Awards, Research Achievements, and
Media in 2008
| Awards | Research Achievements | Media Publishing |
| 12/26 Episode 76 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on January 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 76 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on January 5,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12/19 Episode 75 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on December 22 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 75 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on December 22,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12/17 Demonstration of the new system storing the DC power of the photovoltaic generation in lithium-ion battery | |||||||||||||||||||
In cooperative research with NEC, TOKIN, Sumitomo Shoji, and Sekisui House,the Project team (Led by Professor Tohji at Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University) successfully demonstrated the experiment of the system which directly stores all amount of DC power of photovoltaic generation lithium-ion battery during the daytime and used stored DC power for home electronics. The lithium-ion battery used in this system lasts longer than ordinal batteries, and has the higher capacity to store the energy thereby, it enables to use natural energy at home. Further research is expected to lead to the use of home electronics with DC and standardization of the DC voltage. This research was conducted as the part of the technology developmental project for global warming prevention supported by Ministry of the Environment. Professor Tohji Kazuyuki, Professor Ryuzo Furukawa | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12/12 Episode 74 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on December 15 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 74 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on December 15,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12/8 Making organic-rich world by meteorite impacts on the early Earth | |||||||||||||||||||
Yoshihiro Furukawa, Graduate student of Tohoku University, synthesized bio-essential organic molecules by shock-compression experiments. This experiment was performed with co-works including Drs. T. Kakegawa (Tohoku Univ.), M. Oba (Tohoku Univ), H.Nakazawa (National Institute for Materials Science) and T.Sekine (National Institute for Materials Science). The experiment simulates impact events of meteorites on the early oceans, probably occurred ca. 4.2 to 3.8 billion-years ago.Organic molecule, including fatty acids, amines and an amino acid were identified in experimental products. Organic molecules on the early Earth may have arisen from such impact syntheses. This result indicated that an impact to water (ocean) is necessary for sufficient hydrogenation of carbon to synthesize biomelecules and their precursors necessary for life's origin. This research achievement was reported in Nature GeoScience(electric version) on December 8, 2008 and will be published as a printed version on January Issue of Nature GeoScience.
Associate Professor Kakegawa Takeru | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12/5 Episode 73 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on December 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 73 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on December 8,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/28 Episode 72 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on December 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 72 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on December 1,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/26 Seasonal trends of blood pressure during pregnancy was found in Japan | |||||||||||||||||||
The research group led by Associate Professor Imai at Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science in the cooperative research with Suzuki Memorial Hospital (Suzuki Masakuni Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University) investigated that home blood pressure values during
pregnancy are influenced by both gestational age and out side temperature, and found that home blood pressure increases both in winter and in the last trimester of pregnancy. Risks associated with high blood pressure might be underestimated in pregnant woman in summer who will deliver in winter. This research achievement was published in “Journal of Hypertension” in December, 2008. Research Fellow of Japan Society for Promotion of Science. Hirohito
Metoki | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/25 Development of highly osteoconductive octacalcium phosphate as bone substitute material | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Suzuki (Division of Craniofacial Function Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry), Professor Itoi, PhD student
Miyatake (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine) and their coworkers investigated whether stoichiometry of synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) affects its osteoconductive characteristics if implanted in defect of rat tibia.They found that the partially hydrolyzed low crystalline OCP enhances bone formation, accompanied by suppression of early osteoclast activity and reduction of inflammatory response. The controlled stoichiometry in OCP may provide a concept towards developing highly osteoconductive OCP as synthetic bone substitute biomaterials. This achievement was
published in a British journal “Biomaterials” in online early version on 22, November, 2008. Professor Suzuki Osamu | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/25 Investigation of the infrared optical spectra of an organic dimer Mott insulator which was irradiated with x-rays | |||||||||||||||||||
Joint research group of Associate Professor Sasaki (Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University) and Dr.Ikemoto (SPring-8, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute) investigated the effect of x-ray irradiation on the infrared optical spectra of an organic Mott insulator by using synchrotron radiation light in SPring-8. They observed that the x-ray irradiation caused a large spectral weight transfer from the midinfrared region to a far-infrared low-energy region. This observation indicates an effective doping of carriers to the Mott insulator by x-ray irradiation.This finding also leads to the applications; by using an x-ray microbeam,conductive circuits and dots in organic insulators can be fabricated. This research achievement was published in “Physical Review Letters”on 24, November, 2008. Associate Professor Sasaki Takahiko | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/21 Discovery of Neuronal Signals from the liver which regulates Pancreatic β cell mass, pathophysiological compensation for insulin-Can be applied to regenerative medicine for diabetes- | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Katagiri (Division of Advanced Therapeutics for Metabolic Disease, Center for Translational and Advanced Animal Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine) and Professor Oka (Division of Molecular Metabolism and Diabetes, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine) revealed that hepatic activation of extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling induced pancreatic β cell proliferation through a neuronal-mediated relay of metabolic signals.
Moreover, stimulation of the interorgan signaling mechanism improved diabetes of murine models through pancreatic β cell regeneration. Thus, this research may open a new paradigm for regenerative treatments; regeneration of a patient’s own tissues/organs through endogenous systems. This achievement was published in “American Journal Science” on 21, November, 2008. Professor Katagiri Hideki | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/21 Episode 71 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on November 24 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 71 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on November 24,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/17 Bach1 protein suppresses cellular senescence-Newly found mechanism of the protein may open a potential therapeutic approach against cancer and aging- | |||||||||||||||||||
Tumor-suppressor p53 prevents carcinogenesis by inducing cellular senescence and apoptosis. In this research, the transcription factor Bach1 (BTB and CNC homology 1, basic leucine zipper transcription factor 1), which inhibits oxidative stress-inducible genes, has been shown to
be a crucial negative regulator of oxidative stress--induced cellular
senescence. In this regard, cellular senescence could be induced without
severe DNA damage by modulating Bach1, pointing to a potential
therapeutic approach against cancer. The research was conducted by
professor Igarashi (Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of
Medicine Tohoku University) and his coworkers under the cooperation with
the research group led by Dr. Tetsuo Noda at Japanese Foundation For
Cancer Research. Professor Kazuhiko Igarashi | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/14 Episode 70 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on November 17 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 70 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on November 17,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/10 Long-standing problem on graphite superconductor resolved for the firsttime since last four decades - Lead of a pencil becomes a superconductor - | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Takahashi (WIP Research Center, Tohoku University), Assistant Professor Sato (Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University) and their coworkers succeeded in revealing the mechanism of "graphite superconductor", whose mechanism had been unresolved for more than40 years. This research achievement was published in the science journal "Nature Physics" online version on November 9, 2008. WIP Research Center, Tohoku University | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/7 The article “When a Machine Mutates” in Science Journal Newton introduced research of Professor Obayashi at the Institute of Fluid Science. | |||||||||||||||||||
The article “When a Machine Mutates” was published in December 2008
issue of Newton: a notable Japanese science magazine (available in book
shops on Oct. 25). Prof. Shigeru Obayashi | |||||||||||||||||||
| 11/7 Episode 69 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on November 10 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 69 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on November 10,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/31 Episode 68 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on November 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 68 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on November 3,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/24 Episode 67 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on October 27 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 67 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on October 27,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/17 Episode 66 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on October 20 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 66 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on October 20,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/14 Electric-field-induced superconductivity in an insulator-The breakthrough in the development of the superconductive material | |||||||||||||||||||
As a part of "Core Research Evolutional Science and Technology supported (CREST)" by JST, Professor Kawasaki at WIP-Advanced Institute of Materials Research, Tohoku University and Professor Iwasa at Institute for Material Research, Tohoku University revealed the electric-field-induced superconductivity in an insulator by using an electric-double-layer gating in an organic electrolyte. Carrier density is a key parameter of the electric state of condensed matter. The common method used to change carrier density, but the structural disorder inherent in this method always causes unnecessary complexity in the physical properties. On the other hand, electric-field tuning of surface carrier density through carrier accumulation or depletion in metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect-transistor structures is free from this sort of structural disorder, and thus is attracting growing interest as a new method to control properties of materials such as ferromagnetic semiconductors and oxide superconductors. A two-dimensional superconducting indicates to promising for searching for unprecedented superconducting states. This research achievement was published in Nature Materials on 12, October, 2008.
Officer Heiich Hashimoto WPI Research Center, Tohoku University | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/10 Episode 65 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on October 13 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 65 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on October 13,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/8 Determination of the protein complex required for melansome transport --- Applications for treatment maintaining the skin-whiting and inhibiting hair graying | |||||||||||||||||||
Through the cooperative research with Professor Shigeyuki
Yokoyama’s group (RIKEN), Professor Fukuda’s group (Tohoku
University Graduate School of Life Sciences) revealed the structure of
Rab27-Slac2-a complex, which is essential for action-based melanosome
(or melanin) transport in mammalian skin melanocytes. Further research
is expected to lead to the application of new drugs or cosmetics for
skin-whitening or inhibition of gray hair.
Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/9 Discovery of the spin Seebeck effect --Thermal creation of the magnetic flow | |||||||||||||||||||
The research groups, consisted of Professor E. Saitoh (JST PRESTO researcher) at Department of Applied Physico-Informatics, Keio University and Professor S. Maekawa (JST CREST team leader) at Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University and co-workers revealed that the flow of magnetism, “spin current,” can be generated by heating one end of a magnet without the aid of electric currents and magnetic fields for the first time in the world. This thermally induced magnetic current enables to drive magnetic memories, magnetic hard
disks, and quantum computers, bringing the promising application as the new energy technology. This research achievement was published in the British Science Journal “Nature” on 9, October, 2008. Contact:
Professor Sadamichi Maekawa | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/3 Episode 64 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on October 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 64 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on October 6,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10/1 Finding of the cause of difference in compressional-wave seismic anisotropy-The high-pressure mineral, which preferentially oriented, exists at the bottom of the mantle transition zone of Tonga slab | |||||||||||||||||||
Through the cooperative research with Chiba University, Professor Ohtani at the Department of Earth Science, Graduate School of Science, and his co-workers conducted the plastic deformation experiment on akimotoite (ilmenite-structured MgSiO3), synthesized at high pressure and high temperature, and constructing the layer of subducting slabs. Through using the result of this experiment, they revealed that the cause of the difference in compressional-wave seismic anisotropy at the depth of the lowest part of the mantle transition zone can conceivably be attributed to the difference in crystallographic preferred orientation pattern of akimotoite at varying temperature within the slab for the first time in the world. The research achievement was conducted as a part of global COE program "Global Education and Research Center for Earth and Planetary Dynamics" and published in the British Science Journal "Nature" on 2, October, 2008
Professor Eiji Ohtani | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/30 Discovery of the new molecules regulating synaptic transmission--The common molecular mechanism associated with both synaptic transmission and melanin transport | |||||||||||||||||||
Through the cooperative research with Professor Rodolfo R.
Llinás’s group (New York University), Professor Fukuda’s
group (Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences) conducted the
research on direct involvement of Rab27 protein in synaptic vesicle
trafficking, and revealed that the Rab27 protein is involved mainly in
the maturation of recycled synaptic vesicles and/or their transport to
the active zone in the squid giant synapse. Two Rab27 isofroms, Rab27A
and Rab27B, are present in vertebrates and a single isoform in
invertebrates, and mutations of RAB27A gene have been shown to
cause human Griscelli syndrome, which is characterized by silvery hair
(i.e., defect in melanin transport in melanocytes). This research
achievement indicated that Rab27 regulates both synaptic transmission in
neurons and melanin transport in melanocytes.
Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences
Professor Mitsunori Fukuda | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/26 Episode 63 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on September 29 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 63 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on September 29,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/25 Success in direct electrical control of magnetization direction --Breakthrough in the application for low power consumption magnetic-- | |||||||||||||||||||
As a part of “Exploratory Research Advanced Technology” project supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Professor Ohno (Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University) and his co-workers indicated that magnetic vector can be controlled solely by electric fields for first time in the world. Conventionally, control of magnetization is achieved by means of external magnetic field, current injection, or magnetostriction produced by mechanically generated strain through the use of piezoelectricity. However, this research revealed that new technique, applying electric fields allows manipulation of the magnetization direction. In this research the manipulation of magnetization was achieved by applying electric fields to a ferromagnetic semiconductor, (Ga,Mn)As. The magnetic anisotropy, which determines the magnetization direction, depends on the charge carrier concentration in (Ga,Mn)As. By applying an electric field using a metal-insulator-semiconductor structure, the charge carrier concentration and, thereby, the magnetic anisotropy was controlled allowing manipulation of the magnetization direction. This research reported the new technique for manipulating the magnetization vector and further research is expected to lead to applications for magnetic memories with low power consumption. The research achievement was published in the British Science Journal of “Nature” on 25, September, 2008.
Associate Professor Matsukura Fumihiro JST Researcher Chiba Daichi | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/24 High-responsivity visible-blind UV photo-detectors with conducting polymer/ZnO Schottky contacts --Breakthrough toward a practical application of UV light detectors-- | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor M. Kawasaki and his research group from WPI-AIMR and IMR, Tohoku University have demonstrated a successful development of a high-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetector through combination of oxide and conducting organic materials. The research was conducted as a part of a project "Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST)", supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
"More Information"
Prof. Masashi Kawasaki | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/24 Professor Emeritus Akira Endo (Graduated from Tohoku University Faculty of Agriculture) received U.S Lasker DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award. | |||||||||||||||||||
Tohoku University Professor Emeritus Akira Endo was selected as the
award winner of the Lasker, DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the
most prestigious award. The ceremony was held in New York, on 26,
September, 2008.
"More Information"
Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences Office Phone: +81 22-717-8603 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/22 Prof Okada and Associate Prof Kamegawa developed new hydriding treatment technology for improving strength and electrical conductivity of copper-titanium alloy | |||||||||||||||||||
In cooperative research with Nippon Mining and Metals Co., Ltd, the research group led by Professor Okada and Associated Professor Kamegawa Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering, developed the new hydriding treatment technology for improving strength strength and electrical conductivity of copper-titanium alloy . Contact: Graduate School of Engineering Public Relation Department | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/19 Synthesis of Highly Monodisperse, Magnetic Particles-Improvement of Precision in Sensing Medical Targets- | |||||||||||||||||||
The research group led by Professor Konno and Assistant Professor Nagao has synthesized highly monodisperse magnetic particles that can improve the precision of magnetic separation system for medical targets. Fluorescent dye incorporated into the magnetic particles can be used for quantifying the medical targets separated with magnetic field. Magnetic particles with high homogeneitiesin particle size and response to magnetic field have a high potential for applications such as diagnostic medicine and optical communication system. Parts of this research achievement were presented at 40th Autumn Meeting in the Society of Chemical Engineering of Japan. Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/19 Episode 62 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on September 22 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 62 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on September 22,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/18 Discovery of a receptor molecules (PIR-B) regulating T lymphocyte triggering | |||||||||||||||||||
Research group led by Assistant Professor Endo and Professor Takai at Tohoku University, the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (Department of Experimental Immunology) revealed that paired Ig-like receptor (PIR-B), an MHC-I receptor expressed on antigen-presenting cells, can regulate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) which plays crucial roles in triggering of transplant immunity, cancer immunity and infectious immunity. Studies on of PIR-B deletion in mice showed that PIR-B evoked CTLs more efficiently, leading to accelerated graft and tumor rejection. Thereby the cancer immunity was strengthened and proliferation of cancer cells was suppressed. This achievement is expected to provide a novel strategy for regulating CTL-mediated immunity and the related diseases. This research was conducted as a part of the CREST program supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Early Edition on the second week of September, 2008.
Professor Toshiyuki Takai | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/12 Episode 61 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on September 15 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 61 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on September 15,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/11 Identification of the brain cells that initiate male-specific courtship in Drosophila-The artificial induction of a P1 clone (composed of 20 interneurons) in female brains effectively provokes male-typical behavior- | |||||||||||||||||||
Biologists postulate that sexual dimorphism in the brain underlies
gender differences in behavior, yet direct evidence for this has been
sparse.
Professor Yamamoto and his co-workers (Tohoku University Graduate School
of Life Sciences), under the cooperation with a research group headed by
Dr Kimura at Hokkaido University of Education, identified a
male-specific neuronal cluster, P1, that co-express two
sex-determination genes, fruitless and doublesex and
have the
ability to produce behavioral gender differences in the fruitfly
Drosophila.
Tohoku University, Graduate School of Life Sciences
Professor Daisuke Yamamoto | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/11 Succeeded in the Practical Application for A Wide Dynamic Range CMOS Image Sensor for Surveillance cameras - Realization of High-quality images exceeding the CCD with High sensitivity and a Wide Dynamic Range | |||||||||||||||||||
In cooperative research with Texas Instruments Japan Limited (Central office: Shinjuku-ku Tokyo, the President Yamasaki Toshiyuki), the research group led by Professor Sugawa at Tohoku University, Graduate School of Engineering, the Department of Management Science and Technology succeeded in the realization of the practical application for the products of a wide dynamic range CMOS image sensors. The mass productive surveillance camera, “TC922”is capable of combining the function of one-shot exposure with high sensitivity and the function of a wide dynamic range by employing the structure of lateral over flow integration of capacitor (LOFIC) in each pixel that CCD and CMOS image sensor could not realize. Thereby TC922 enables simultaneously recording both dark indoor images and bright outdoor images with high image quality.
More Information (Japanese Only) Tohoku University, Graduate School of Engineering,Sugawa’s Laboratory | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5 Magnetic switching of crystal chirality between left- and right-handed structures | |||||||||||||||||||
The term chirality is used to describe a non-superimposable object and
its characteristics. For instance, the left hand is a non-superimposable
mirror image of the right hand. Asymmetric synthesis (chiral synthesis)
plays a crucial role in the chemical production of chiral compounds of
interest. Professor Noyori is well-known for his reception of the Nobel
prize with the research achievement in asymmetric catalyst. Institute of
Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (Director Fumio Saito)
of Tohoku University succeeded in the switching of chirality of a
crystal between left- and right-handed structures by the application of
a low-intensity static magnetic field. The present research was
performed by Dr. Saito under the direction of Professor Arima and
Associated Professor Taniguchi. The achievement was published on the
online Journal of Physical Review Letters on 16th September.
More Information (Japanese Only) Professor Taka-hisa Arima | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5 Episode 60 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on September 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 60 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broad cast on September 8,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/29 Episode 59 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on September 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 59 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast onSeptember 1,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/28 Breakthrough in the new mechanism relaxing vascular homeostasis | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Hiroaki Shimokawa, Dr. Aya Takaki(Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine)and their collaborators discovered that nitric oxide (NO) synthase system mediates vascular relaxation by NO synthesis at relatively large,conduit arteries such as aorta, and by producing EDHF(endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor) at small blood vessels such as mesenteric arteries. This research achievement was published on“ the Journal of Experimental Medicine” on 1 September 2008.The novel concept of this study on the diverse roles of endothelial nitric oxide synthases system is expected to lead to breakthrough in basis of new therapeutic strategy for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease including metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and
heart failure. Department of Cardioscular Tohoku University, Tohoku University Graduate
School of medicine | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/22 Episode 58 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on August 25 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 58 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on August 25,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/21 Fabrication of a Nonvolatile Integrated Circuit Based on Spintronics Technology--A new integrated circuit using magnetos and semiconductors for a standby-power-free VLSI system | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Hideo Ohno (Laboratory for Nanoelectronics and Spintronics,
Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku
University, Japan) and Professor Takahiro Hanyu (Laboratory for
Brainware Systems, RIEC, Tohoku University, Japan) succeeded the
fabrication of a nonvolatile full adder prototype chip based on
logic-in-memory architecture as a design example of the proposed circuit
style using spin-injection-writable magnesium oxide (MgO) barrier
magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), combined with metal oxide
semiconductor (MOS) transistors. This chip fabrication was carried out
at two facilities, the MOS-transistor part was fabricated at Hitachi
Advanced Research Laboratory and the MTJ-device part was fabricated at
Laboratory for Nanoelectronics and Spintronics, RIEC, Tohoku University.
They succeeded to demonstrate the basic behavior of the nonvolatile
logic circuit based on logic-in-memory architecture as the
integrated-circuit for the first time in the world. Contact: Professor Takahiro Hanyu |
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| 8/21 Indication creativity in the brain comes from synchrony Discharge Synchrony during the Transition of Behavioral Goal Representations by Discharge Rates of Prefrontal Neurons | |||||||||||||||||||
Assistant Professor Sakamoto at Research Institute of Electrical
Communication, Laboratory for Brainware systems, Real World Computing
and Professor Mushiake at Graduate School of Medicine physiological
Science, Division of Medical Physiology and other coworkers revealed
that the synchrony in neuronal activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex
of two monkeys performing the behavioral tasks was recorded at the
moment monkeys realizing the solutions for attaining a final goal. This
achievement was on the American Science Web Journal “Cerebral Cortex
vol. 18 no. 9”. Contact: Tohoku University, Graduate School of Medicine, Medical Physiology
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| 8/20 Associate prof. Ishimoto and Prof. Ohira received the JSMF (Japan Society of Multiphase Flow) Technology Award. | |||||||||||||||||||
Due to outstanding research on "Development of the multiphase cooling system using cryogenic slush fluid", Associate prof. Ishimoto and Prof. Ohira in Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University received the JSMF (Japan Society of Multiphase Flow) Technology Award in 2007. They received the award at the JSMF Annual Meeting 2008 (at Aizu University) on August 9 in 2008. This award was given for their outstanding achievement and contribution on advancement of research fields in multiphase flow through "development on the technology of continuous production system of micro-slush particles" and "development of densimeter (solid fraction) and mass flow meter for cryogenic slush flow". It is hopeful that this research achievement will make a great contribution and breakthrough technology to the practical application of the next-generation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables in dealing with increasing the electric power demands. Furthermore, this achievement is expected to solve serious difficulties associated with infrastructure and constructing costs of HTS. By using this slush cooling technology, the practical use of HTS cable for power line is predicted to progress rapidly in Japanese power generation industries. Contact: Reality-Coupled Computation Laboratory, Institute of Fluid Science Assosiate Professor Jun Ishimoto
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| 8/11 Episode 57 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on August 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 57 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on August 18,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/8 Episode 56 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on August 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 56 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on August 11,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/1 Episode 55 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on August 4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 55 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on August 4,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/25 Episode 54 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on July 28 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 54 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on July 28,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/18 Episode 53 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on July 21 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 52 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on July 21,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/14 Professor Samukawa received the Journal Award from JJAP | |||||||||||||||||||
The article written by Professor Samukawa was honored the Journal Award from Japanese Journal of Applied Physics in this year. This is the first journal in the world which pointed out the effects and importance of intervention of UV irradiation during Si etching processes with Chlonrine atom beam. That point was highly praised and thus he received the award. This award was shared with Professor Samukawa, 1^st year phd student Jinnai, Mr. Morimoto, and Mr. Oda from Ushio Inc. The award ceremony will be held on 2 September and speech will be given on 4 September, both at Japan Societies of Applied Physics the 69^th Autumn Meeting in the Chubu University Nagoya. Title of Article:Surface Reaction Enhancement by UV irradiation during Si Etching Process with Chlorine Atom Beam Title of Journal:Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol.46, No.3, 2007,pp. L64-L66 Authors:Seiji Samukawa, Butsurinn Jinnai, Fumijhiko Oda, and Yukihiro Morimoto Contact: Institute of Fluid Science Samukawa Laboratory
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| 7/11 Episode 52 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on July 14 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 52 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on July 14,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/7 Breakthrough in the mechanism recognizing and eliminating intracellular pathogens (the cue for conquering the infectious disease caused by intracellular pathogens) | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Shouichiro Kurata and Assistant Professor Tamaki Yano with coworkers revealed the mechanism recognizing and eliminating pathogens. This research was conducted as a part of "Promotion of Basic Research Activities for Innovative Bioscience" supported by Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Japan and was on the American journal of "Nature Immunology" issued by Nature Publishing Group on July, 6 2008. Despite the innate immune system eliminating infectious pathogens, some invading pathogens such as Shigella flexneri, Mycobacterium tuberculpsos and Toxoplasma escape from these extracellular defenses and induce infectious diseases by parasitizing inside of immune cells. Through using Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular pathogen inducing Listeria desiase, this research revealed that the pattern-recognition receptor PGRP-LE in Drosophila recognizes infectious pathogens and control autophagy, and eliminate L. monocytogenes thereby. This research also proved that the PGRP-LE is responsible for recognizing the intracellular pathogens, and plays a role in inducing and controlling autophagy surrounding pathogens first time in the world. Besides that if autophagy is not induced, consequently the hosts will lose resistivity and may result in death. Furthermore, the induction of autophagy by artificial mediation decreased the number of bacteria in PGRP-LE mutant cells, which suggests that PGRP-LE acts upstream of autophagy in the resistance to L. monocytogenes infection. The results indicate the cue for conquering the infectious disease associated with intracellular pathogens as well as the cue for applications for prevention of insects born inflectional disease and proper management of food productions. Contact: Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science |
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| 7/7 Professor Samukawa received the Fellow Award from the Japan Society of Applied Physics | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Samukawa will be commenced the Fellow Award from the Japan Society of Applied Physics. The recipients are selected from members of JSAP who contributed to the breakthrough achievement in research and education, the achievement in education and development for industry, the achievement in development of human resources through education and the social contribution throughout the persistent activities of JSAP. Especially members who recognized their contribution as prominence will be presented the title of Fellow Award. During the 3 year period from 2007 to 2009, 2000 members will be selected from 24,000 members, 73 recipients were selected at this time. Award ceremony will be held at the 69^th Autumn Lecture Meeting on 2 September in 2008. More Information (Japanese Only) Contact: Institute of Fluid Science Samukawa Laboratory
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| 7/4 Episode 51 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on July 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 51 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on July 7,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/2 Maternal Feeding Controls Fetal Biological Clock | |||||||||||||||||||
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Through the cooperative research with Dr Takahiro Moriya at Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr Masayuki Iigo at the Department of Agriculture of Utsunomiya University, and Dr Tei Hajime at Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences, a Tohoku University research team led by Dr Hidenobu Ohta at the Center for Perinatal Medicine revealed that maternal feeding may control the biological clocks of fetuses during pregnancy and affect their metabolism. The research team focused on the maternal feeding schedule and examined how morning or evening feeding styles affect the fetal brain and organs by using rats as a model. Pregnant rats were exposed to either a morning or evening feeding schedule under the same light-dark cycle. The result showed that the maternal feeding schedule itself also has powerful effects on fetal physiology by influencing time information in maternal-fetal communication. This indicates that maternal-feeding signals can be more influential on fetuses than the maternal brain clock or melatonin during pregnancy and that perhaps time information relating to the lighting conditions is relayed to the fetus via the mother's own light-dark-cycle based feeding cycle. This research achievement was on American online journal "PloS One" on July 1. Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/2 Prof Tadokoro received the highest FDM agency chief award from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency chief. | |||||||||||||||||||
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The research team led by Professor Tadokoro received the highest award
and honored from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency Chief at the
60th year anniversary project for fire management system of local
government "Fire management robots/ high-technological materials and
equipments". More Information (Japanese Only) Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/2 Professor Niinomi in IMR Tohoku University received the Lee Hsun Lecture Award | |||||||||||||||||||
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Professor Niinomi in IMR Tohoku University received the Lee Hsun Lecture Award.This award is presented to persons, who made significant contributions to the materials science and engineering, and have a good personal reputation in some aspect of materials sciences and engineering. Formal presentation of this award is made when recipient gives a lecture at Institute of Metal Research Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMR, CAS). Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7/2 Finding the true “bad cholesterol” (Application for the hypertension treatment, prevention of atherosclerosis and inhibition of the onset of myocardial infarction) | |||||||||||||||||||
The research group including Prof Hideki Katagiri at the Center for Translational and Advanced Animal Research and Prof Yoshitomo Oka at the Molecular Metabolism and Diabetes in Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine discovered that lowering the levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in the blood completely inhibit progression of the atherosclerosis. The present achievement was on the Journal, "Circulation", on 1 July, 2008 issued by American Heart Association. An increase in the cholesterol level in the blood has been known as a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. Among total cholesterol, LDL is especially recognized as bad cholesterol and considered a factor causing atherosclerosis. This research revealed that ox LDL, the small part of LDL elements, is the main factor developing atherosclerosis. They successfully remove oxLDL itself without altering of LDL level or the total cholesterol level by using transgenic model mice with hyperlipidemia. The results indicated that atherosclerotic progression was completely prevented. This research revealed the new mechanism in which oxLDL induced to oxidative stress and thereby led to atherosclerosis. Besides, oxLDL plays a role in inducing rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, oxLDL is now proven as the true bad cholesterol. Despite the largest sales of the medicine lowering the total LDL level in the world whole medicine sales, the concerns for excessive decrease of total LDL have still remained. It is expected that further development of this research leads to the treatment inhibiting atherosclerotic progression and preventing from heart attack and stroke by lowering the bad cholesterol alone. Contact: Graduate School of Medicine, Center for Translational and Advanced Animal Research Professor Hideki Katagiri Phone: +81 22 -717-8228 (Katagiri) +81 22-717-8169 (Secretary) E-Mail katagiri_AT_mail.tains.tohoku.ac.jp(Replace "_AT_" to "@") |
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| 6/30 Fabrication of rutile TiO_2 with enhanced photocatalytic activity, water absorptivity and superhydrophilicity by anodic oxidation technique | |||||||||||||||||||
Recently, New Materials Preparation group (Prof. Masahashi's group) and Osaka Prefecture University have succeeded in the development of the rutile type TiO_2 showing excellent water adsorptivity and superhydrophilicity as well as photocatalyst performance under the collaboration with TIG Ltd. in Osaka. The oxide was formed on Ti and its alloys by anode oxidation technique controlling electrochemical conditions, and showed rutile form as being better photocatalytic activity than that of anatase. In addition, superhydrophilicity was confirmed without UV illumination, wherein unprecedented performance to let a water droplet impregnate at high speed inside was observed. These characteristics are probably ascribable to high crystallinity of rutile form with 15-30 nm crystallites and nano-sized pores in microstructures. We can expect wide development of this oxide in the application such as cellular phone, the frame of glasses, medical materials, and water purification. This result was reported in Nikkei-Sangyo Shimbun (July 1st). Contact: Osaka Center for Industrial Materials Tohoku University | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/25 Prof Takahashi in Graduate School of Environmental Studies received theMLIT Minister’s award for his contribution to industry-academia-government collaboration | |||||||||||||||||||
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Professor Hiroshi Takahashi in Tohoku University, Graduate Schoolof Environmental Studies received the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism Minister’s Award at the 6th of the order forcontribution to industry-academia-government on 14 June 2008. More Information(Japanese Only) Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/23 Succeeded in demonstration of a new concept of high density recording based on V-shape pits carrying multiple bits information (its density is 9 times higher than current CD and DVD) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Assistant Professor Toshihide Tsuru and Professor Masaki Yamamoto of Center for Advanced Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University successfully demonstrated the principle of the new concept of next-generation optical ROM disk. There is a rapid increase in development of the high-density memory such as CD, DVD and Blu-ray system. For further increase of the data storage capacity, the technologies of holographic data storage and a multilayer optical disk have now been developed. However, these technologies lose the simplicity enabling mass-production by simple stamper processing available in CD and DVD. We propose a new concept of high-density recording based on V-shape pits with a 90 deg valley carrying multiple-information in their valley directions. This structure permits mass-production with simple stamper reproduction processes. The information readout is done by reflection polarization measurements under illumination of circular polarization. The direction of reflected polarization ellipse follows the V-direction regardless of the V-pit orientation. The experimental results show that the high density recording in excess 9 bits is feasible at single pit recording. This research report was on the web journal of “Optics Express vol.16” issued by Optical Society of America (OSA) on 23 June 2008. Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/19 Collaboration of Tohoku University and MEMSAS, INC.Professor Haga developed the electronic endoscope which can be manipulated freely as robots | |||||||||||||||||||
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In cooperative research with MEMSAS, INC. Professor Haga in Tohoku University developed the electronic endoscope which can be manipulated freely as robots. The size of prototype is outside diameter of 9 mm and total length of 3 m long, and this prototype is for use in colon (large intestine). For ordinary endoscope, the equipped traction wires were used to bend the head of endoscope, thus it was certainly hard to bend, and had difficulty moving the head of endoscope deeper into intestine. The most noticeable point of current endoscope is softness of shaft as comparing with ordinary ones. The prototype incorporates micro coils which are made of shape memory alloy. The coils are heated and actuated by supplying electrical current and bend head of the endoscope. Besides its simple structure, it has possibilities of development of a new type of single use endoscope through reducing the production cost with mass-production. They also prospect the application of endoscope for small intestine which is difficult for endoscope to approach from the mouth and the anus. Because of its simple structure, it is possible to make endoscope thinner upon 2mm. In cooperation with medical equipment companies, the research team aims at its practical use in 5 to 10 years. This research achievement was on the Nikkei Sangyo Sinbun on 17 June 2008. Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/20 Episode 50 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on June 23 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 50 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on June 23,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/6 Professor Samukawa develops new fabrication method for 32-nm interconnect insulation films | |||||||||||||||||||
In partnership with the Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center (STARC, Yokohama) - which is funded by 11 private-sector semiconductor manufacturers including Toshiba and Sony - Professor Samukawa at Tohoku University has developed a new method for producing high-performance low-dielectric insulating films for use in the interconnect layers of next-generation LSIs. This method uses the same gas raw materials as before, but employs a new and revolutionary technique that involves irradiating with a low-energy beam of neutral particles to produce a film that combines low dielectric constant with high hardness. From 2013, semiconductor companies will introduce a dielectric constant of 2.2 for the next generation of 32-nanometer LSIs (1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter), so this new fabrication method could play a significant part in this technology. On the 2nd of this month, this achievement was announced at the IEEE International Interconnect Technology Conference in California, which is the world's most prestigious event in the field of interconnect technology. Contact: Research Institute of Electrical Communication (National Collaborative
Research Institute) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/13 Episode 49 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on June 16 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 49 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on June 16,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/10Clue of breakthrough the mechanism of iron-based layered superconductor --Succeed in direct observation of superconductive electrons in the new iron-based high-Tc superconductor-- | |||||||||||||||||||
The research group including Assistant Professor Takafumi Sato in Tohoku University Graduate School of Sciences and Professor Takashi Takahashi in Tohoku University WIP Research Center succeeded in direct observation of superconductive electrons in the new iron-based layered superconductor which was found recently in Japan. The research group found that the mechanism of the new superconductor considerably differs from the mechanism of conventional superconductors, and it has the similar characteristic with cupper-oxide high-temperature superconductor which was found 22 years ago and its mechanism is still unknown. They indicated the possibility of elevation in the superconducting transition temperatures in the future. This research achievement will be on "Journal of the Physical Society of Japan" on 15 June 2008. More Information(PDF) (Japanese Only) Contact:
Graduate School of Sciences Assistant Professor Takafumi
Sato | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/11 Assistant Professor Akira Ishino in Graduate School of Information Sciences recognized as the Super Creator | |||||||||||||||||||
Assistant Professor Akira Isino in Graduate School of Information Sciences was officially recognized as the Super Creator in “the Exploratory Software Project 2007”organized by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA) /Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. More Information(PDF) (Japanese Only) Contact:
Dr. Akira Ishino | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/10 Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications offered the title of Great Master of Science for Admission officer Dr. Nemoto. | |||||||||||||||||||
Due to his outstanding achievements in information engineering and related areas, and his contribution to academic exchanges with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Admission officer Dr. Nemoto was awarded the title of "Great Master of Science" from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. More Information(Japanese Only) Contact:
Graduate School of Information Sciences Athenaeum/ Public Relation Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/3 Breakthrough in a new approach for skin whitening | |||||||||||||||||||
Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms in Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences and the KOSÉ Corporation objected the new approach for skin whitening and have been done a co-operative research associated with the mechanism of melanin pigment transport. As a result of this research we found that suppression of transport of melanosomes (the vacuoles containing melanin pigment), which exist in melanocytes (the melanin pigment producing cells), is an effective way to prevent pigmented (or aging) spots. The achievement of this research will be expected as a first important step for further research for skin whitening.
Contact:
Graduate School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/6 Episode 48 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on June 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 48 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on June 9,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/4 Professor Takao Nishizeki and Assistant professor Gyo Shu awarded the Achievement Award 2007 from the IEICE. | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Takao Nishizeki and Assistant professor Gyo Shu at School of Information Sciences were awarded the Achievement Award 2007 from the Institute of Electric Information and Communication Engineering.
Contact:
School of Information Science Athenaeum/ Public Relation Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/3 Breakthrough in a new approach for skin whitening | |||||||||||||||||||
Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms in Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences and the KOSÉ Corporation objected the new approach for skin whitening and have been done a co-operative research associated with the mechanism of melanin pigment transport. As a result of this research we found that suppression of transport of melanosomes (the vacuoles containing melanin pigment), which exist in melanocytes (the melanin pigment producing cells), is an effective way to prevent pigmented (or aging) spots. The achievement of this research will be expected as a first important step for further research for skin whitening.
Contact:
Graduate School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/2 Professor Ryuta Kawashima at the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer was honored by the Minister of Public Management during the period of the Council for Info-Communications Promotion Month. | |||||||||||||||||||
Professor Ryuta Kawashima was honored by the Minister of Public Management at the main commemoration ceremony of the Electric Wave Day 2008 and the Council for Info-Communications Promotion Month 2008 on second of June. His remarkable research for the automatic diagnosis of human brain images and clarification of the structure of human brain and his outstanding achievement of contribution to education and public welfare in its field were the main reason for winning award. More Information(Japanese Only) Contact:
Dept. Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer | |||||||||||||||||||
| 6/2 Professor Tastuo Uchida at Schools of Engineering was awarded the SLOTTOW-OWAKI PRIZE from the Society for Information Display. | |||||||||||||||||||
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Professor Tastuo Uchida at Schools of Engineering was awarded the SLOTTOW-OWAKI PRIZE from Society for Information Display. More Information(Japanese Only) Contact:
Public Relation Division at Schools of Engineering | |||||||||||||||||||
| 5/30 Episode 47 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" Broadcast on June 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Episode 47 of "A New Century for Tohoku University" will be broadcast on June 2,2008; it is a collaborative TV series produced by Tohoku University and Higashi Nippon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
Broadcasting Schedule
"A New Century for Tohoku University" (Official Website) Public Relations Division Phone: +81-22-217-4977 Fax: +81-22-217-4818 |
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| 4/30 Discovery; Transcription factor Pax6 controls development of glial cells (First step for understanding the development process of the most abundant cells in brain) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Professor Noriko Osumi and Dr. Katsuyasu Sakurai in Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine found that a neurogenesis-controlling factor Pax6 inhibits proliferation of astrocytes. This report reveals a part of molecular mechanisms of astrocyte development. It suggests that Pax6 transcription factor regulates the developmental mechanism of glial cells. This result is one of the first steps for the elucidation of the developmental mechanism of glial cells, the most abundant cells in brain, and also be expected to be applied to understand the developmental mechanism of glioma. The report appeared on the cover of "the Journal of Neuroscience" issued by the Society for Neuroscience on April 2008. This work is supported by JST. Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4/15 Needless to change water for cut flower Innovative material for keeping water quality | |||||||||||||||||||
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Assistant professor Dr. Takuya Kubo and Professor Dr. Ken Hosoya with
Mr. Tsujioka, who is a Ph.D. students of Kyoto Institute of Technology,
have developed a novel porous polymer material called Monolith and
successfully invented well-control of monolithic structure in the
world's first. Additionally, they have confirmed that the stick type
monolith "white stick" could be worked for prolong life of cut flower
and keeping water quality only by putting the stick into the water. So
far, a lots of complicated processes such as putting preservative in the
water or sterilizing the cut edge of flowers are required for taking
care of cut flowers, nevertheless the water quickly become clouded and
the life of flower is still short if leaving flowers without caring.
Whereas, the "white stick" can be used for prolonging the life of cut
flowers only by putting into the water.
Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2/28 Identification of molecule protecting pancreatic beta cells which secrete glucose-lowering hormone insulin : Breakthrough in the development of new treatments for type2 diabetes | |||||||||||||||||||
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The research team led by Dr. Suguru Yamaguchi,Dr. Hisamitsu Ishihara and Professor Yoshitomo Oka revealed the mechanism suppressing the development of type2 diabetes. This mechanism protects pancreatic beta cells, which produces the hormone insulin, from overwork. Further advances in this research are expected to lead to effective treatments for type2 diabetes in this age of overeating and inactivity.This achievement was published in the journal Cell Metabolism on 4th March. Ongoing research has revealed that when beta cells are under endoplasmic reticulum stress, a molecules called 4E-BP1 is induced to suppress translation and thereby prevent beta cells overwork. Mouse models lacking 4E-BP1 showed that continuously overworked beta cells and evenual apoptosis,with consequent rapid and severe diabetes progression. A medication increasing 4E-BP1 and thereby preventing beta cells from becoming overworked is anticipated to enhance beta cell suvival and prevent diabetes progression. Contact: | |||||||||||||||||||