This time we feature a project to build a telescope with a 30-meter mirror. It's called the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT) and is being developed by a consortium of five nations, including Japan. Such a large telescope would be impossible without technology to make ultra-high-precision mirrors, and adaptive optics that boost the image resolution even further. We'll meet Japanese scientists and engineers involved in overcoming these daunting technical challenges.
The enormous biodiversity of life on Earth makes the natural world a treasure trove of benefits for humanity. Kevin put his life sciences expertise to work explaining why. An organism from coastal tidepools has yielded a valuable anticancer drug. As an island country, Japan has a long and storied record in marine biology research. Joining forces with Japan's cutting-edge research techniques in analytical and synthetic chemisty, Japanese science brought a new drug from sea to clinic.
How can we predict volcanic eruptions? How can we know about them before they happen? A nation full of volcanoes, Japan has been at the forefront of research seeking to answer these questions. On this program, we learn about instruments that have been placed inside volcanoes to measure their expansion, how magma movements are being measured by minute changes in gravitational pull, and how one cutting-edge experiment is using cosmic particles to peer inside volcanoes. Every improvement in volcano prediction has the potential to save lives. Meet the dedicated researchers who are blazing new trails in this field!
One in three Japanese people will die of cancer, so it's no surprise that cancer research is one of the most important medical fields. Currently, there are three established treatments: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But today scientists around the world are working to add a fourth: cancer vaccines. And Japanese researchers are right in the thick of it! They are identifying genes that are expressed only in cancer cells, and making vaccines from molecules called peptides that form from the breakdown of the proteins these "cancer genes" encode. We hear about patients who were treated with the vaccine-and saw amazing results. And in the studio, we have Yusuke Nakamura of the University of Tokyo Institute of Medical Science, one of Japan's leading researchers in this field.
Automobile safety has recently shifted its focus to preventing accidents before they happen. Research is currently underway to develop a car that can detect obstacles and pedestrians, automatically apply the brakes, and take evasive maneuvers. Control mechanisms that were once only used in robots are now finding their way into automobiles. How far have Japan's world famous automobile manufacturers taken driving technology? You're bound to find this week's topic interesting, even if you're not a car fanatic. The fusion of robotic and automotive technology looks set to change all our lives!
The vast Sahara Desert stretches 5,000 kilometers from east to west, and 1,500 kilometers from north to south. Today there is growing interest in its potential as a solar power site. It sounds like a far-fetched idea, but a group of mainly Japanese researchers are pushing a plan to turn the Sahara Desert into a giant solar farm. It's called the Sahara Solar Breeder Plan, and it goes like this: use desert sand, an inexhaustible resource, to make cheap silicon... and out of that silicon, mass-produce solar panels. These panels would harness the tremendous solar radiation that the Sahara receives to generate electricity... which would be sent around the globe by superconducting power lines. How's that for an ambitious project! On The Leading Edge, we'll explore this boldly original idea.
The coelacanth appeared on Earth before the dinosaurs and it is still around today virtually unchanged! For a long time the life cycle of this "living fossil fish" was unknown, but a team from Japan's Aquamarine Fukushima, based in the same Fukushima Prefecture where the 2011 nuclear accident took place, is using an unmanned submersible with high-definition video cameras on board to film the coelacanth in its native waters in Indonesia. The team was the first to capture images of coelacanth fry. Meanwhile, a research group representing Japan and Tanzania has succeeded in sequencing the coelacanth's entire genome. Coelacanth-related discoveries are flying in! Professor Norihiro Okada of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who worked on the coelacanth genome project, joins us in the studio to explore the mysteries of evolution.
The Takamatsuzuka Tomb was erected 1,300 years ago in what is now the village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture. On its four walls are painted the Azure Dragon, the White Tiger, the Black Tortoise and a group of women in vibrant hues called the Asuka Beauties. It was one of the greatest discoveries in the history of Japanese archaeology, but mold and dehumidification have since led to the murals' deterioration. Can the power of science and technology restore and preserve this priceless artistic and cultural treasure for future generations?
Do you know the term bioimaging? It is a technique for observing living cells by making them shine or light up, and people are saying that it will change the face of medicine. In surgery, for example, doctors can remove cancer cells much more easily when they are lit up. Bioimaging is also leading to rapid advances in our understanding of the mechanisms behind cancer, Alzheimer's, and other pathological conditions. This new understanding should help find these conditions earlier than ever before. Japanese bioimaging technology is at the global forefront. Tune in and see for yourself!
The voice of CG pop idol Hatsune Miku simply soars! Perhaps you've heard it? Singing voices synthesized by computers are storming on to the stage. One recording with synthesized singing even reached number one on the Japanese charts! And all of this is underpinned by the amazing progress of voice synthesizing technology, just in the past few years. The voices are made by computer, but they sound natural and full of feeling! There is even technology that can synthesize just about anybody's voice, even yours! What are the secrets behind these amazing advances? What is the essence of expression? What does singing mean to people? We ask these essential questions from the front line of voice synthesizing technology.
Technological advances are shedding light on the world of the deep ocean. One focus of interest is hydrothermal vents that spew out super heated water from the ocean floor. These vents are home to many fantastic creatures that feed on poisonous chemical compounds like hydrogen sulfide and methane. Recent studies even suggest that life on earth may have started around hydrothermal vents. Japan's most advanced submersible performed the world's first major survey to investigate this hypothesis. Did it find clues about the birth of life? Tune in to find out all the details!
The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa crashed down like a falling star into the dessert in Australia in June 2010. It was an image that captivated many people around the world. Hayabusa's return to earth marked the end of its 6 billion kilometer journey that lasted 7 years. The unprecedented project landed a probe on the asteroid Itokawa and brought a sample back. But along the way there was all sorts of trouble including engine problems and a fuel leak, but the ion engine developed in Japan managed to bring Hayabusa nack home safely. Two films also came out in February and March 2012, keeping Hayabusa very much in the spotlight in Japan. We go behind the scenes of this first ever successful sample return mission to a celestial body other than the moon.
Do you know what the most significant source of damage is to a building during an earthquake? While most people might think of the magnitude and intensity scales as a way to measure a quake's destructiveness, there is actually another important factor: an earthquake's period of oscillation. For example, during earthquakes with a long period of oscillation, tall buildings are most susceptible to damage because of a phenomenon called resonance. Studies have now begun to analyze the kind of ground cities are built upon in an effort to predict the period of earthquakes before they happen. We report on this cutting edge research protect buildings against giant earthquakes.
We know a lot about animals, but how much do we really know about their lifestyles? Bio-logging is a new technology that gives us an inside look at how animals live. Cameras, GPS modules, thermometers, barometers and other devices are attached to animals. These devices then record the animals as they go about their normal everyday lives. The resulting video and data have given us amazing new insights into animal behavior. Scientists are now observing animal behavior through the viewpoint of the animals themselves—but what exactly are they looking for? Join us as we show you a rich selection of astonishing bio-logging videos from land, sea and sky.
On this week's episode, we examine Quince, the Japanese rescue robot that was deployed into the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Since a hydrogen explosion at the plant, radiation levels remain high inside. That makes it difficult for workers to continue cleanup efforts for long periods at a time. Quince was deployed three months after the accident. Its goal was to measure radiation levels and check the status of the plant's cooling system. Quince was developed by a Japanese university research team. It was designed to be a highly maneuverable rescue robot. We look at the latest developments in Japanese robotics and consider how current research might be applied in the future.
The Internet has become an essential part of our lives. Cryptography the technology that protects our private information using codes. But there is always the possibility that the codes can be broken. Quantum coding is a way to avert that danger. The idea is to make perfectly secure codes using the principles of quantum physics. A project has now begun in Japan to being limited use of this new technology in just four years!
iPS cells are created from normal human skin cells. They possess the same potential as fertilized eggs cells, meaning they can be developed into any kind of cell in the human body. It was 5 years ago when the successful creation of the first iPS cells was announced. At first, practical application of this revolutionary new technology was thought to be 10 to 20 years away. How far has iPS cell technology come since then? How close is clinical application? What obstacles have been overcome? We talk at length in the studio with the father of iPS cells Dr. Shinya Yamanaka. Dr. Yamanaka is currently the director of the Kyoto University Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and also the Japanese scientist considered closest to winning the Nobel Prize. He talks about his resolve, how his research has far exceeded his expectations, and how he was affected by what a patient's mother told him. Tune in!
The magnitude-9.0 megaquake that struck Japan on March 11th, 2011 induced many more earthquakes across country, some of them in places where quakes almost never happen. In addition, there are twenty Japanese volcanoes that rumbling more since megaquake. A mass of data on these quakes and volcanoes is being studied for clues as to where the next megaquake will strike, and what we can do to mitigate the damage. What exactly has been happening underneath Japan? We report on the latest science.
There is an amazing world beneath our feet, from earthworms and woodlice to countless tiny bacteria. And we don't know very much at all about how 99% of these creatures actually live. Scientists are learning how symbiotic relationships between the creatures of the soil form complex ecosystems. Organisms called endophytes that live inside plants are attracting particular attention. Soil ecology is a deep and fascinating field. What are some of the extraordinary features of the soil and its ecosystems? The latest science is uncovering the universe hidden beneath the soil.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in Japan. Among the many new cancer treatments currently being researched, a method that uses viruses to kill cancer cells is attracting particular attention. This surprising method, using a pathogen to fight cancer, is made possible by a very common virus: herpes. The genes of the herpes virus are recombined to render it harmless to healthy cells, but deadly to cancer cells. In animal experiments, scientists altered just three of herpes's genes, but this small change created a virus with powerful anti-cancer properties. Human clinical tests are now underway. Will this method become a common form of cancer treatment? Join us as we investigate.
Heat-generating objects are all around us, from personal computers and televisions to cars and factories! This heat represents an enormous amount of energy, but most of it goes unused, a huge waste. Efforts to capture this heat, and generate power from it, are now in the spotlight. One key to these efforts is the Seebeck effect: a phenomenon where a difference in temperature can generate electrical power. We will explain this effect in detail, and introduce research in Japan that is generating thermal power using a related, but different, scientific principle. The fascinating new method that uses this principle generates electricity using electrical insulators. Join us as we investigate the great potential of thermal power generation. It is using everything from industrial waste heat to the heat from our own bodies to create a more eco-friendly future.
Massive amounts of radiation have been released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant since it was hit by the tsunami caused by last year's Great East Japan Earthquake. Now, more than a year later, the cleanup work is progressing, but many radiation hotspots remain, and there is continuing anxiety about how radiation might affect the health of residents living near the plant. Japan is a world leader in epidemiology -what can its studies tell us about the health effects of long-term exposure to relatively low doses of radiation? Children are said to be especially vulnerable -are the effects different for them? There are still many questions that remain to be answered. We report on the latest Japanese studies into the impact of radiation on the human body.
Even most Japanese people don't know that Kagoshima Bay in southern Japan is home to a gigantic active undersea volcano. 30,000 years ago this volcano, then on land, underwent one of largest eruptions ever in Japan, blasting ash across the Japanese islands. The eruption resulted in the Aira Caldera, a formation 20 kilometers across that currently sits 200 meters below the water's surface. A recent survey of the caldera discovered it contains a unique oceanic ecosystem that exists in only two other places in the world. In 2011, another major discovery was made: deposits of rare metals. Join us as we probe the mysteries of this enormous but little-known volcano.
On June 11th, 2012, in Yokohama, a historic conversation took place between Shinya Yamanaka and Ian Wilmut. The two men asked many probing questions about each other's research. What was the key to successfully cloning Dolly? What inspired iPS cell research? How did each man feel when he first realized he had succeeded? They also discussed the ethical questions raised by iPS cell technology. For example, among the many applications of iPS cells, they seemingly make it possible to grow human organs inside of pigs. Dr. Wilmut shared his own thoughts about how we prevent the misuse of such groundbreaking technology. The two then shared their thoughts about the future of science, and what is necessary to guarantee that scientific discoveries and advances have a positive impact on society. Finally, Dr. Wilmut offers a message to young scientists, both in Japan and around the world. Join us for this amazing meeting of the minds. Watch as two giants of their field delve deep into the significance of their discoveries.
With IKAROS (the Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun), the Japanese space program has amazed the world. IKAROS is the world's first spaceship that can fly about freely in space without a mechanical engine. It's like something out of science fiction. How exactly does IKAROS propel itself? The idea behind IKAROS was first conceived by a U.S. research institution a century ago, but it took uniquely Japanese talent to make it a reality -actually, origami was a crucial source of inspiration for the engineering team. Now, a new, larger craft modeled on IKAROS is being designed to explore our solar system. It is expected to take flight in 2020. IKAROS is promising to change the shape of space exploration. Don't miss this episode.
Carbon dioxide is often thought of as one of the main causes of global warming. But scientists are finding new ways to turn CO2 into a useful resource. We see how fast-growing seaweed can be used to absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, and how the CO2 is then used to make plastics and methane gas. What's the secret behind this miraculous new technique? Here's a clue: microorganisms. Tune in and see the latest scientific attempts to turn "trash into treasure."
Japan might soon experience its own gold rush! Scientists are hoping to tap the vast deposits of gold, silver, copper, and other rare metals found in oceanic plate boundaries. State-of-the-art Japanese technology is being employed to locate and extract metals from these deposits, which are produced by the dynamic forces at work inside our planet. Japan was once referred to as "Zipangu" by Marco Polo, a land fabled for its gold. With all of the new gold deposits being discovered in Japanese waters, Zipangu might not be a myth after all.
There are roughly 100 billion neurons in the brain. Neurons can live up to 120 years, but unlike other cells, they cannot divide. How do neurons store our memories? On this episode of Science View, we focus on new research that aims to answer that question. An advance in imaging technology has made it possible to observe neural activity in real time using a method called two-photon microscopy. Using this technology, scientists have revealed the dynamic life of cells.
Rare earths are essential to contemporary industry, including energy-efficient electrical appliances. Take neodymium, for example, one rare earth element. Neodymium magnets are used in the motors of devices like washing machines and hybrid cars. In 2009, China, which supplies more than 90% of the world's rare earths, briefly suspended rare earth exports. The shock that this gave to Japanese industry triggered new interest in developing alternative technologies to ones that use rare earths. We report on the research at the forefront of this burgeoning field.
The gigantic magnitude-9 earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, also unleashed an enormous tsunami that reached as high as 38 meters along the country's eastern coast. A seabed survey conducted off the Sanriku Coast in August 2011 discovered a surprising phenomenon. It is now being suggested that if widely expected earthquakes strike various regions of Japan in the future, this same phenomenon could produce more huge tsunami, and compound the damage wrought by these earthquakes. We introduce the newly understood mechanism behind mega-tsunami.
A Japanese research group is working on a new technique that could triple the output of wind power generators. Called the wind-lens turbine, it gathers the wind in a way similar to the way a lens concentrates light. But what exactly is a wind-lens turbine? It's simpler than you think, but you'll have to tune in to find it out. Tests using the turbines have already started out at sea in preparation for future widespread use. Effective use of wind around Japan's coast could even potentially provide more energy than Japan currently uses. Tune in to find out about the latest developments in this cutting edge technology.
The stars and galaxies are in constant motion across our vast universe, and Akari, a Japanese infrared observation satellite, has been providing some fascinating information about them. Akari uses the special properties of infrared radiation to capture breathtaking scenes: stars being born, intergalactic collisions. Akari has also provided astonishing new images of Betelgeuse, a well-known star in the Orion constellation, and there's a special connection to the Orion Nebula, which sits over 1,000 light years away from Earth. What is this connection? And what makes infrared special? Tune in to discover the answers, and see some of Akari's amazing images of our universe.
The cell is the smallest unit of life but still many riddles remain about what goes on inside it. We introduce a new technique that observes a single molecule in the cell. A cutting edge microscope uses laser technology to reveal unanticipated molecular movement. What is this amazing activity, which even disproved a theory proposed by a Nobel Prize winner? We also take a look at a needle that works on the micrometer scale to move and remove tiny quantities of matter in the tiny organelles found in cells. Join us for a closer look at these achievements, coming in quick succession from Japan, and the new discoveries these world-class techniques are making about the internal world of the cell.
Jellyfish are one of the most popular sights at Japanese aquariums. Did you know their bodies are about 95% water? And did you know they have some astonishing abilities? One type of jellyfish is able to do something that humans have been trying to accomplish since ancient times. What could it be? Substances obtained from jellyfish are also being used in medicines, including one remedy for sore knees. Researchers are even hoping to use jellyfish to regrow forests. Join us as we focus in on the amazing powers of jellyfish!
Dolphins and beluga whales are known for their intelligence. Their brains are the second largest relative to body mass in the animal kingdom behind humans. Recent research has focused on three abilities: Mimicking human speech, remembering the names of things, and engaging in playful physical contact with each other. But the intelligence of dolphins and belugas whales isn't the only thing that's amazing about them. They are also capable of emitting ultra-high frequency signals that help them avoid obstacles, find their prey and even find out how big their prey is. A new kind of sensor inspired by this ability has even found its way into commercial fishing. Tune in to find out just how amazing dolphins and belugas are.
Metabolism is a term that most people probably know, but do you know just exactly what metabolism is? It's the process by which living creatures chemically change and create substances. On a cellular level, life works like a chemical plant. Animals are capable of producing over 3,000 different substances while plants can produce nearly 200,000. Today, we focus on a few of the substances that play a key role in metabolism. First, an oil made by algae that could be used as a new bio-fuel. It was even used to fly a jet plane. Next, a substance that is used to produce a drug for treating pancreatic cancer. But that's not all! Tune in to learn more about the newest research on the amazing mechanisms of living things and how they can help create new kinds of energy and medicine.
Scenes of the ceiling collapsing in the Ibaraki Airport lobby were some of the first images shown on TV after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. The ceiling was made of heavy plaster board. Anyone struck by them would have been badly injured. What caused the ceiling to fall? Analysis has revealed an unexpected weakness. This kind of suspended ceilings is commonly used in all kinds of public buildings. Professor Kenichi Kawaguchi of the University of Tokyo joins us in the studio to talk about improving building safety during earthquakes. Be sure to tune in!
In December, 2010, news about of the discovery of a special fish in Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture spread rapidly across Japan. It was the kunimasu, a relative of the sockeye salmon that was thought to have died out 70 years ago. But what's even more amazing, Lake Saiko was more than 500 kilometers away from where the kunimasu was previous known to live, Lake Tazawako in Akita Prefecture! How did the kunimasu reappear so far away? NHK joined forces with a Kyoto University research team using sonar and underwater cameras to observe the secrets of its habitat and how it survives. Tune into learn the amazing story of how the kunimasu was found 70 years after supposedly going extinct. We've also got rare footage of the kunimasu in the wild.
Professor Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for developing the first induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). On this week's Science View we bring you a special Nobel Prize episode in advance of the award ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 10th.
On this edition of Science View we bring you news on Shizuku, Japan's state-of-the-art weather satellite.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants obtain energy from sunlight. Scientists have long tried to artificially replicate this process. If they succeed, it could have a major impact on both energy production and our way of life. In fact, in 2011, Japanese scientists made a breakthrough discovery in the field of artificial photosynthesis. They pinpointed the structure of an enzyme that was a mystery for 200 years. The research project began 20 years. It also discovered a surprising feature of the enzyme's structure. Researchers are also using the science behind photosynthesis in an effort to use light energy to extract hydrogen from water. This research makes use of a material with astonishing properties. Can you guess what material they are using? Join us for an in depth look at latest efforts to realize artificial photosynthesis.
At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak. Its bold, beautiful shape is famous the world over and is often seen depicted in woodblock prints. But Fuji is also an active volcano that has erupted violently many times in the past. Today, volcanologists are growing increasingly concerned that it might erupt again in the near future. On this edition of Science View, we leave the studio and visit a village on the foothills of Mount Fuji. We'll take a look at both the beautiful and potentially dangerous sides of the famous mountain. We'll also report on the latest research into whether another eruption will occur. This program was recorded in December on a beautiful clear day. Science watcher Eiji Mizushima and Reporter Rena Yamada were able to enjoy a clear view of the snow-capped mountain. Too bad it was so cold! Our two hosts were practically frozen by the end of the day.
On today's The Leading Edge, we focus on yellow dust: huge dust clouds that travel to Japan from East Asia's dry interior. Yellow dust is a phenomenon that occurs in Japan every spring, brining with it a fair amount of trouble. In Tokyo yellow dust causes a haze that disrupts economic activity and affects people's health. But up until now, there were many things scientists did not understand about yellow dust. Now, research has revealed some surprising facts. This is not your average dust! In fact, some scientists are now referring to it as a microbial ark or an airborne chemical plant. Scientists also believe studying yellow dust could help us learn more about the global environment and maybe even help us prevent global warming. Join us as we take a detailed look at yellow dust!
A huge number of toxins exist all around the world. And believe it or not, the nine deadliest toxins come from living things! Tetrodotoxin, found in the organs of blowfish, is particularly notorious. When blowfish is prepared for consumption in Japan, it must be prepared by a licensed chef who is trained to cut the toxic organs out. It is possible, however, under special conditions, to raise blowfish that are not toxic at all. In fact, blowfish aren't even born with the poison at all. So, where does it come from? Scientists are looking for ways to use biotoxins for medicinal purposes. For example, conotoxin, which paralyzes nerves, could be a thousand times more effective than a certain drug you may have heard of. Can you guess what it is? Join us as we step into the deep and amazing world of biotoxins.
In a two-part series, Science View steps out of the studio to explore some hidden treasures of Japanese nature and science, in a visit to the all-new Natural History Collection Wing of the National Museum of Nature and Science Tsukuba Research Departments. The National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo has a history of more than 130 years. In addition to its valuable exhibits in the fields of natural history and the history of science and technology, it also engages in pioneering research. The new natural history building in Tsukuba, which houses most of more than 4 million items in the natural history collection, was completed in April 2012. You can see fascinating items not normally shown to the public, as we explore the natural world of Japan, how the Japanese people interact with it, and also Japan's growth as a technological power. In Part One, we focus on the fauna of Japan. Our first port of call is the ancient specimen collection, where we examine a fossil that is considered one of Japan's treasures. What makes this 6 plus-meter long plesiosaur, discovered in 1968, such a national treasure? Well, it actually helped overturn a widely held assumption about Japanese natural history. Tune in to find out what it was. Meanwhile, a fossil found nearby suggested that our futabasaurus was engaged in a ferocious battle with another creature. What was this creature, who helps inspire vivid images of an ancient Japanese ecosystem? We peer into the scientists' toolkit to see how CT scanning is now being used to study the structure of such valuable fossils - without breaking them! CT scans have also revealed much about the way of life of an ancient mammal known as the "mysterious beast!" Next, we visit the vertebrate skeleton room to see and hear about the whales that live in waters around Japan. Scientists have been investigating why healthy whales strand themselves on beaches. You might be surprised to hear one of the reasons we reveal... Something related to bo
The National Museum of Nature and Science has a proud history of over 130 years. Besides its valuable exhibits in the fields of natural history and the history of science & technology, it also engages in frontier research. The new Natural History Collection Wing, which houses almost all of more than 4 million items in the natural history collection, was completed in April, 2012. In this two-part series, Science View steps out of the studio to visit this new Natural History Collection Wing of the National Museum of Nature and Science Tsukuba Research Departments in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. We view materials not normally displayed to consider the natural world of Japan, how the Japanese people interact with it and also Japan's growth as a technological power.
Our body clock makes us feel hungry or sleepy at set times. You probably know the feeling. The latest studies have found as many as 300 substances in the human body that vary in amount according to a 24-hour cycle to generate the body's rhythm. We also now know there are body-clock genes which govern these processes. While experience tells us that we are likely to get sick if our body clock is disrupted, and more likely to fall ill at particular times of day, science is now tackling these issues, too. Mice with disrupted body clocks, for example, catch a sickness that people often get. What do you think it is? A gene has also been discovered which generates a rhythm and then controls embryonic growth. What hidden links are there between life and time? Don't miss this fascinating report!
How Gut Microbes Influence Immunity This week's The Leading Edge is all about gut microbes. With a name like gut microbes, you might think that these tiny organisms are bad for you, but in fact, they play a key role in keeping your gut healthy. Recent studies have even shown that gut microbes enhance our immune system. We go over all the details of how they manage to make our immune system stronger. Research has also revealed a species of microbe that helps keep the gut healthy and functioning properly. It took scientists 40 years to identify it. Can you guess what it is? Tune in to find out all about the essential, microscopic work of gut microbes and how they affect our immune system.
Mystical Lake Mashu in Hokkaido is swathed in mist for more than 100 days of the year. Hemmed in by steep mountains and with no river flowing into it, it is known for its exceptionally clear water. This lake, however, is in crisis. Its water clarity, once the highest in the world at 41.6m, has dropped year by year. Trees in the surrounding mountains have started to wither. What is going on at Lake Mashu? A survey team set out to discover the cause of the lake's deterioration. Could it be mudslides? Or the soaring deer population? Various possibilities were considered but... Science View hunts down the real culprit. Tune in for the must-see conclusion!
Security cameras have become a common sight even in Japan now. But we can't be complacent about these cameras and their random images of people in the crowd. The technology exists to have them reveal sensitive personal information, and it is closer to reality than you might think! Called facial recognition software, this technology can identify individuals from their facial characteristics. Already employed in criminal investigations, and evolving apace, Japan is a world leader in the field. Our special guest is an expert in the field, and together we look at how far techniques have advanced, explore whether the privacy issues can be solved and discuss the benefits and problems this new science raises for us all. You might regret it if you miss this Leading Edge!
J-Innovators: Microballs and Auto Parts It is a small business with a staff of only 19, but possesses revolutionary knowhow now being used by every automaker in Japan. It is even being used at the pinnacle of car racing, in Formula One. Our innovator this week is the man behind this technology. His company makes components such as gears and shafts. They may look ordinary, but something sets them apart. Tiny microballs are used in the manufacturing process. Their use extends from car to airplane parts, and beyond to yet more surprising areas. Find out more as we explore the secret strength of the microball. Reporter Michelle Yamamoto also explores the motivations of the innovator behind them. Science News Watch: Hair Cells Improve your Hearing? Over 10% of the world's population has a hearing impairment, according to WHO figures from 2004. Science Watcher John Gathright focuses on a story that will bring hope to the auditorily-impaired: a drug that can regenerate auditory hair cells! Is that really possible? The man behind the research is Professor Hideyuki Okano of Keio University, who is also well known for successfully using iPS cells to enable mice with spinal injuries to walk. Tune in to learn how his team is now on the path to enabling hearing to be restored. The horizons for regenerative medicine just keep on expanding! The Leading Edge: Cells Making Waves! This topic might sound a little challenging, but is sure to intrigue any amateur scientists or animal lovers out there. We focus on the striped patterns on animals. Have you ever wondered how those patterns are formed? A Japanese scientist delved deep and found an answer. His breakthrough findings made the cover of a prestigious scientific journal, and overturned the accepted view that these patterns are encoded in the genes. We also look at the contribution of brilliant British mathematician, Alan Turing, whose own ideas anticipated this new finding. A mathematician? Join us to connect th
J-Innovators: A New Technique to Make Furniture out of Bamboo Tables made from bamboo folded like origami paper, and chairs with unusual and complex designs... These are some of the items of furniture made by this week's innovator. Bamboo is strong and doesn't break easily. That's why it has been used since olden times for baskets, sieves and screens. But it does also tend to warp, and that's why it hasn't been used for larger furniture. It bends out of shape when it loses its moisture. After much experimentation, our innovator has found a way to prevent that distortion. What is his surprising technique? He says that he thought it up because it pained him so much to see the neglected state of the bamboo groves in his hometown. We see how perseverance pays off, as we trace the path and motivations of a truly dedicated bamboo craftsman and innovator. Science News Watch: Soil Liquefaction after Earthquakes - Mitigating the Damage Science Watcher Koichi Kitazawa reports on news that could help combat the serious problem of soil liquefaction. This is what happens when the shaking from an earthquake causes water to rise up and liquefy the ground surface. It often causes catastrophic damage to buildings. Research by a group based around the Nagoya Institute of Technology is looking at preventing liquefaction by using a particular material mixed into sandy soil. In tests, it was shown to stop water rising up even in the equivalent of a seismic intensity 6 earthquakes. So, what is the mystery material? A hint lies on the roof of a Japanese house. The latest earthquake research has come up with an ingenious damage mitigator. The Leading Edge: Body Area Networks: Using the Human Electric Field What if you could learn all about someone just by placing your hand near them? It's not a science fiction movie, but a scenario from the frontline of scientific research. Body area networks - using the human body to communicate information - is now a hot topic. Just by
J-Innovators: Long-lasting Artificial Knee Joints It is said that more than 10 million elderly people in Japan suffer from knee ailments. Artificial knee joints offer a solution that puts them back on their feet. But until now, artificial joints have had a major drawback. After implantation, the polyethylene "cartilage" in the joints deteriorates as a result of oxidation, and repeated friction. In collaboration with a university, this week's innovator has developed a way to prevent oxidation using a well-known nutrient. Can you guess what it is? The innovator also found a way to reduce friction. We find out what the development of better artificial joints means to him, and investigate the radical techniques he employed that are now helping so many. Science News Watch: A Childhood Learning Support Robot Science Watcher Koichi Kitazawa takes up news of a robot designed to help children with their studies. In a performance trial at an elementary school in Kyoto, a robot assisted in science classes through a whole year. The adorable robot was developed by a group centered around the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International. It has two eyes, a rather comical visage, can recognize the faces of over 100 children and address them by names. What were classes with this clever robot like? See for yourself in the program! Fun with robots could be a great motivator for kids at all levels. The Leading Edge: Robots in Our Everyday Lives - The Future Robots as trusty servants and witty conversation partners? It sounds like science fiction, but the fantasy is already a reality. Until now, robots have been used most actively in factories and the like. They were considered incapable of the ad hoc responses required for everyday interaction with people. But technological advances have now made it possible for robots to react more flexibly to circumstances, and their usage is expanding accordingly. We explore the technology making all this possibl
J-Innovators: Peeling Machine Skins Potatoes in a Flash What's new about a machine that can peel potatoes, you might ask? Well, this week's innovator has come up with a device that can do something others can't. His machine can take potatoes of all shapes and sizes, and transform them into a smooth, evenly peeled product that looks as if it was peeled by hand. The other amazing thing about this machine is that it doesn't use any blades, but an innovative metal drum assembly instead. Michelle Yamamoto interviews our innovator to learn more about his remarkable device. Tune in and see for yourself! Science News Watch: A First in Flying Squid Footage Science Watcher Eiji Mizushima is intrigued by rare aerial footage of a school of flying squid captured by a team from Hokkaido University. The school of about 100 squids were observed in the Pacific about 600 km east of Tokyo. The creatures were caught leaping balletically into the air. Find out how far they jump, and how they do it! The Leading Edge: Deep-sea Drilling to Discover Megaquake Mechanism Scientists bore a drill 1,000m below the seafloor of the 7,000m deep Japan Trench. What was the purpose of this rather daring undertaking? They were drilling at the boundary of 2 quake-causing tectonic plates hoping to shed light on what caused the massive earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 in northern Japan. Working at these depths is no walk in the park. They were lucky to have Japan's state-of-the-art deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, but did they succeed in recovering samples from 8,000m below the ocean's surface? Did they find clues to the cause of the March 11 disasters? Don't miss this report to find out.
J-Innovators: An Ultra-Low Temperature Cooler - A Product of Precision Manufacture A cooler that lowers the temperature by 100 degrees in only 4 minutes? That would be the Stirling cooler, right? The basic design was developed by Scot, Robert Stirling 200 years ago, and has long been renowned for its efficiency. But how to make a comparable product for general use? This week's innovator found a radical solution using extraordinary precision manufacturing. What was his new idea? With great hopes for the Stirling cooler in both medicine and chemistry, we introduce the innovator who made mass production possible. Science News Watch: Fighting Flu with a New Omega-3 Substance Science Watcher Katsuyuki Sakai brings us news of a substance which can suppress the spread of the influenza virus. A research group at Akita University found this key substance while studying how the flu virus progresses and worsens. It can be made from something that's found in a food familiar to most of us. As Tamiflu and other anti-viral drugs are losing their efficacy against advanced flu, there is an urgent need for a better treatment. Will this research point a new way forward? Tune in to find out more! The Leading Edge: A Cure Before Illness? Small Blood Molecule Secrets The blood that circulates in our own bodies contains substances that can help warn of the presence of disease very early. Called metabolites, they are tiny - at up to only a nanometer in diameter. About 300 types are known, but they are formed in only minute quantities. If we succeed in identifying how they are created, they could be used as markers for disease. This includes a disease that often afflicts drinkers, and a common mental condition you might know. A team led by Nobel Prize winner Koichi Tanaka is also working in this area using an enhanced antibody to capture disease-related substances in the blood. Learn about the great progress being made in this field that could transform medicine.
J-Innovators: Micronanobubbles - Tiny and Eco-friendly This week's innovator developed a machine to make large numbers of micronanobubbles - bubbles so small they can't be seen with naked eyes. They have properties that set them apart from your average bubble, and the innovator has found applications in an astonishing range of fields, from oyster farming to color dyeing. So what exactly do these tiny bubbles do? And how can they be stably produced in commercial quantities? The innovator solved that by persevering with improvements to one part of his device in particular. Discover the key to his success in this feature on state-of-the-art tiny bubble-making technology. Science News Watch: 598 Cloned Mice, 26 Generations Science Watcher Katsuyuki Sakai was impressed by the news of important progress in cloning technology. A research group at the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology has managed to create 598 mice in 26 generations from just a single mouse. Until now, attempts to reproduce successive generations of clones from cloned animals have failed due to abnormalities. The group's new technique has greatly reduced the abnormality rate by the addition of a special substance. Now what could it be…? The new technique could have applications in stock breeding and many other fields. Catch up on the latest in cloning research. The Leading Edge: The Magic Metal of Life - Calcium Calcium could be called the "magic metal" of life. It is found throughout the body - 99% in our teeth and bones, and 1% in the form of ions in our cells. That 1% weighs only about 10 grams in total, but plays a crucial role in our bodies' basic functions. Did you know we depend on momentary shifts in the concentration of calcium ions in our cells for our muscles to contract, and neurons to transmit information? And that it all happens at lightning speed? What cellular process produces such changes in only half a second? Calcium is also intimately involved in the formation
The Leading Edge: All About Osteoporosis Science News Watch: Launching the World's Biggest Radio Telescope J-Innovators: Innovative New Ingredient in Traditional Tatami
The Leading Edge: Caught on Film - The Life and Death of Cells Science News Watch: Seabed Riches - First Methane Hydrate Extraction J-Innovators: Revolutionizing Auto Interiors with Metal Molds
The Leading Edge: Glaciers in Japan - Not a Fantasy Science News Watch: Japan's First Cooperina Fossil J-Innovators: Supercritical Fluids - Not Solid, Not Liquid, So What are They?
The Leading Edge: Labyrinth of the Senses: Sight Science News Watch: We Can Read Your Dreams J-Innovators: Ultraviolet LED - Invisible Light Shines Bright
The Leading Edge: Space Debris - Orbiting Junk Science News Watch: Living Organisms under the Microscope J-Innovators: The Sheerest Silk in the World
The Leading Edge: Calm Before the Tornado - Giant Whirlwinds Science News Watch: Slow Slip and the Latest in Earthquake Prediction J-Innovators: Nanoparticle Technology Making a Difference
The Leading Edge: Biomimetics - Mimicking Biological Marvels Science News Watch: Crested Ibises Out of the Nest J-Innovators: Noise Suppression Sheets
A treatment to recover lost vision using iPS cells is on the horizon. Dr. Masayo Takahashi will lead the world's first human clinical research, and the world is watching! Dr. Takahashi joins us to explain all about this groundbreaking project, and what inspired her to take on the retinal regenerative therapy challenge. And don't miss 2012 Nobel prizewinner Professor Shinya Yamanaka revealing the promise Dr. Takahashi made to him 6 years ago. Come explore the cutting edge of regenerative medicine.
The Leading Edge: Shirasu - Super Soil Sensation! Science News Watch: First LO Maglev Test Run J-Innovators: Nambu Tekki - Innovation in Ironware
The Leading Edge: Deep-seated Landslides Science News Watch: Off-road Wheelchairs J-Innovators: New Material Recycles Mystery Ingredient
The Leading Edge: Magic Microwaves Science News Watch: Mouse Cloned from 1 Drop of Blood J-Innovators: Eco-friendly Firework Shell Casings
The Leading Edge: High-Performance Hearing Science News Watch: Butterfly Migration - 1500km to Tokyo J-Innovators: Precision Machining with Ultrasound!
The Leading Edge: Beating Cancer - With Blood Vessels! Science News Watch: Cancer Study - New Gene Mutation Patterns J-Innovators:Waste Timber Blocks Build Houses
The Leading Edge: The Pleasures and Paradoxes of Taste Science News Watch: Apples Sweeter with Warming J-Innovators: Air Conditioning with Far Infrared Rays
The Leading Edge: Marine Power - The New Wave in Renewable Energy! Science News Watch: Japanese Satellite Blasts Off J-Innovators: A Microwave Breakthrough with Traditional Porcelain
Researchers throughout the world are competing to develop technology that can turn animals transparent. Up until now, scientists have had to thinly slice an animal specimen and arrange several hundred slices on slides using a microscope if they wanted to observe it - a time-consuming process that also damages the specimen. However, turning an animal specimen transparent now provides researchers with an efficient method to observe cells 3-dimensionally. The Japanese research team that developed this technology is attracting a great deal of attention. So what is this method? We'll look at the frontline of transparency technologies that are expected to have applications in the field of medical care as well.
Competition for development of advanced materials known as "ionic liquids" is now beginning all over the world. Ionic liquids are being called "the third liquid" as they are completely different from aqueous solutions or organic solvents, and yet are notable for having the same properties as solvents in not evaporating easily and conducting electricity. They are garnering attention for having functionality that is simply not possible with other liquids. For example, using an ionic liquid for the electrolyte in a lithium-ion rechargeable battery improves safety and durability. Such a battery was even installed on a satellite, and succeeded in charging and discharging in space. Also, using ionic liquids to make biomass energy for renewable energy can reduce both time and cost compared to conventional methods. In the field of medical care, research is underway to reduce the burden on patients by using the properties of ionic liquids so that medicine can be absorbed through the skin. Ionic liquids have the potential to change our lives significantly.
Sparse modeling is being used widely in scientific circles. It involves an equation that works like a detective to uncover the most important information from a limited amount of data. In the medical field, sparse modeling has shortened MRI scanning times, while in space research it can deduce the shape of black holes from limited observation data. Join us as we take a look at what sparse modeling is and what it can do!
All-purpose iPS cells are going to be used much more in actual medical treatments. A research team led by Professor Yoshiki Sawa of Osaka University has managed to create sheets of heart tissue from the all-purpose iPS cells. In 2018, the team is preparing for a world's first transplant of these sheets into patients with severe heart failure. How will they produce the massive quantities of heart cells needed, and address safety issues, like preventing the cells from becoming cancerous? Professor Sawa visits to discuss the upcoming surgery, and share recent details about the promise of regenerative medicine. A report by Michelle explores the mysteries of life with 8K ultra-high definition camera images of the microscopic heart cells.
It's been 4 years since a Yokohama City University research group surprised the world by creating a miniature liver from iPS cells. Progress since has continued apace. In this episode, we meet Associate Professor Takanori Takebe of Yokohama City University. He's making great strides at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, using miniature livers in test tubes to reproduce a liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis or cancer. There are high expectations that his work might help bring about the first drug treatments for this currently cureless disease. We visit his lab in the US to see his scientifically astounding work firsthand, and he visits our studio to discuss the prospects for iPS cell research. And a report by Michelle explains about a Japanese researcher's innovative solution for culturing the iPS cells used by Takebe.
This program focuses on the research of Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who has been selected to receive the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on "autophagy". Dr. Ohsumi found that autophagy is essential to maintaining vital activities in the body as it recycles amino acids that are the building blocks for proteins inside the cell. It is thought that a malfunction with autophagy is a factor in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, and scientists are hoping that this research will lead to the development of preventative measures and new treatment methods.
The sophisticated olfactory systems of various creatures are being analyzed and applied to the development of cutting-edge biosensors. The olfactory ability of nematodes, which is on par with that of dogs, is being studied for its use in early cancer detection. Meanwhile, the mosquito's ability to detect the smell of human sweat is being used to develop a rescue robot that can locate survivors in disaster areas.
Attention has recently been focused on a new energy resource: electricity-generating bacteria. These microbes take in organic matter as food, then release electrons as they break it down, and they are expected to have a big impact on renewable energy in Japan. One of the research sites using these bacteria is a rice paddy, where the amount of electricity generated per square meter is about enough electricity to power a clock or a portable music player. Research is also underway on incorporating these bacteria in microbial fuel cells, with great expectations for their use in wastewater treatment plants. Since the bacteria can produce electricity by consuming the organic matter in wastewater, the electricity generated can then help power pumps and other equipment, thereby reducing overall power consumption. This system can reduce the amount of electricity consumption by 80%.
Cats are a familiar yet fascinating subject, particularly when it comes to their genes. Find out how a clone cat and its genome donor ended up with different coat colors and patterns, how cats diverged into over 100 breeds, and how their personalities are formed. The cat is out of the bag on these subjects!
Drugs are essential to treating wounds and illnesses, yet drug development is becoming increasingly difficult as we are starting to exhaust the compounds used in new drug discovery. This is why drug repositioning, which seeks new efficacies among existing drugs, is gaining in popularity. Moreover, new technology is making drug repositioning significantly easier as researchers can measure gene expression to find effective drugs. We'll look at this research on drug repositioning and how it is changing the process of drug creation.
Join us on Science View for a special 28-minute documentary on the development of iPS cell-based therapies. We'll be featuring Ms. Naoko Takasu who works tirelessly at the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, and who supports director Shinya Yamanaka, the Nobel Laureate who discovered iPS cells. Appointed deputy director in April, Ms. Takasu juggles many responsibilities. On top of supporting researchers nearing the clinical application stage, she supervises the iPS Cell Stock project, facilitates joint research projects, and leads a group that fundraises for iPS cell research -- the latter of which is an uncommon initiative for Japanese universities. In today's program we'll take a look at iPS cell research from the perspective of someone who works behind the scenes.
What is the highest temperature in which life can survive? How far deep in the earth's crust below the ocean floor does life exist? In fall of 2016, a team lead by experts from JAMSTEC, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology conducted research aboard a deep-sea drilling vessel capable of digging up to thousands of meters below the ocean floor. In the world's first-ever survey, they dug up core samples from the sub-seafloor to examine the maximum temperature limit of life. Currently, the upper temperature limit stands at 122 degrees Celsius, coming from microbes found near a hydrothermal vent at the bottom of the ocean. We will focus on the survey that is drawing attention from around the world.
Research on android robots, which are made to thoroughly resemble humans, has made significant progress in the past 10 years. One of the latest android research probes into the characteristics that make us perceive humans as humans. The most advanced robots are made by paying attention to details. They not only have human-like appearance, but also make subtle movements in the eyes and neck. On the other hand, people around the world are opening up their hearts to robots with no facial expressions, but can talk like humans. We will focus on android research to delve into the big question, "What makes us human?"
Takumi J-innovators is a popular segment on Science View, a regular program broadcast on NHK WORLD that features Japanese science and technology. This episode of Science View is a special edition on the theme of disaster prevention featuring several of those innovators. Japan is a country with some of the most natural disasters in the world. Its islands are where several of the earth's tectonic plates intersect and are in close proximity to the path of typhoons. Such frequent natural disasters have led the Takumi to develop specialized technology for disaster prevention. We invited assistant professor Dr. Megumi Sugimoto, a specialist on disaster risk management and disaster prevention education at Kyushu University's Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society, to join us as a commentator. While visiting the sites of natural disasters that have occurred in Japan since the Great East Japan Earthquake and sharing the voices of victims from those disasters, we'll introduce innovative disaster prevention technology that can play a role in reducing damage and aiding disaster victims.
The world's coral reefs are in danger. Recently, sustained higher water temperatures caused a dreadful coral bleaching event affecting 91% of Japan's largest coral reef. A similar incident occurred on Australia's Great Barrier Reef the same year. 25% of sea creatures live along coral reefs, so bleaching poses a major threat to marine ecosystems. We'll look at new research, led by Associate Professor Chuya Shinzato, that aims to restore reefs by analyzing coral genomes to determine what makes some coral more resistant to warmer water, and growing new coral under conditions more similar to the natural habitat.
Carbon is an element found all around us that humans have utilized since long ago. Now, application is underway of "nano-carbon materials" in which carbon atoms are arranged neatly on a 1-nanometer level. One such material is graphite sheet, which is used for high performance heat radiating sheets found in smartphones and other devices. Graphite sheet is made by layering sheets of "graphene", which is comprised of a tightly packed layer of carbon atoms bonded together in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene can also help make lead acid batteries more compact. A "fullerene" in which carbon atoms are arranged into a cage-like structure is also attracting attention in the world of medical care. In this program, we'll look at research that seeks to find new applications of nano-carbon materials.
Carbon-14 is well known for its use in measuring the ages of very old things. But it's now being used in some surprising fields of research. And its improved accuracy is rewriting history. It found a 10-thousand year mistake in the dating of an Antarctic ice shelf collapse. In lakebed sediments, it shed new light on the history of Mount Fuji's eruptions. In marine biology, it can be used to trace whale movements, and more! We'll look at some of these exciting new applications.
Competition for development of advanced materials known as "ionic liquids" is now beginning all over the world. Ionic liquids are being called "the third liquid" as they are completely different from aqueous solutions or organic solvents, and yet are notable for having the same properties as solvents in not evaporating easily and conducting electricity. They are garnering attention for having functionality that is simply not possible with other liquids.
8K ultra-high definition TV broadcasts will begin in Japan in December 2018. The attention-getting picture quality has 16 times as much detail as conventional high definition TV. And 8K video holds promise for a number of specialized uses, like disaster preparations and relief, such as locating people in need of help. 8K video from an aerial survey after the April 2016 earthquakes in Kumamoto Prefecture found new ground displacements as small as 5cm. Doctors at a university hospital are exploring tele-medical applications, using 8K images to remotely diagnose a patient on a distant island. This episode explores new uses for the stunning clarity of 8K video.
From flashes of lightning to the moment of a bullet's impact, ultrafast events that are invisible to the human eye are being made visible with high-speed cameras. Now, a new revolution is taking place. A research team at the University of Tokyo has developed a camera capable of 1 trillion frames per second. What sort of camera is it, and what is it used for? Join us on Science View as we zoom in on Japan's high-speed camera technology!
Virtual Reality is a booming frontier in the vital video games sector of the Japanese economy. VR headsets precisely track the speed and direction of the wearer's movements, instantly updating the onscreen images and sound to immerse the wearer in a stunningly realistic 3D world. A new wristband controller brings the wearer's real-world hand movements into the virtual world. Low-level electric currents are being used to detect and trigger muscle contractions and nerve signals, letting the user really feel the weight of an onscreen object. VR can also be used to help teach challenging physical skills or for immersive sports training visualizations, like the feeling of a world record Usain Bolt 100-meter sprint. This episode explores the blossoming potential of VR tech.
Ultrafine bubbles are just one-billionth of a meter in diameter yet their applications are gaining huge attention. They have the ability to extend the freshness of raw fish, and promote crop growth. In the medical field, research is being held on their ability to destroy bacteria and viruses. We'll take a look at the innovative technology that was born in Japan, its applications, and the latest studies on it.
The asteroid explorer Hayabusa2, which was launched on December 3, 2014, is on its way to an asteroid named Ryugu. Its mission is to create an artificial crater and bring back subsurface asteroid samples. However, Ryugu is approximately 300 million kilometers away. To reach its destination, the spacecraft will use cutting-edge techniques, such as a swingby and navigation using a camera, to attempt things that have never been done before! Join us to learn more about Hayabusa2's journey!
Wearable sensors have been used mainly to promote health and improve sports performance. However, by linking them with artificial intelligence, wearable sensors are now expanding to surprising fields. We'll look at an ear-clip sensor that is helping to reduce traffic accidents by detecting a driver's drowsiness. Find out how the latest wearable sensors are also being applied to create easy-to-follow instruction manuals for children and even improve the level of satisfaction at a workplace.
The ancient Jomon people lived in Japan roughly 10 thousand years ago. For the first time ever Japanese researchers have successfully extracted nuclear DNA from their remains. It contains a treasure trove of information. Where did Japanese people come from, and what traits did they inherit? The latest science shines a light on Japanese ancestry.
Biomimetics which model the remarkable abilities of living organisms has progressed into research that directly transfers nature's abilities onto machines. Learn how an odor-detecting machine equipped with the antennae of a real silkworm moth is able to find its way to the source of a smell. We'll focus on other surprising research including a power generating system that uses the organs of electric rays.
The gravity of celestial black holes is so strong that even light cannot escape. Black holes cannot be observed directly since they do not emit light, but recent research has discovered the possibility of numerous black holes existing throughout the universe. Their mass can range anywhere from tens of times to even millions of times larger than the sun, yet what accounts for such differences in size? This is said to be because black holes merge with each other as well as absorb surrounding gas, taking on enormous size. We'll introduce the latest research which seeks to explain the theory and mechanism behind this process.
Japan has many cutting-edge deep-sea exploration technologies. A variety of methods are being used to investigate the world's oceans and provide mankind with new scientific knowledge. Efforts have recently been made to explore the deepest parts in the forbidding hadal zone. Join us as we take an up-close look at the SHINKAI 6500, a manned submersible that is currently on land for maintenance, and get the latest research information from Dr. Asahiko Taira, the president of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). A particular highlight is the structure of a next-generation submersible that will be capable of reaching virtually any depth!
The use of microsatellites has become popular in recent years. Weighing less than 100kg, the development period for microsatellites is about 2 years. Coupled with the fact that their cost is in the hundreds of millions of yen means they can be made much faster and cheaper than conventional large satellites. That is why start-ups in Japan are using microsatellites to launch new businesses that have never existed before. We'll look at the forefront of microsatellite development.
The United Nations designated 2015 as the International Year of Soils and announced that more and more farmland is suffering from poor soil quality, warning that the world's food production is confronting a significant crisis. One of the factors in degrading soil quality is salt accumulation, caused by over-irrigation of farmland. The development of salt-tolerant crops that can grow even in soil with high salinity has been gaining attention recently as a possible countermeasure. This program looks at the forefront of Japan's research on salt-tolerant crops.
Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases around the world, and the leading cause of death in a graying Japan. But a discovery by a Japanese researcher has led to a completely new approach that kills cancer while leaving healthy cells untouched. And after very promising initial results, it's about to enter final stage human trials in the US. In this episode, we look at near-infrared photo-immunotherapy, the man who discovered it, and its advantages over conventional cancer treatments.
Sleep is said to be the greatest mystery in neuroscience. However, scientists are coming to gradually understand the mystery of sleep thanks to the discovery of a substance called orexin. Next generation sleeping medications are being developed using that mechanism. Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa of the University of Tsukuba, the researcher who discovered orexin, sought out mice with abnormal sleep patterns and is now searching for a genetic cause. We'll look at the latest research concerning sleep.
In the first of our 2-part series on Tsukuba Science City and the research institutes in it, we'll focus on robot technology and visit the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology where a wide range of robots is being developed. We'll see how humanoid robots that can be used in disaster areas and mobility robots that can travel autonomously are tested. We'll also introduce cutting-edge space robots that are being developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
The International Linear Collider (ILC) is a gigantic new accelerator to study the mysteries of the universe. In 2012, one of the elementary particles known as the Higgs boson was discovered in a huge particle accelerator operated by the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN. The following year, Higgs and another scientist who predicted its existence were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Around the same time, Japan was encouraged by Europe and the US to host the next large accelerator, and became the top candidate for construction of the ILC. The ILC's establishment is expected to lead to further Nobel Prize-level discoveries. 5 years have passed since then and the time has come for Japan to make a decision about building the ILC. Will Japan be able to host its first international science megaproject?
2 special episodes of Science View filmed in Nagasaki Prefecture. Part 1 features medicine in Nagasaki. In the Edo period that lasted from the 17th to the 19th century, Japan adopted a policy that severely limited contact with the rest of the world. During this time, modern science made its way into Japan through Nagasaki, the only gateway to Western countries. Take a tour around a museum in Nagasaki City and discover how science spread all over Japan through medicine. Also visit Nagasaki University where they carry on the spirit of the first Western style medical school in Japan. Find out the university's latest research including the development of new drugs using a supercomputer as well as their contributions to combat new infectious diseases around the world.
2 special episodes of Science View filmed in Nagasaki Prefecture. Part 2 features points of interest in the Shimabara Peninsula located in the southern part of Nagasaki. In 2009, 3 places were designated as Japan's first Global Geopark including the entire Shimabara Peninsula, known as Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark. Geoparks are areas with geological heritage of scientific value that actively promote educational activities and regional development. The Unzen Volcanic Area was recognized for its coexistence with active volcanoes. In this episode, we will visit "geosites" to learn about the major destruction caused by the eruptions of Unzen Volcano. Find out what new technology has come out of the experience as well as the blessings brought by the volcano.
Deep inside the tropical rainforests of Borneo are naturally occurring salt licks that provide crucial nutrition to the rare and unusual animals that make the forest their home. In this episode, we accompany mammalogist Hisashi Matsubayashi to one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth as he studies the salt licks, uses DNA for some detective work, and promotes a strategy to protect some amazing and endangered animals, as well as the forest itself.
Conventional magnesium alloys have the disadvantages of burning easily and lacking sufficient strength, so their use in practical applications was limited. Yet a new magnesium alloy born in Japan has been able to overcome those shortcomings. Not only is it flame-resistant, it's also lighter than duralumin and high in strength, attracting attention from industries across the world. Surprisingly, the person who developed this alloy was not an expert in magnesium but rather a researcher of another metal. After increasing the elements to be mixed with magnesium and trying more than 450 kinds of alloy blends, he found a combination that combined strength and flame-resistance, which led to the formation of the new magnesium alloy. Currently, research applying the new magnesium alloy in various fields are accelerating. How was this alloy created? We'll look at its development and the possibility it holds for the future.
About 40,000 fires occur annually in Japan, resulting in more than 1,500 deaths and damage estimated at nearly 1 billion dollars. Yet as research in the field of firefighting progresses, innovative new technologies are rapidly being developed. In order to deal with large fires in petrochemical facilities and densely populated areas, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency has developed a robot firefighting system equipped with artificial intelligence. After a small helicopter-type reconnaissance drone identifies the fire source from the sky, an unmanned water cannon robot will be able to extinguish the flames in an enormous fire that would be too dangerous for human firefighters to approach. Additionally, a special air fire engine is being developed to extinguish fire indoors by lowering the concentration of oxygen. We'll look at the forefront of firefighting technology that is making full use of advanced science!
"J-Innovators" is a popular segment of Science View that introduces Japan's brilliant inventions. This special episode features takumis or innovators that have contributed to medical technology. Science View reporter, Michelle Yamamoto is joined by Dr. Fumiaki Ikeno, a research associate from Stanford University to introduce groundbreaking inventions that have sprung from paying attention to fine details which Japan is known for. They will visit Fukushima Medical Device Development Support Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote the development of new devices. Find out what one of the takumi's latest devices is capable of doing as it is demonstrated in the facility's mock operation room.
Ammonia could hold the key to a revolution in how energy is produced around the world. In this episode, we get in to the challenges in making ammonia viable as a fuel, how it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and how it might replace hydrogen in fuel cells.
The pride of a post-war economic boom, Japan's infrastructure is now showing the signs of its age. But high-tech solutions are on the way. This episode looks at how lasers, satellites, x-rays, and computer software can help automate, quicken, and improve the inspections and upkeep of concrete bridges, tunnels, and more.
The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Dr. Tasuku Honjo, Distinguished Professor at Kyoto University. His research won recognition for the discovery of a substance that suppressed the function of the immune system which contributed to the development of a promising new cancer treatment. It began with the accidental discovery of a protein called PD-1 found on immune cells. Honjo's meticulous research uncovered that it operates as a brake for the immune cells. Cancer cells being attacked bind to PD-1 and signal the immune cells to stop attacking. Honjo contributed to the development of the breakthrough cancer treatment drug Opdivo, by finding a way to protect PD-1 from cancer cells. Find out about Honjo's research of more than 20 years from the discovery of PD-1 to the successful clinical application of Opdivo.
Parkinson's disease is an incurable disorder of the nervous system that has affected millions of patients over many years. Now, a breakthrough treatment for this disease may become a reality. In October this year, a surgery was performed at Kyoto University to transplant nerve cells derived from iPS cells, which have the potential to differentiate into various cell types. For this episode, Dr. Jun Takahashi of Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), who developed this treatment, will make a guest appearance in the studio to talk about how he prepared for the groundbreaking cell transplant, and how the surgery was performed. Have they overcome safety issues such as tumor formation? We will examine these topics with Dr. Takahashi and through an interview with Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, the Nobel laureate and pioneer of iPS cell technology. This is the 14th episode of Science View to focus on the research and clinical application of iPS cells. It features never-before-seen video footage and exclusive interviews on the world's first iPS cell transplant for Parkinson's disease.
Although smaller in scale, the Sea of Japan has the same elements as the world's oceans such as the Pacific Ocean. In 2017, it gained attention as studies revealed alarming changes occurring in the Sea of Japan. Deep circulation, considered to be the lifeline of the sea, had weakened by 30%. In addition, the amount of oxygen saturation in the deep waters had decreased. The cycle of deep circulation in the Sea of Japan is 20 times faster than that of the world's great oceans. Experts point out that by observing the changes occurring in the Sea of Japan, we can watch the world's phenomenon in fast motion. This episode will delve into the latest research on the Sea of Japan to predict the future of our world.
Polymers like polyethylene or plastic are essential in modern life, yet their molecular structure makes them brittle. However, researchers have recently improved that molecular structure to create new tough polymers, which can be 100 times stronger. Some are already on the verge of being used in practical applications, and are expected to be used in areas such as automobiles and their components. We'll look at the development of these new tough polymers.
Japan is a country known for its frequent volcanic eruptions. It's also experienced much larger "massive volcanic eruptions" thought to have struck at an average rate of once every 10,000 years. These eruptions were so powerful that they helped form the Japanese archipelago. The most recent massive volcanic eruption is to have occurred 7,300 years ago at the Kikai Caldera, which includes the island of Satsuma-Iojima in southern Kyushu. In this episode, we'll look at the latest research on massive volcanic eruptions and the insight gained from the Kikai Caldera.
Even as modern robotics flourishes, most industrial and other robots only follow pre-programed algorithms. They have difficulty recognizing and dealing with unexpected conditions. Cambridge University roboticist Fumiya Iida studies the diversity and adaptations of the Earth's evolving life forms to design more autonomous "bio-inspired" robots. He says the future of robotics lies in understanding how living creatures adjust to environmental changes. What do his new robots look like? This program examines the future of robots from the perspective of a leading roboticist abroad.
All across the world, we are getting struck with extreme weather such as torrential rain and record heat. As we scramble to take action against these hard-to-predict weather, researchers in seemingly unrelated fields are gaining attention. What startling ideas came out of astrophysics and biology? We will focus on the frontline research.
In the world of archeology, new discoveries are being made that unravel the truth of the ancient past. They use the latest technologies to see through things that involve electromagnetic waves or the subatomic particle, muon. This episode features technologies that helped reveal the presence of a large void in Egypt's Great Pyramid, uncover the clues to how iron was used in ancient times, and shed light on how the Jomon people lived over 10,000 years ago.
The world of 3D visualization is more than just action movies. It allows the machines around us to create 3-dimensional representations of their surroundings. Machines are using the points and lines of geometry in car factories, gymnastics stadiums, rocket testing, and elsewhere to accurately recognize the shapes and positions of objects. In this episode, we'll look at the technologies and geometries that allow machines to see in 3D. And we'll meet a man who's created some of the sharpest blades imaginable.
Conventional optical microscopes have limits as to how small a thing and how wide a target area they can show. This episode looks at clever ideas and tech for exceeding those limits.
The Kuroshio is a very well-known ocean current that flows along Japan's southern coast. Occasionally, the current deviates from its usual course in a phenomenon known as the "Kuroshio large meander." This meander started again in September 2017, the first time in 12 years, and is currently ongoing. Research has revealed how this meander has contributed to a rich oceanic ecosystem as well as an increase in snowfall around Tokyo. In this episode, we'll look at the latest research about the mechanism of the large meander and its significant impact on fishing, shipping, and weather.
Chewy, crispy... In addition to taste and fragrance, texture is another key to delicious food. Thanks to scientific explanations on molecular structure and other attributes of texture, food development is accelerating. Chocolate with a completely new texture and creamy yogurt are just some of the latest examples. In addition, technology has also emerged that can describe texture with numerical values. We'll look at these developments in understanding food texture and explore the possibilities to come.
The world's coral reefs are in danger. Recently, sustained higher water temperatures caused a dreadful coral bleaching event affecting 91% of Japan's largest coral reef. A similar incident occurred on Australia's Great Barrier Reef the same year. 25% of sea creatures live along coral reefs, so bleaching poses a major threat to marine ecosystems. We'll look at new research, led by Associate Professor Chuya Shinzato, that aims to restore reefs by analyzing coral genomes to determine what makes some coral more resistant to warmer water, and growing new coral under conditions more similar to the natural habitat.
Dr. Kenji Fukushima is studying carnivorous plant evolution at the University of Wuerzburg in Germany. Fukushima is an up-and-coming researcher in the field of botany who is attracting attention for his work, including a discovery that overturned a hypothesis established nearly 150 years ago. His research primarily concerns "convergent evolution," in which completely different species of organisms evolve to have structures with similar form or function. Fukushima has been studying the mysteries of convergent evolution in carnivorous plants. In this episode, we'll look at some of his new and rather surprising discoveries about these incredible plants.
Tokyo's Tama area is home to numerous research institutes. We will bring you 2 special episodes from Tama surrounding the topic of "Understanding the Current State of the Earth and the Universe." In Part 1, visit the National Institute of Polar Research where they conduct studies on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The icy polar regions are places most affected by global warming. Discover the present state of the global environment through the melting of ice and the ecosystem of the polar regions. Furthermore, ice in this area contains air trapped inside from tens of thousands of years ago providing information about the past climate changes. We will explore the future of our planet by examining the history of our global environment dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
We bring you 2 special episodes on "Understanding the Current State of the Earth and the Universe" from Tokyo's Tama area, home to a number of top research institutes. In Part 2, we visit the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan lying at the core of space observation. The observatory leads the world by playing a major role in various research including solar observation with the Hinode satellite, the project that captured a black hole, and dark matter research which is one of the greatest mysteries of space. Find out the forefront of Japanese space observation as we tour state-of-the-art telescopes and facilities that develop technologies which have produced numerous results.
Professor Kentaro Shimizu (45), of the University of Zurich in Switzerland, is trying to uncover the secrets to plant diversity by decoding plant genes while conducting field work in the Swiss Alps. Most organisms including animals have only about 20,000 to 30,000 genes, and Shimizu is hoping to understand why there are so many different species of organisms living on the earth. Through his research, he's learned that the numbers of chromosomes inherited from parents play a significant role in the evolution and diversification of living organisms. Shimizu is also applying his research findings to creating an improved wheat variety that will survive the changing global environment. We'll follow Professor Shimizu as he explores the mystery of plant diversity.
Japan's "Hayabusa-2" spacecraft successfully touched down on asteroid Ryugu twice, in February and July of 2019. In its second touchdown, it attempted the first-ever collection of sub-surface samples from an asteroid, which are now eagerly awaited back here on Earth. The lessons learned from its forerunner, the original Hayabusa mission, and improvements to the ion engine and touchdown navigation system have helped keep the current mission running smoothly. It has even deployed robotic rovers to the surface of Ryugu that have sent us photos of the asteroid. In this episode, we'll take an in-depth look and even get some recent news about the historic Hayabusa-2 mission.
This episode explores the Nagara meteor, how it arrived, and where it came from. We'll see sibling meteorites in Arizona and Argentina, and learn something new about the history of our solar system.
A man in central Japan found an unusual stone in his garden a few years ago. It was later certified as a meteorite! In this episode, we'll explore the background of the Nagara meteor. We'll investigate how it arrived, where it came from, and how the man's stone was certified. We'll also meet the stone's family! It has siblings in Arizona and Argentina, and a parent from the asteroid belt. The Nagara meteor also tells us something unexpected about the early history of our solar system.
The world of logistics is undergoing significant transformation thanks to new technology. For example, as e-commerce continues to grow, the work involved in selecting items from inventory and preparing orders has become more of a burden on workers. Fortunately, the introduction of robots equipped with artificial intelligence is reducing this burden and making the shipping process vastly more efficient. The greatest challenge in logistics is typically the sorting of goods with different shapes, arrangement, and weight, etc. Yet the development of new artificial intelligence has made it possible for robots to understand the position and shape of products instantly and efficiently perform this sorting work. From order to delivery, we'll look at how the automation of various logistics operations is accelerating and the latest developments towards full automation.
Sake is undergoing a worldwide boom in popularity. The flavor profiles of sake have changed over time thanks to technological development and the ability to harness the power of microorganisms. A type of mold called koji plays a particularly key role in shaping the flavor profile of sake, as it helps convert the starch in rice into sugar for fermentation. Brewers had long known that different strains of koji produce different tastes, but now researchers have been able to identify the specific effects that come from genetic differences. This knowledge in turn is enabling the development of new types of koji through genetic modification to produce more desirable flavors in sake. In this episode, we'll take a closer look at research on koji and see how the power of biotechnology combined with the wisdom of experience is opening up new possibilities for a part of Japan's food culture.
Cryptography, the computerized encoding and decoding of information, makes data exchanges on the internet secure. The current encryption system is based on the difficulty of factorizing huge numbers into prime numbers and cannot be solved easily even with supercomputers. However, the processing power of "quantum computers" has rapidly advanced in recent years posing a threat to cybersecurity. Researchers are now working to develop a new encryption system to protect data from quantum computing. One of the most important candidates is called "lattice-based cryptography." This system of finding hidden codes inside lattices is said to withstand quantum computers. Find out about the latest research in cryptography.
The technology of projection mapping is rapidly advancing. Images can be projected not only onto stationary surfaces such as buildings and walls, but also onto fast-moving objects. Undistorted images are appearing on bouncing balls and T-shirts. And now, this technology goes beyond the realm of entertainment, bringing hope to saving people's lives. It is about to be applied even in the field of medicine. Find out about the latest development in projection mapping and how it can change our lives.
What if you could regrow a missing arm or leg? Can you imagine such a thing? World leading regenerative biologist Kiyokazu Agata sees this every day in his studies of planarian flatworms. They can not only regrow missing tails or mid-sections, but even missing heads and brains! In this episode, we'll learn about Agata, the astounding abilities of the creatures he studies, his discoveries about the genes, stem cells and regrowth locational information that make it possible, and his hopes to apply these discoveries to human medicine.
Recent research has shown that almost all organs send out messages and exchange information as though they were all communicating within a huge network inside the body. Tiny vesicles called "exosomes" are responsible for carrying the molecules that comprise these messages. We'll look at how scientists are hoping to use these "exosomes" in various medical fields, such as for treating cancer and myocardial infarction, as well as in explaining the mechanism of aging.
One of Japan's largest limestone caves, Akiyoshido extends out underground directly beneath a karst plateau known as Akiyoshidai in western Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture. The entrance to a previously unexplored chamber was found on the ceiling of the massive cave, and an NHK film crew accompanied researchers and specialists on the investigation of this unknown area. After hours of climbing and traversing terrain that humans had never before covered, the team made their way deep into the new chamber and began conducting surveys using 3D technology. Cave researcher and research team leader Takashi Murakami joins us inside the studio to discuss their findings.
Atsuo Sasaki, associate professor at the University of Cincinnati discovered the metabolic mechanisms of cells which could open up new possibilities for cancer treatment. Guanosine triphosphate or GTP is the molecule that holds the key. Sasaki uncovered that a certain enzyme which reacted to GTP in cells acts as a "energy sensor" sending signals for cancer cells to grow. Furthermore, his recent study revealed the mechanism of nucleolus enlargement in highly malignant form of cancer cells, which had been a mystery for more than 100 years. Currently, he is conducting joint research to elucidate how his findings could be connected to metabolic diseases related to obesity. Find out how international collaboration is opening up potential uses for GTP research.
What kind of person would move to the other side of the world to study dinosaurs at the tender age of 16? Paleobiologist Tetsuto Miyashita did. In this episode, we'll learn how he became interested in dinosaurs, what his research work has revealed about these and other ancient creatures, the inspirational figures that have become his collaborators at the University of Chicago, why his recent focus has shifted to more contemporary (and less frightening) creatures, and his plans for the future.
Jellyfish have existed for 500 million years. Their great numbers and a diversity of some 4,000 species make them one of the most important creatures of the deep. A JAMSTEC research team has been garnering international attention for its study of jellyfish. Led by Australian marine biologist Dhugal Lindsay, the team is taking advantage of remote-controlled submersibles, 8K cameras and other new technologies to discover one new jellyfish species after the next. In February 2020, the team carried out surveys of Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay using a 15-camera submersible probe known as "Deep Tow." It's an ambitious attempt to get a complete picture of jellyfish and other creatures of the deep. Jellyfish have been the subject of numerous studies, about their longevity, how their population explosions occasionally impact the fishing industry and more. In this episode, we'll look at the latest of these studies, showing us the unknown charms and mysterious lives of jellyfish.
Predicted by Albert Einstein about 100 years ago, gravitational waves are ripples in space-time caused by the movement of a celestial body with huge mass. The ripples disrupt space-time and create waves that travel at the speed of light. On February 25, 2020, Japan's first gravitational wave detector KAGRA began full-scale operation. Detectors like KAGRA enable conventional telescopes that observe visible, infrared and electromagnetic waves to be used much more effectively, and they are bringing about a new era in astronomy. An NHK film crew had a chance to take a special tour of KAGRA before operation began, and in this episode, we'll take a sneak peek at its sapphire mirrors and other high-tech equipment that give it the world's best performance.
The aurora is a beautiful display of light in the night sky. There are even places near the North and South Poles where the aurora continues to appear for 24 hours. One such place is the Svalbard Islands in the Arctic Circle, where it's dark all day during the winter months, making the archipelago an aurora hotspot. Using a special all-sky camera array, NHK videographers recorded the aurora there for nearly an entire day. Their footage clearly showed a beautiful green aurora, but also managed to capture the mysterious red aurora as well. In this episode, we'll learn what causes the aurora and why it's sometimes red.
Robotic arms aren't just for factory work anymore. Recent designs are smaller, smarter, lighter, more portable and more expressive in their movements. In this episode, we'll see how robotic arms can be used for desktop assembly lines, coaching ping-pong, doing convenience store work and augmenting the human body. We'll even see how a developer upgraded a robot, and then that robot returned the favor and upgraded the developer!
Most people don't realize how much we rely on our teeth until they lose one, or come close to losing one. It's a frightening prospect. But new and improved dental procedures are making it easier to protect our precious choppers. This episode examines recent improvements to root canal procedures, how CT scans are augmenting X-ray images, how and why teeth can erode and how that erosion can be reversed with composite resins.
There are countless microbes in the air around us. Microbes such as bacteria and fungi can even be found in the sky's higher altitudes thousands of meters above the ground, floating around as bioaerosols. Dr. Maki Teruya, currently a professor at Kindai University's Graduate School of Science and Engineering, has been studying microbes for many years and contends that these bioaerosols may cause clouds to form and drop rain. The field of meteorology has found that minerals such as dust and ash serve as the ice nucleus of clouds at altitudes above 7,000 meters, but the cause of clouds at lower altitudes has long been a mystery. Can bioaerosols really make it rain? We'll follow Dr. Maki's unique research as he searches among forests and the sky to answer this question.
A team at Osaka University conducted the world's first surgery to transplant heart muscle cells created from iPS cells to a patient with severe heart failure. This treatment is gaining worldwide attention as it provides hope to many heart patients. How are iPS cells created? How do they transform into heart cells? And how was the transplant performed? Witness the entire process of this revolutionary surgery by watching images taken with an 8K Ultra HD camera set up on a microscope.
Batteries and clocks are things we all use every day. But this episode may cause you to think about them in new ways. We'll trace the development of a solid battery electrolyte for lithium ions to pass through. It allows a threefold performance improvement over current lithium ion batteries. And we'll see a demonstration confirming Einstein's idea that gravity alters the speed of time itself! It's done with optical lattice atomic clocks, and their secret ingredient: strontium.
There are 12 types of soil throughout the world. As a field researcher heavily into fieldwork, Kazumichi Fujii has personally collected each of them. He understands the lifestyles of the local people through direct encounters during his research. His life's work is addressing a potential global food crisis through soil. The global population continues to grow, and may exceed 10 billion in 30 years. The world currently feeds 80% of its population from only 11% of fertile farmland. Fujii's idea is to improve the fertility of the remaining 89% through soil. There may be a hint to that solution hidden in the soil of Japan. In this episode, we follow soil researcher Kazumichi Fujii, as he works to avert a potential catastrophe facing humankind.
The scientific world's attention is being drawn again to research on elementary particles called neutrinos, an area in which Japan excels. J-PARC, a research facility in Tokai, Ibaraki Prefecture, is hosting experiments conducted to gain clues about the origin of the universe from the properties of neutrinos. Dr. Atsuko K. Ichikawa, an associate professor at Kyoto University, is leading an international research team of 500 that has already achieved numerous results. In May of 2020, she received the Saruhashi Prize, a Japanese science award given to outstanding female scientists. In this program, we'll follow Ichikawa's neutrino research as she investigates the unsolved mysteries about the universe's formation.
On an isolated group of tranquil Pacific Ocean islands, 1,000 kilometers from the nearest land, evolution takes its own course. Plants and animals adapt to the distinct surroundings and arrive at an ecological balance. But now, invasive species have arrived and threaten that delicate balance. In this episode we'll look at the unique wildlife of the Ogasawara Islands, the threats to that ecosystem and the steps being taken to prevent an environmental tragedy. We'll also get an inside look at a promising new approach to stomach cancer diagnoses that combines artificial intelligence with endoscopes.
Barnacles, which stick to fishing equipment and the bottoms of ships, are said to be a nuisance of the sea. But they've recently gained attention for their nutritional value and strong adhesives. We'll look at the latest in barnacle studies, including attempts to farm them, and research on 5 special proteins they produce. And later in the program, we look at silks that are washing machine safe. The secret to preventing damage lies in the refining process.
Surviving deep in the ocean where sunlight does not reach, deep-sea fungi are attracting attention among researchers. Fungi are microorganisms that include molds and mushrooms, and a closer look at the substances produced by deep-sea fungi has revealed the ability to produce compounds that are useful to humans, such as in preventing disease and preserving food. In this episode, we'll accompany deep-sea fungi hunter Dr. Yuriko Nagano as she takes her first dive on board the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 to an undersea oil field in the waters off Brazil. Watch the program to find out what new species of fungi she discovers in a sample collected at a depth of 2,700 meters, and how it can benefit science. [J-Innovators] Making Telemedicine a Reality? Development of a Wearable Fetal Monitor
The latest research has begun to unravel some of the mysteries behind dreaming. People typically dream at least 3 or 4 times a night, but many don't remember their dreams. Researchers now suspect that MCH neurons, which were thought to only regulate appetite, may be the reason why dreams are so easy to forget. Meanwhile, a new technique utilizing fMRI and AI to examine and analyze blood flow in the brain when a person is looking at an image has now enabled scientists to "peer" into a person's dream. In this episode, we'll look at these incredible results and other efforts to conduct research on the mechanisms of dreaming. [J-Innovators] Human-type Ceramides from Traditional Japanese Brewing
Airag, a dairy product made by fermenting horse milk, has been an integral part of life for Mongolia's nomadic people. In 2019, the traditional technique of making Airag was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It has since attracted worldwide attention with the growing awareness in health consciousness. While much about Airag-making still remains unknown, the traditional knowledge may disappear as more nomads move to the city. Professor Yuki Morinaga of Meiji University has been investigating and recording the traditional method of Airag production for 8 years. Discover the simple and sustainable life of nomads through Morinaga's research on Airag.
The novel coronavirus pandemic is showing no signs of stopping. Scientists are scrambling to understand the invisible enemy through studying its genome, the blueprint of the virus. By analyzing the genome of coronaviruses from around the world, researchers can grasp the characteristics and track the spread of the outbreak. Genomic expert So Nakagawa and his team uncovered the stunning ability of the coronavirus to escape our immune responses from its genome. He will help explain one of the causes for asymptomatic cases. Find out the latest on what we have learned through unlocking the genetic code of the coronavirus.
Are we alone in the vast universe? One Japanese researcher is tackling this profound mystery: Dr. Norio Narita, a planetary scientist and an astrobiologist at the University of Tokyo's Komaba Institute for Science. Narita has developed a state-of-the-art spectroscopic camera that enables analysis of the atmospheric components of exoplanets. By detecting trace gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane, he hopes to identify planets that have the potential to sustain life. In this episode, we'll follow one of Japan's leading planet hunters in his quest for habitable worlds.
What if you had to live underground with little oxygen and you could never change your job, but you would live to 90 years old without getting sick? Would you accept it? That's how the subject of this episode live. Naked mole rats, native to East Africa, have unique abilities that help them live underground and stave off diseases like cancer. What can these fellow mammals teach us? [J-Innovators] Luminous Surgical Retractors
New research on imperceptibly low-energy earthquakes known as "slow slips" has revealed some surprising longer-term patterns in the seismic activity leading up to devastating earthquakes. This episode explains how slow slips occur, the patterns they display, and recent technology that allows GPS measurements of them from underwater seismic monitoring stations directly on the tectonic plate involved. [J-Innovators] Quake-resistant Pipe Retrofittings
Research is underway on using diamonds inside sensors for measuring magnetic fields at the nanoscale. In Japan, a team lead by Professor Mutsuko Hatano at the Tokyo Institute of Technology has succeeded in developing a sensor. The key was to remove a single carbon atom from the crystal structure of the diamond. Find out more about the research and the story behind its development. In the latter part of the program, we'll introduce an innovative pen-type electronic pipette used for PCR testing for COVID-19.
Planet Earth is home to humans and various life forms, but where did our ancestors come from? How did we evolve? While different theories on the origin of life include space and the deep sea, we will focus on deep underground. Numerous microorganisms, that are thought to be close to the common ancestor of all living organisms, have continued to live deep underground for tens of thousands of years. Find out more about the mysterious primitive organisms. Later in the program, we'll introduce a piece of research on sea urchins that could help restore the coastal ecosystem. Discover how clovers are being used to turn malnourished sea urchins into high-quality delicacies.
Professor Takanori Takebe of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (Director of Commercial Innovation at Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Research and Medicine [CuSTOM], Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center) is leading the world in research on creating mini-livers from iPS cells. Research on organoids, mini-organs grown in test tubes, has made great advances in the past 10 years and the technology is already being applied to treat incurable diseases. Takebe has successfully created not only liver organoid, but an entire set of 4 connected organoids - the liver, bile duct, pancreas and duodenum. He is continuing to break new grounds with bold new ideas. This episode features Takebe's wide range of iPS cell research and his fresh ideas that transcend disciplinary boundaries.
Japanese indigo is famous for producing a traditional dye known as "Japan blue." Now, more and more hidden powers of the indigo plant are being discovered for applications in medicine and agriculture. The plant's antibacterial properties are well known, but research has now revealed that a substance called "tryptanthrin" is the reason. Tryptanthrin may also inhibit the growth of viruses as well. Moreover, a strawberry farm in Aomori Prefecture discovered that strawberries grew bigger when strawberry plants were given a liquid extracted from indigo. Analysis showed that indigo extract helped plant roots grow faster than usual, and researchers suspect it may even increase the yield of other agricultural products too. In this episode, we will examine how indigo today is being used for more than just a pretty dye!
Crows are often thought of as pests, getting into garbage and even attacking people at times. Yet crows are some of the most intelligent birds, and researchers around the world have been trying to understand them better. Recent studies have revealed amazing abilities such as comprehending the concept of quantity and making tools. Why are crows so smart? In this episode, we'll be joined by Tohto University professor and Utsunomiya University emeritus professor Shoei Sugita. Nicknamed "Dr. Crow," Sugita has been studying these birds for more than 20 years, and will share some fascinating insight into their incredible intelligence. Guest: Dr. Shoei Sugita, professor at Tohto University, emeritus professor at Utsunomiya University
After the Hayabusa-2 mission successfully brought samples from the surface of an asteroid back to Earth, Japan next plans to apply this know-how to the moons of Mars. The Martian Moons eXploration mission will land on the moon Phobos, collect samples, and then return them to Earth. Team member Kiyoshi Kuramoto joins us to discuss the origins of these moons, the challenges of landing in ultra-low gravity, the possible connections to water and life on Earth, and more. We'll also look at a redesigned dental instrument for root canal procedures.
Did you hear that? No? Well, it might have been one of a growing number of applications for sounds outside the range of human hearing. In this episode, sound expert Shohei Yano joins us to discuss the many ways that inaudible sound is being used for everything from kabuki to farming to tornadoes. And he'll tell us how his own company is working on devices that use people's ear canal shapes for security that sometimes works even better than face recognition. We'll also see how a metalsmith overcame the challenges of titanium to produce light, durable and good-looking drinking tumblers.
Most of space is a vacuum. But since 1940, radio telescopes have detected "interstellar molecular clouds" containing carbon monoxide, ammonia and water molecules. Over tens of millions of years, gravity causes these clouds to accumulate gas and dust, and then collapse, forming stars. In this episode, we'll meet RIKEN Institute astronomer Nami Sakai, who discovered unexpected carbon chain molecules near the hot and dense center of one of these clouds, a baby star known as "L1527," still forming in the Taurus constellation. Sakai's discovery showed the world that the molecules present in newly-forming stars vary from one to the next. And her ongoing research on "interstellar chemistry" raises questions about the origins of our own solar system.
In April 2016, a massive magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region, causing extensive damage to over 200,000 houses. The earthquake was the result of large displacement of an underground active fault and ongoing surveys of these active faults have revealed many new facts about the possibility of another major earthquake and the extent of the damage it may cause. In the second half of the program, we'll look at fungal endophytes that live in symbiosis with plants, and learn how use of these endophytes may yield new benefits for agriculture.
Research is being conducted on microscopic nanorobots that attack only cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. This science fiction-like concept has been made possible by cutting-edge nanotechnology called DNA origami, which uses DNA as a "material" to create various shapes and devices, including tiny therapeutic robots as small as one-hundredth the size of a hair! Dr. Akinori Kuzuya, a Kansai University professor and researcher on DNA origami, joins us to discuss how this incredible technology works as well as the possibilities it holds for the world of medicine and other fields.
Would you eat a steak that was grown in a laboratory? As global population continues to grow, conventional cattle farming is being stretched to its limits. University of Tokyo professor Shoji Takeuchi, a specialist in biohybrid engineering, cites this as well as climate change, food safety and animal welfare as the reasons for his interest in growing steak meat in a controlled laboratory environment. His breakthrough technique takes a small sample of living cow cells without harming the animal, and produces a thick steak-type meat unlike lab-grown minced meat. In this episode, we look at his past work on mosquito-inspired sensors to detect cancer, his current work on cultivating steak meat, and the forthcoming challenge of public perception.
Most of the colors we see around us are produced by the reflection of light from pigments. Yet there is another type of color called "structural color," produced when light is reflected off the special microstructure of a surface. Structural color is what makes the surface of soap bubbles iridescent and the body of a jewel beetle appear to glitter. While pigmented colors have the disadvantage of fading due to ultraviolet rays, structural colors retain their appearance as long as the microstructure remains intact. Associate Professor Michinari Kohri of Chiba University is working to artificially reproduce these structural colors. Taking a hint from the structural colors of peacock and turkey feathers, he has succeeded in reproducing the microstructure that gives rise to the colors and is now working on the development of special ink that will not fade. Practical applications of this groundbreaking technology could not only include posters and paintings but also cultural assets as well. In this program, we'll take a closer look at Associate Professor Kohri's research, which aims to commercialize next-generation ink that produces structural color.
15 years have passed since the discovery of iPS cells - versatile cells that can turn into any type of cell. Professor Hideyuki OKANO of Keio University was one of the first to use iPS cell technology. He has been investigating on recovering motor functions of spinal cord injury patients by transplanting precursor cells of neurons created by iPS cell technology. Professor OKANO is also working to tackle ALS, a disease with no known cure that causes muscles to get weaker over time. Using iPS cells from ALS patients, he reproduced diseased neurons and tested various drugs on them to verify the effectivity. Clinical trials have confirmed that a newly discovered drug delayed the progression of ALS by 7 months. How close are we to curing ALS and spinal cord injury using iPS cell technology? This episode takes a close look at Professor OKANO's groundbreaking research.
In winter the area along the Sea of Japan experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, as northerly winds from Eurasia blow with a large amount of water vapor from the Sea of Japan. Clouds that bring heavy snowfall spread out over a wide area, and are sometimes more than 100 kilometers wide. Ice particles inside the clouds rubbing against each other generate a large amount of static electricity, which in turn leads to extraordinary lightning called Superbolts with more than 1,000 times the energy of ordinary lightning. Dr. Teruaki ENOTO of RIKEN discovered that a phenomenon called "annihilation" occurs in these Superbolts, emitting enormous amounts of energy, and this has attracted worldwide attention. Annihilation is a phenomenon that is thought to have occurred in the formation of the universe, causing matter and antimatter to disappear in a burst of light. The study of annihilation in Superbolts is now providing clues about the beginning of our universe.
The Cretaceous period is regarded as the last part of the age of dinosaurs, when these fascinating creatures lived at their peak. While the flora and fauna of Japan's land mass during the Late Cretaceous period has long been a mystery, clues have emerged through the fossil record. Tyrannosaurid fossils and pieces of amber containing plants and insects have been discovered in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture in a well-preserved layer of earth from the Cretaceous period called the Tamagawa Formation. Research on these specimens has revealed that Japan probably had a much warmer climate, with mangroves along the ocean and other organisms typical of tropical zones. In this program, we'll take a closer look at findings about Japan during the Cretaceous period.
Typhoons are some of the most powerful storms on Earth. And climate change is expected to make them even stronger in coming years. In this episode, we'll see how sea level differences, on-the-spot measurements of atmospheric conditions, and new computer simulations can help us better understand and predict these massive storms. We even follow a research team into the eye of a typhoon! And we'll also see an ultra-detailed weather simulator for urban areas.
Computer modeling is a powerful tool being used for a rapidly growing range of tasks. But as artificial brains boom, they raise questions about how our human brains work. Scientists are now using optical illusions to study how vision is processed in brains, both real and artificial. This episode explores these ideas. We'll get some surprising results from neural networks designed to make predictions, including one that composes music tailored to the individual listener's brain.
Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest of the elements. When combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, hydrogen produces heat and electricity with only water as a by-product. It's now used in fuel cell vehicles. In this episode, we'll look at other ways that hydrogen can help reduce the carbon dioxide emissions that drive climate change. It could replace conventional batteries for storage and retrieval of energy. And new ultra-cold magnetic compounds are being used to create magnetic refrigerators that can convert hydrogen from a gas to a liquid. We'll also see how a new home robot can help the elderly manage their medications.
Dr. Syukuro MANABE, winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics, was one of the first to sound the alarm about the growing seriousness of global warming. He created a model that could simulate the complex global climate thanks to bold simplification, and was also the first to demonstrate that an increase in carbon dioxide leads to global warming. MANABE's research laid the foundation for today's global warming research, which is being carried out using the latest climate models and supercomputer simulations. In this episode, we will look back at MANABE's achievements and examine the latest research on global warming.
Have you ever looked at something up close? Really, really close? Micro-anatomist Daisuke Koga has looked even closer! He uses cutting-edge microscopes to visualize the insides of cells. As a leading expert in electron microscope images, his stunning high-tech photos have set new standards for both art and science. In this episode, he'll share his secrets for getting just the right picture. And we'll join him in trying out new equipment that creates full 3D images of the complex organelles that float inside cells. We'll also see how optical fiber lights can be used to ensure that nasal feeding tubes safely arrive in the stomach.
From the 1950s to the 1960s, Minamata Bay in Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the western part of Japan, was contaminated with organic mercury contained in wastewater from a factory, causing Minamata Disease. Now, the film MINAMATA starring Johnny Depp has once again brought this issue to global attention. In this episode of Science View, we will look back at what was going on inside the factory, based on an NHK program that contains testimonies of the employees of Chisso, the company responsible for Minamata Disease. Find out why the people working at the factory could not prevent the spread of the disease. Professor Yuki Morinaga of Meiji University, an expert in environmental studies, joins the program to look at the latest research on industrial pollution, share her discussions with her students on this topic, and to help us reexamine the lessons we should be applying to today's society.
With the spread of COVID-19, as well as the declining birthrate and aging population in Japan, the shortage of blood has become an important issue. As the number of blood donors decreases, it will become more difficult in the future to secure blood for transfusion. Recognizing this risk, Professor Teruyuki Komatsu of Chuo University's Faculty of Science and Engineering is working on the development of artificial blood that can be administered to anyone at any time. He has succeeded in developing an artificial oxygen carrier by extracting hemoglobin from red blood cells and encasing it in a protein called albumin. Moreover, Professor Komatsu's artificial blood does not have a blood type and eliminates the need for compatibility tests, a key advantage for immediate transfusion in an emergency. Animal experiments have already confirmed its effectiveness in stabilizing blood pressure during hemorrhage and treating strokes, and he is now focusing on the possibility of applying it to humans.
Both in Japan and other developed countries, social infrastructure built during periods of rapid economic growth is rapidly aging, and accidents involving aging infrastructure are becoming more frequent. The useful life of infrastructure is considered to be about 50 years due to the deterioration of concrete, a key component. Concrete eventually cracks due to internal chemical reactions and external forces, and so-called "moving cracks" that are gradually progressing due to the constant application of force are particularly dangerous. However, finding such cracks is a difficult task that requires significant time and effort. That's why Nao Terasaki, a team leader at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and his colleagues have developed a luminescent material that helps reveal dangerous cracks by making them glow. The technology is called "stress luminescence," which generates faint light at locations inside an object where force is concentrated.
What do geckos, static electricity and wood have in common? They're all contributing to a concept for a new battery design. In this episode, we'll meet Doctor Mikio FUKUHARA. He's working on a potentially revolutionary change to one of the fundamental components of a battery, the electrolyte substance used to store electricity. A special type of laboratory-produced wood known as "cellulose nanofiber" has microscopic structures that are key to this breakthrough idea. We'll join FUKUHARA as he consults with the inventor of this new high-performance artificial wood.
On weekends, the beautiful sound of cello music echoes throughout the corridors of Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application. It is played by Professor Koji Eto. He treasures the time of total serenity between his research. In 2018, Professor Eto succeeded in producing large quantities of high-quality platelets from iPS cells. His work was featured on the cover of a global scientific magazine, attracting much attention. What was the secret to his success? Professor Eto had discovered what researchers at the time had never thought of – megakaryocytes, the source of blood platelets, are "exposed to turbulence" to produce high-quality platelets. The clinical trial of iPS cell-derived platelet transfusion will soon begin at Kyoto University Hospital. It will be performed on patients with an intractable disease called thrombocytopenia, a condition of low platelet count. Meet Professor Eto and find out about his next challenge that can benefit the future.
For the first time in nearly 120 years, "hachiku" bamboo is flowering all across Japan. The hachiku bamboo plant expands by sending out underground stems, which can grow at a rate of about 2 meters per year. The plant then essentially creates clones of itself by sending up shoots from these stems. Yet once every 120 years, the hachiku bloom, leave seeds and die off en masse. Why has this type of bamboo developed such an unusual flowering cycle? First, researchers ran simulations on the evolutionary process of bamboo based on observational data. Analysis of the results has yielded clues into bamboo's incredible survival strategy. We'll also look at rare footage of hachiku bamboo flowering, and see how a new material made from bamboo could change space development. On this episode, we'll explore the science behind this very common yet equally mysterious plant.
Remote work is expanding into many other areas besides office work. Robots and remote-control technology make a greater range of tasks possible, from stocking convenience stores, to operating heavy machinery and even serving as a labor force in space. A key advantage of remote-controlled robots is that they do not require the kind of complex programming found in automated robots, such as industrial robots that work in factories. This means that remote-controlled robots are more flexible, easily adapting to work that cannot be programmed. Greater use of this technology can allow robots to take over dangerous and exhausting work, subsequently helping to deal with labor shortages and improve work environments. In this episode, we'll look at the forefront of remote robotics, and see examples of how this technology could transform work. [J-Innovators] A Muscle Suit for Back Protection
Many people might think of food or exercise when they hear the word "protein." But proteins perform a vast array of functions within our bodies. In this episode, we'll visit a Japanese laboratory where most of the main proteins of the human body can now be produced artificially. And we'll see how human and even insect proteins can be put to work in drugs and medical sensors. We'll also get a look at a new device to remove pollutants from ocean surfaces. [J-Innovators] A Floating Ocean Surface Skimmer
New insights on how brains develop in young children reveals that child abuse and neglect can be even more damaging than previously understood. In this episode, we'll see how maltreatment can result in measurable physical damage to the brain. Then we'll look at some ways experts are making progress with treatments to repair that damage. Plus, we'll have a report about a new and faster way of conducting inspections on aging bridges. [J-Innovators] A Faster Way of Inspecting Bridges
Fish have generally not been considered as intelligent animals. Yet recent research on fish brains and behavior has revealed that some fish are highly intelligent. New findings have shown that some fish can recognize their own reflection in a mirror, identify individual fish by the differences in their facial patterns, and are even believed to have feelings of compassion. In this episode, we'll start out by exploring the surprising intelligence of fish. Then later in the program, the Takumi / J-Innovators corner will feature the novel development of 3D food printers.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) recovery technologies are attracting attention as a means of halting global warming. The hope is that by capturing and sequestering CO2, we will be able to mitigate the effects of climate change, and a variety of approaches are being proposed. Using one method called Direct Air Capture (DAC) which collects CO2 from the air, a Japanese university student has invented and begun selling a compact DAC machine the size of a suitcase. Another technology developed at Kyushu University utilizes a special thin membrane that allows only CO2 to pass through, and the university is working on a device to convert the collected CO2 into ethanol and other resources. We'll take a closer look at these technologies and other methods being developed in Japan to capture CO2. Then, our Takumi / J-Innovators corner in the latter half of the program features a vegetable cultivation kit with automatic LED lighting control that enables even amateur farmers to grow value-added vegetables ric
Japan's mastery of nanomaterials culminated in 2016 with the invention of the electroencephalograph (EEG) patch, a revolutionary new medical device made possible with the technology. EEGs once required major equipment, time and costs, but the EEG patch makes a quick brainwave scan possible just by placing it on the patient's forehead. It can even be used in other fields, such as scanning for building infrastructure issues. In this episode, we examine the nanomaterial that is poised to bring about a new future.
A prosthetic hand substitutes a limb that may have been missing at birth or that is lost later in life. They can be classified into several types according to their functions, and the myoelectric prosthetic hand is known to be the most functional. It has a sensor that detects weak "myoelectric signals" generated when muscles contract and converts the signals into hand movements. Most myoelectric prosthetics available in Japan are made overseas and are hard to obtain. Moreover, they cost over US$15,000 and weigh around 1kg, making it unsuitable for the average Japanese person. For such reasons, most prosthetic hand users in Japan end up settling for cosmetic prosthesis which are lightweight and affordable. Masahiro YOSHIKAWA, an associate professor at Osaka Institute of Technology, is taking on the challenge to tackle this problem by developing an affordable, lightweight yet highly functional electrically-powered prosthetic hands. Find out how YOSHIKAWA is making prosthetic hands more
A new genome editing biotechnology can alter genes, known as the "blueprints" of life. Some foods produced with this technology are already on the market in Japan: red sea bream, faster-growing fugu, and tomatoes rich in amino acids said to lower blood pressure. The technology might help solve future food scarcity problems, because it can produce foods with superior properties in less time than with conventional breeding. Many people, however, express concerns about the safety of such food and its impact on the environment. In this episode we look at the latest in genome-edited food research in Japan.
Robotic engineering continues to evolve swiftly, yet developing a robot that can detect and pursue odors has proved difficult for the science. Shunsuke SHIGAKI, an assistant professor at Osaka University, seeks to address the problem by analyzing the scent-detection abilities of silk moths. To understand how airflow or sight affect their perception of scents, he built a VR unit for insects in order to gather data. The algorithm created from it allowed him to program a robot with similar odor-detection capabilities. Now, he attempts to give it enough environmental adaptability to navigate obstacles, or operate outdoors. In this episode, we follow SHIGAKI's efforts to create a high-tech robot with abilities learned from actual organisms, so that it might eventually be put to use in search and rescue operations.
Edible insects are attracting attention as a way to address global issues such as food shortages, malnutrition and the environmental impact of raising livestock. Interest was sparked by a report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2013. Why insects, you may ask? Some are high in protein, an essential nutrient for humans, while others are rich in minerals and vitamins too! In this episode, we look at efforts to make consumption of insects more widespread, from insect farms in both Japan and Southeast Asia, to research on creating allergen-free insects through genome editing. Then, in our J-Innovators segment, we'll examine a new communication device that supports people who have difficulty communicating through speech.
The term "weather pains" encompasses a variety of pains that people feel when the weather changes for the worse, ranging from headaches to stiff shoulders, joint pain, back pain or fatigue. The phenomenon is estimated to affect more than 10 million people in Japan, and its mechanism had long been shrouded in mystery. However, after 15 years of research, a Japanese physician succeeded in identifying the cause – the vestibular system in the inner ear reacting to changes in atmospheric pressure. In this episode, we follow weather pains specialist Dr. Jun SATO as his patients lead him to uncover the three major patterns that prompt weather pains. Then, in our J-Innovators segment, we'll take a closer look at a new type of cutlery that brings out the true flavor of food. [J-Innovators] A Flavor Revolution with Zirconia Cutlery
The film, "MINAMATA," starring Johnny Depp has once again brought attention to the issue of Minamata disease. It is known worldwide that a factory operated by Chisso Corporation dumped wastewater containing organic mercury into Minamata Bay from the 1950s to the 1960s, causing Minamata disease. In this special episode of Science View, we will reexamine valuable testimonies given by former Chisso engineers and former government officials to uncover what was happening inside Chisso Minamata Factory. Find out exactly why the people working at the factory were unable to stop further spread of the damage. Professor Yuki Morinaga of Meiji University, an expert in environmental studies, joins the program to identify the issue from a scientific approach and help us understand the lessons we should be applying to today's society.
Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan that has long-fascinated people with its beautiful, well-proportioned shape. However, it's also an active volcano that has erupted about 180 times over the past 5,600 years. The most recent one was more than 300 years ago, the Hoei eruption of 1707, and experts anticipate that another eruption could occur again before long. In 2021, the Mt. Fuji eruption hazard map was revised for the first time in 17 years, thanks to new findings by researchers studying the past eruptions. In this episode, we'll tag along with one researcher that discovered how the Hoei eruption altered both the mountain and its surrounding environs, and also revealed new clues about pyroclastic flows, as we learn about the latest research on Mt. Fuji's eruptions. [J-Innovators] Flexible LED Lighting that Glows in the Dark
There are approximately 6,000 species of mammals on Earth, and all of them have one thing in common: they raise their young by nursing them with milk. Researchers studying this mysterious liquid have discovered that milk is "custom-made" with ingredients optimized for each species, and also revealed the clever mechanism in human breast milk that protects babies from disease. Based on the latter's research results, technological development is underway to make formula that is more like human breast milk. In this episode, we'll explore the origins of milk and its amazing powers among mammals. [J-Innovators] A New Device to "Visualize" Discussion
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.
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
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.
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,
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.
Japanese swords are called "metal made art." The once lost techniques used to make them prior to the 16th century are now on the verge of rediscovery.
Do you love soy sauce or sake? Discover how a single type of microbe, Aspergillus Oryzae, enhances the flavor of Washoku, captivating fans worldwide.
In this episode, a faster and more accurate weather radar system provides instantaneous full 3D images of storm cloud activity 10km up into the sky, promising more precise weather forecasting.
Research is ongoing to apply 3D generative AI to structural design. Koji Nishiguchi of Nagoya University is on the frontline, with a simulation method which used to be thought of as impractical.
Prof. Jun Takahashi succeeded Nobel laureate Prof. Shinya Yamanaka as director of Kyoto University's CiRA. Find out the goals under the new leadership as we look at the latest research on iPS cells.
