale and is thus difficult to measure, so the phenomenon is still insufficiently understood. This study is aimed to clarify where the water freezes and what mechanism leads to performance shutdown and aging degradation. We will conduct microscopic observation, electrochemical measurement and catalyst layer model analysis to contribute to the improvement of activation resistance and extension of the service life. The middle figure below shows the catalyst layer filled with ice, and the right figure is a structural schematic of the catalyst layer modeled in the analysis.
Yutaka Tabe Professor -
Development of Structural Materials for Fusion and High Energy Reactors
Iron-based composites with high thermal conductivity
By appropriately arranging high thermal conductive materials in iron-based structural materials, the thermal conductivity of the entire structural materials can be dramatically improved. This will lead to the improvement of the efficiency of energy production and the reduction of radioactive waste, as well as the development of iron-based structural materials for fusion reactors and high energy reactor divertors, for which there has been no solution so far.
Research
This paper focuses on the low thermal conductivity of iron-based materials, which are expected to be used in actual DEMO reactors, with a view to the development of heat exchange devices facing to the plasma in operation, and is aimed at a significant improvement of thermal conductivity, which is considered to be the key to success. The 500°C temperature gradient near the cooling tube of the DEMO reactor divertor imposes a huge heat load that has never been experienced in engineering equipment before. On various iron-based materials (pure iron, reduced activation ferritic martensitic steel and oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steel), Cu and W wires of high thermal conductivity are appropriately arranged to ensure strength as a structural material while serving as a heat sink.
Naoyuki Hashimoto Professor -
Development of Therapeutic Agents and Biomarkers for Stress-induced Diseases
Molecular psychoneuroimmunology to understand the molecular mechanism of “disease starts in the mind”
Chronic stress has become a widespread problem in our society as it may lead to sudden death or other serious problems due to overwork or insomnia. We have clarified the molecular mechanism by which chronic stress induces organ damage and sudden death in mice through the activation of specific neural circuits. This system can be used to search for therapeutic targets for stress-induced diseases.
Research
We are studying the link between stress and disease. Recently, when autoreactive T cells against central nervous system antigens were transferred to mice that had been subjected to chronic stress, the mice suddenly died. The cause of death was heart failure due to hemorrhage in the stomach and duodenum, as found with humans. Stress-specific activation of neural circuits induced microinflammation in the brain, where transferred T cells, etc. were accumulated in specific blood vessels, and a new neural circuit activated by this triggered the gastrointestinal disorder and heart failure. There have been no animal model of stress in which the molecular mechanism has been elucidated, and this model is useful for screening of new drugs for stress-induced diseases. Using this system, we also identified a group of molecules of which the expression is upregulated in specific blood vessels in the brain during stress, and antibodies against these molecules suppressed sudden death. We are also currently identifying marker candidates for autoreactive T cells in humans.
Masaaki Murakami Professor -
Electrochemically Responsive Organic Dyes
From electrochromism to multiple responses (fluorescence, circularity)
Based on cationic organic dyes, which allow easy control of color tone, we offer a group of materials that can respond in multiple ways, including fluorescence and optical rotation (circular dichroism). This technology is designed to suppress the decomposition process of reduced species, and the bi-stability of oxidized and reduced species is such that exchange does not occur, even when they are mixed.
Research
Electrochromism is a general term for compounds that change their color tone in response to changes in external electrical potential. As materials that can undergo reversible color changes, they are attracting attention as light control materials for smart windows and display functions for electronic paper. Materials of which not only the color tone, but also fluorescence, optical rotation (circular dichroism), etc. can be changed, enable tailor-made responses according to the application.
With this technology, we provide a group of substances with multiple responses based on cationic organic dyes of which the color tone can easily be controlled. The reduced species of cationic dyes are generally reactive, and the repeatability of the response is low, but with this technology, the decomposition process of the reduced species is suppressed by incorporating two cationic moieties. The bi-stability of the oxidized and reduced species, in which no exchanges occur, even when they are mixed, makes it possible to apply this technology to high-density recording materials.Takanori Suzuki Professor -
Elucidation and Application of New Functions of Food by Evaluating the Intestinal Environment
Development of a new intestinal environment evaluation system for food and medicine
Food materials and ingredients, intestinal bacteria acting as parasites, and host Paneth cell α-defensins are the three elements that determine the “intestinal environment.” We are developing an intestinal environment evaluation system based on the new paradigm that crosstalk between these three elements affects health maintenance and disease to elucidate food functionality and apply it to disease prevention.
Research
In our original definition of “intestinal environment,” three elements, namely, food materials and ingredients, intestinal bacteria acting as parasites, and host Paneth cells α-defensin, determine the “intestinal environment,” and their crosstalk affects health maintenance and disease. This definition has prompted a paradigm shift in food functionality. The purpose of this study is to clarify the involvement of α-defensins in health maintenance, disease development and pathogenesis. This will help us establish a novel functional evaluation system of food and international criteria to evaluate the intestinal environment. By combining a tissue culture system with an α-defensin quantification system, we will lay the foundation for systematic analysis of the relationship between various intestinal functions and food functions of which the mechanisms are still unknown. This will be the first to elucidate immunostimulation and the control of aging substances by digested food materials and ingredients and drugs. We aim to obtain new scientific indicators to create high added value for food.
Kiminori Nakamura Professor -
Elucidation of Combustion Phenomena Using Microgravity Fields
Combustion phenomena are accompanied by a local temperature rise, which always results in natural convection in the surrounding air . This complicates the phenomenon and makes it difficult to fundamentally understand it. In this study, we will try to understand the combustion phenomena from a fundamental standpoint by utilizing the microgravity environment to remove the natural convection.
Research
Combustion phenomena are accompanied by a local temperature rise, which always results in natural convection in the surrounding air . This complicates the phenomena and makes it difficult to understand the fundamentals. In this study, we will utilize the microgravity environment to remove the natural convection and understand the fundamental processes (diffusion, heat conduction, soot formation, ignition, flame propagation, etc.) of combustion phenomena, which will be useful for numerical prediction and modeling of combustion devices. Hokkaido University has an approximately 40-meter drop tower that can be used at any time, making it easy to conduct microgravity experiments, and is also involved in international joint research to conduct microgravity experiments using aircraft and the International Space Station. Thus, we are in a favorable environment to conduct combustion research using the microgravity environment.
Osamu Fujita 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 -
Establishment of Precision Medicine Targeting Cancer Stem Cells Using Synthetic Polymer Gels
Development of a method to initialize cancer stem cells using hydrogel
It is important to eradicate cancer stem cells to cure cancer. This method uses Hokkaido University's original biomaterial (synthetic polymeric hydrogel) to induce reprogramming (initialization) of cancer stem cells rapidly and efficiently, making it possible to predict the properties of cancer stem cells and their response to treatment in case of recurrence.
Research
It is essential to eradicate treatment-resistant cancer stem cells to cure cancer. However, their number is small, and it is difficult to isolate and analyze cancer stem cells using conventional methods. With this study, we used a synthetic polymeric hydrogel (Science 344, 161-162, 2014) originally developed by Hokkaido University to induce reprogramming (initialization) of cancer stem cells rapidly, easily, inexpensively, and efficiently, allowing us to analyze the properties of cancer stem cells, evaluate their response to treatment, and predict the properties of cancer cells at the time of recurrence. This technology is expected to make it possible to screen drugs that target cancer stem cells, predict the nature of recurrent tumors that may occur in the future, and administer prophylactic drugs, thereby providing cancer patients with accurate cancer stem cell-targeted precision medicine (preventive preemptive medicine).
Shinya Tanaka Professor -
Estimating the State of Radio Waves Using the Compressed Sensing Method
Toward highly accurate location estimation and channel prediction
The compressed sensing method is a method to find a solution under certain conditions from a smaller number of observation data than the number of unknowns required. In this study, we use compressed sensing for estimating the direction of arrival of radio waves, to predict the channel, and detect scatterers.
Research
It is usually impossible to specify unknowns if their number among observation data is smaller than the number of unknowns that need to be found. However, in case the majority of unknowns are zero, it is sometimes possible to obtain the exact solution. Compressed sensing is a method for obtaining an accurate solution while minimizing the number of observations by using this property. In our laboratory, we are investigating the application of this method to high-precision estimation of the direction of arrival of radio waves as shown in Fig. 1, a method of channel prediction by dividing the incoming wave into elementary waves using this method (Fig. 2), and scatterer detection using the compressed sensing used in radar systems (Fig. 3).
Toshihiko Nishimura Professor -
Event Information Recommendation System
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.
Research
The system estimates the genres and information sources that a user prefers based on the user’s past information browsing history, and assesses the event information that the target user is interested in by referring to the browsing trends of users with similar interests. It also takes into account the geographic characteristics of the user and finally presents the information to him/her. The timing of information distribution is adjusted throughout the system so that the overall system performance can be improved.
Hidenori Kawamura Professor -
Fabrication of High-speed Superhydrophilic Surfaces and Sliding-controlled Superhydrophobic and Superoleophobic Surfaces
Both water and oil can soak well into the surface, slide off it easily, and stick to it properly
We will show you how to create superhydrophilic surfaces that can rapidly be wetted and covered in water, and superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces that repel water/oil very well although their sliding behavior can easily be controlled to allow water/oil to be adsorbed on the surface or easily slide off.
Research
Anodizing is a technique used to form oxides with various nanostructures on the surface of metals. We have developed a method to form a large amount of nanofiber oxides with a diameter of sub-10 nm (10 nm or less) by anodizing using a novel electrolyte chemical species. The density of nanofiber formation is extremely high, in the order of 1010 nanofibers (10 billion nanofibers) per cm2. We have found that the metal surface formed with such high-density nanofibers exhibits fast superhydrophilicity of one second or less, as well as superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity with controlled sliding behavior. It is also possible to mix surfaces with different wettability by using micropatterning techniques.
Tatsuya Kikuchi Professor
