Science View

Countries around the world are now trying to combat global warming. Shifting from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is one way to reduce CO2 emissions. Yet adoption of EVs has been slow, partly due to issues with EV batteries. They take a long time to recharge, and most do not offer a cruising range that is comparable to gasoline-powered cars. Professor emeritus Takashi OHIRA of Toyohashi University of Technology is working on the development of a wireless power transfer technology that can run a motor by receiving high-frequency wave energy from the road, even without a battery in the car. In this episode, we will introduce Dr. OHIRA's groundbreaking technology, which he has developed from scratch to power a passenger car.

Considerable time and funding are required in development of new medicines necessary for otherwise untreatable illnesses. Professor Yuki SUDO of Okayama University seeks an innovative form of treatment using rhodopsin, a protein with light-reactive qualities. By extracting it and artificially inserting it into affected cells, it could treat illness simply by exposure to a specific type of light. He has succeeded in using rhodopsin to eliminate cells from cancer, the first such accomplishment ever achieved in the world. In this episode, we introduce the research toward a "light switch" to cure disease.

Amid growing concerns about global warming, nuclear fusion is once again in the spotlight as an emissions-free energy source. The development of fusion reactors is now within our reach. One of the key persons in this field is Toshiki Tajima, who resides in the United States. The venture company where Tajima works as Chief Science Officer (CSO) is attracting attention from all over the world. Tajima is not an engineer, but a physicist world famous for his discovery of "laser wakefield acceleration" (LWFA). His paper published in 1979 is one of the most cited articles in plasma physics. Professor Tajima is 75 years old now, and he is still at the frontline of theoretical physics. In this episode, we will see two different facets of his research: in academia and in a venture business.

Autonomous driving technology is advancing around the world, and with it are expected solutions to current social issues through reductions of accident-related deaths, elimination of driver shortages and provision of new transit methods. Japan has launched a government-led project, and in 2021 a Japanese manufacturer released a vehicle equipped with Level 3 capabilities that can handle all driving operations. Reporter Lemi Duncan experiences the functions of a Level 3-equipped vehicle, automated water taxis solving island transit problems and futuristic vehicles achieving human-like communication.

While numerous museums in Nagasaki Prefecture house cultural assets of Christian missionaries, many of the works have lost their color or suffered damage over the years. In the late 19th century, Father de Rotz, a French priest, created a woodblock print "The Last Judgement" for his missionary work. Recently, the Oura Church Christian Museum completed a full restoration of this artwork. What is the current condition of cultural assets related to Christianity? Discover the full story of how the restoration was carried out with the help of Tohoku University of Art and Design. This is a unique opportunity to see the complete restoration process captured on video.

A new kind of microscopy that surprised the world was pioneered in Japan. Known as high-speed atomic force microscopy or "high-speed AFM," it succeeded in capturing the movement of living samples on a nanoscale level. For example, it helped researchers visually confirm the movement of specific proteins and genome editing, both of which had only been visualized before with computer graphics. High-speed AFM is now being used in research on viruses such as influenza, and is expected to lead to the development of new vaccines. In this episode, we will learn how high-speed AFM was developed, as well as the latest research being conducted with it. Then in our J-Innovators corner, we will meet a Takumi who developed a biomaterial technology that enables concrete to fix its own cracks.

[J-Innovators]
Creating Self-healing Concrete with Biomaterials

Anger, sadness, joy... How do these various human emotions arise? The latest brain research has revealed a surprisingly close relationship between emotions and our bodies. When the body's condition changes, such as when the heart beats faster or blood pressure rises, this information is sent to the "insular cortex" in the brain. We now know that the changes in the body sensed by the insular cortex are recognized as emotions born within us. Moreover, the ability to recognize these changes in the body varies from person to person, and this affects the amount of "empathy" one has for other people's emotions. Research has also shown that people who have difficulty in recognizing their own emotions are insensitive to changes in their bodies, which can aggravate chronic pain. We will examine these complex mechanisms of the mind and the true nature of "emotion." Then, in our J-Innovators corner, we will meet a Takumi whose company has created a modular wheelchair that can be highly customized to suit different physiques and disabilities.

[J-Innovators]
Highly Customizable, Modular Wheelchairs

Research and development of plant-derived "biodegradable plastics" is underway to solve our problem of plastics accumulating in the environment. Polylactic acid, the most basic bioplastic material, however, cannot breakdown without meeting certain conditions such as humidity and temperature. Professor Tadahisa Iwata of the University of Tokyo has developed a method to break down polylactic acid regardless of environmental conditions, resulting in a new plastic that can solve environmental issues. Furthermore, there is now technology that can make plastic from carbon dioxide, the cause of global warming. In this episode, find out about the latest research in plastic technology that will transform our future and the future of our planet.

[J-Innovators]
Prototype Specialist Who Brings Ideas to Life

Newts have the ability to regenerate not only their legs and tails, but also their hearts and brains! This amazing regenerative ability has long attracted the attention of regenerative medicine researchers. Dr. Chikafumi CHIBA of the University of Tsukuba and his research team discovered a gene unique to newts that is thought to play a key role in regeneration. Observation of the protein produced by this gene during regeneration suggests the possibility that newts use their own special red blood cells to "turn back time" on cells in the vicinity of areas that need regeneration, thereby allowing them to rebuild body parts. Researchers hope that clarification of the detailed mechanism behind this unusual phenomenon could someday be applied to human regenerative medicine. In this episode, we'll delve into the amazing regenerative ability of newts!

[J-Innovators] Shoes with Some of the World's Smallest Sensors

The deadliest, most dangerous creature to humans: the mosquito. Mosquito-borne illness kills over 720,000 people a year. And factors like climate change and rising population mean more affected areas. To combat this threat, research is ongoing worldwide. By examining the survival strategies of our greatest enemy, science may uncover secrets that could benefit us all. In J-innovators, we meet the developer of a DHA-rich microalgae that could make our use of the world's oceans more sustainable.

[J-Innovators]
Microalgae-based powder rich in DHA

Hibernating animals survive by minimizing energy use. Artificial hibernation could increase the window for emergency medical treatment or even allow us to reach the stars. A RIKEN research institute team has induced a hibernation-like state in mice. Dr. Ko Kobayakawa of Kansai Medical University has found that the scent of a mouse's natural enemy creates a similar state. See the latest in hibernation research. J-Innovators presents an innovative brewer using sake brewing knowhow for cosmetics!

[J-Innovators]
Cosmetics using fermentation techniques from sake brewing.

AI hospitals in Japan started as a project with a vision in which people can have access to high-quality healthcare anywhere in the country. It also aims to improve the well-being of healthcare providers, leading to compassionate patient care. Now, how far has AI hospitals come? Hospital care includes AI patient questionnaires, digital management of hospital beds, robotic drug dispensing and delivery, standing CT, robotic dogs powered by AI, and bed sensors that measure respiration and heart rate. Technologies are not limited to AI and involve robotics and digital technologies. Efforts using technology to eliminate disparities in healthcare are also gaining attention. For example, using AI to make a pathological diagnosis for cancer. Another is to use AI to identify the bacteria that cause blood poisoning. By feeding various images, AI is able to identify the types of bacteria in just 10 seconds at the level of a specialist. Reporter Michelle Yamamoto is joined by Dr. Yusuke Nakamura, an advocate of AI hospitals and a world-renowned expert in cancer immunotherapy and genetic research, to discuss the progress AI hospitals have made as well as the challenges they face.

Microorganisms are said to be the earliest existing lifeforms on Earth, and a vital part of maintaining its ecosystems. However, because of the difficulty in identifying their function due to their microscopic size, less than 10% of microorganisms have been named and identified. Microbial ecologist Dr. Yusuke OKAZAKI is performing research on the waters of Lake Biwa, where a C-shaped bacteria known as CL500-11 appears at especially high concentrations in its depths. To solve its mysteries, he must succeed in the difficult task of isolating it from other bacteria found in the lake, and growing it separately. In addition, he uses a new method called metagenomic analysis to gain a greater understanding of the lake's ecosystem as a whole.

In 2022, a rehabilitation device that, when fitted to the arm of a person suffering loss of hand function due to stroke, moves the fingers as the patient performs the action in their mind became a reality. It was developed by an innovative startup that produces such medical devices as well as avatar robots using the biosignals emitted by human muscles to reproduce their function. Masahiro KASUYA started the business with his friends in 2013, while in graduate school. He says his aim is to use cyborg technology to enable people to do what they want to do. We look at a vision for the future of humanity from a genius entrepreneur on the cutting-edge of Japanese technology.

Artificial photosynthesis, the next-generation technology, has now come this far! It is a technology that mimics plant photosynthesis to produce energy from resources found on earth such as sunlight and carbon dioxide. This is a promising new solution to energy and environmental problems as it can efficiently produce hydrogen and other substances. Japan was one of the first countries to recognize this technology and had launched a national project that involved the collaboration among industry, academia, and government. In 2021, they successfully produced large amounts of hydrogen, taking the world by surprise. Also in this episode, take a look at a system that can power homes using carbon dioxide. Find out the latest in artificial photosynthesis with reporter Michelle YAMAMOTO.

There are many dangerous creatures in the natural world that use poison for self-defense or for hunting, such as poisonous snakes, spiders and scorpions. It is said that there are more than 200,000 species of poisonous animal on Earth, each with varying degrees of toxicity. Research is currently underway around the world to make these animal poisons useful to humans. For example, a major feature of biotoxins is that they target particular molecules. This "specificity" can produce different results on different targets. This feature is being applied in the development of drugs with minimal side effects and pesticides that only attack pests. Researchers explore the possibilities of a "treasure trove" of poisons.

[J-Innovators]
Using a distinctive optical design to create a "touchless" touch-panel display.

Slime molds have lived on Earth since long before the emergence of the human species. As single-celled organisms, slime molds do not have brains or nerves. And yet, they have ways of processing information. This ancient "intelligence" is of particular interest for unprecedented experiments by Japanese researchers that surprisingly showed slime molds could solve mazes. Moreover, a new type of computer is in the works that applies the information processing abilities of slime molds. The latest research looks into the mysteries of the evolution of life. This episode thoroughly dissects the mysterious powers hidden in the single-celled body of slime molds.

[J-Innovators]
Certified space food! Dried fish that can be eaten bones and all.

Solar power generation is attracting attention as a way to solve energy problems. However, conventional silicon-based solar cells have one particular weakness - their power generation efficiency depends on the weather. This is why the world is now focusing on the development of perovskite solar cells as "next-generation solar cells." Perovskite solar cells can not only generate electricity on cloudy or rainy days, but even under weak indoor light as well, all while being lightweight and easy to make! Now competition to develop these cells for practical use is intensifying around the globe. In this episode, we examine how the innovative technology was created by Japanese researchers, and the incredible potential perovskite solar cells hold for the future.

All over the planet, creatures display incredible ways to escape predators. Shocking escape techniques beyond imagination are still being discovered one after another. A juvenile eel escapes from the gills of a predator fish even after being eaten. A bombardier beetle ejects gas that can reach temperatures of up to 100℃ to fend off an attack by a praying mantis. The common Japanese idiom "a frog stared at by a snake," implying a frog so overcome with fear that it can't move, actually belies a profound survival strategy. Even playing dead has been shown to be advantageous in avoiding predators. In this episode, we'll look at how "predation avoidance behavior" is tied to creatures' fundamental desire to survive.

Preparing soil for organic farming takes years, but a new Japanese technology does it in 1 month. Discover how it's opening doors to lunar farming.