In the development of adsorbents, there is a demand for technologies to produce pores with optimal diameters for each application, as well as to control one-dimensional and three-dimensional pore structures. In this study, we discovered and reported for the first time worldwide a synthesis method for carbon with regular pores of several nanometers in diameter, using triblock copolymers as templates and resorcinol resin as the carbon source. This method, utilizing a soft template agent, holds the potential to produce diverse carbon materials. Furthermore, by combining it with heteroelement introduction technology, it becomes possible to synthesize optimal adsorbents tailored to specific applications. Ultimately, we envision expanding this approach toward multi-purpose development, such as gas adsorbents and electrode materials.

Burst therapy evolves the effects of radiation therapy, traditionally limited to the tumor site, into a systemic treatment. Since the radiation dose administered is small, there is no need to worry about the side effects associated with conventional radiation therapy. By utilizing the immune system to attack tumors, concerns about side effects like bone marrow suppression from anticancer drugs are also reduced. Treatment efficacy is expected even for resistant cancers where conventional radiation therapy has limited effectiveness. Furthermore, it is the world's first combination therapy expected to prevent recurrence through its cancer vaccine effect. To bring this Burst therapy to clinical use as quickly as possible, we plan to establish a startup company, aiming to license it out to major pharmaceutical companies within approximately five years of founding.

The originality of this research lies in using cynomolgus monkeys, which are closely related to humans, to elucidate the mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy at the molecular level and propose a novel treatment approach for the first time worldwide. Utilizing these findings could prevent discontinuation of anticancer drugs like doxorubicin due to severe side effects in patients receiving such treatments, thereby reducing mortality risk. The primary future prospect is to advance the clinical application of S100A8/A9 inhibitors (such as paquinimod) identified in this study as candidate treatments for doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, we aim to use this opportunity to develop methodologies for analyzing the mechanisms behind unexplained cardiomyopathies observed with various anticancer drugs.

The production method for the therapeutic protein FVIII represents the novelty of this research. Typically, to produce FVIII in cells, the therapeutic gene F8 is loaded onto a "carrier" called a lentiviral vector for gene delivery, but this approach raised safety concerns. This study established a method to safely and stably produce FVIII by controlling the gene insertion site using genome editing technology, eliminating the need for viral vectors. If this curative therapy is implemented in society, patients will be freed from lifelong treatment. The goal is to implement this therapy as a cell medicine, creating a "cure" option for hemophilia A, where "care" was previously the only choice.

Previous gene therapies were individually designed for each genetic mutation, targeting specific mutations with specificity. In contrast, this study focused on abnormalities in endothelin and IGF1 signaling, which commonly fluctuate during the early stages of disease onset, and developed an AAV vector that simultaneously corrects both. Moreover, it uniquely integrates a secretory endothelin inhibitor peptide and a glucose metabolism-activating peptide into a single AAV, enabling mass production. Moving forward, after confirming efficacy and safety in mid-sized animal models, establishing AAV mass production systems, and solidifying intellectual property strategies, we will advance to non-clinical and clinical trials through collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, aiming to establish a startup around 2027.

Anticoagulants carry the risk of serious complications, such as bleeding from overdosing or thrombosis from underdosing. Meanwhile, frequent blood tests and dose adjustments place a significant burden on healthcare settings. This study develops an integrated AI model that simultaneously optimizes dosage and predicts biomarker fluctuations (such as PT-INR), taking into account individual differences in drug response. The goal is to reduce the incidence of complications by predicting adverse events, which has the potential to alleviate the workload on healthcare professionals and reduce the burden of hospital visits and tests for patients. Currently, implementation and validation are progressing with warfarin, with future expansion to other high-risk medications (antidiabetic agents, anticancer drugs, immunosuppressants, etc.) also under consideration.

The gas detection principle in this research is that optical devices with periodic nano structures exhibit sensitive changes in optical properties when the surrounding refractive index are changed. We have developed a sensor system that “visualizes odors” by detecting and determining gases with odorous, toxic, or flammable properties with ① high sensitivity, ② simplicity, and ③ rapidly. This establishes a technological foundation contributing to workplace environments, safety and health maintenance, and disaster prevention/defense. This optical device is an epoch-making "Gases can be identified and quantified by color and visualized like pH test paper" because ① can be fabricated using inexpensive equipment on a polymer-based film substrate, and ② it can be operated in the visible region.

People become aware of frailty based on their own sensations, such as “feeling tired easily lately,” or impressions from family members and caregivers. However, even in the absence of such subjective symptoms, this research aims to establish a system that quantitatively assesses the progression and direction of frailty through urine test results, linking this to lifestyle adjustments. We have developed a novel diagnostic method that highly sensitively detects physical frailty (sarcopenia) and mental frailty (depression, anxiety) using a panel of urinary volatile organic compound (VOC) biomarkers. Based on biomarkers identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we are integrating a simple bioassay kit with an evaluation app to advance implementation in routine health checkups and the wellness sector.

The fundamental goal of this research is to realize a future where individuals can personally monitor bodily changes through the everyday act of breathing. It aims to transform the current practice of undergoing examinations only after disease progression, creating an environment where health status can be effortlessly checked at home or in public spaces before disease onset. By indicating early signs of abnormalities or shifts toward disease, it encourages timely specialized examinations, contributing to preventing severe conditions and reducing healthcare costs. In healthcare settings, it can streamline initial screening and help compensate for human resource shortages. Furthermore, it can be utilized in areas with insufficient medical infrastructure, contributing to the reduction of healthcare disparities. It transforms health information, traditionally managed solely by medical institutions, into a form that individuals can proactively handle, promoting the “democratization” of health monitoring.

For mass cultivation of iPS cells, a three-dimensional suspension culture method is employed, in which cells are placed in a tank and stirred. However, human iPS cells are sensitive to physical stress, making this method unsuitable. Therefore, this study developed a groundbreaking technique specifically for human iPS cells: the bladeless stirrer. The mechanism is very simple: a smooth cylindrical container is partially filled with liquid and rotated at a constant speed. Under this rotation, vortices, whose rotation axes are perpendicular to the spin axis of the container, emerge and align within the liquid phase, enabling effective mixing. This novel method is gentle on cells and enables rapid mixing. Currently, demonstration experiments are underway to confirm stable culture.

The prolonged development cycles and black-box nature of existing AI in material development for manufacturing sectors, such as energy and electronic components, are major challenges today. This research achieves both “predicting material properties with world-leading accuracy” solely from composition data and “presenting the basis for predictions (explainable AI)” at a high level. This enables rapid material selection that satisfies on-site teams and creates a low-load, high-efficiency development environment that companies can operate themselves, promising to dramatically enhance manufacturing competitiveness. We are first providing this ultimate prediction software—where “following the tool's guidance yields top performance”—to the energy and electronic materials sectors, with future expansion into manufacturing process optimization also envisioned.

Integrated circuits featuring “optoelectronic integration,” where light and electrons coexist, can transmit even more information faster than current technologies. This research incorporates machine learning elements into techniques for fabricating nanoscale semiconductor electronic circuits and for confining light within nanoscale regions to create semiconductor optical circuits. The goal is to automate the fabrication process not only for electronic and optical circuits, but also for next-generation integrated circuits that fuse light and electrons. If this fabrication method can be applied, it will enable the precise fabrication of structures for controlling light and electrons according to design specifications, and it will be compatible not only with silicon but also with compound semiconductors. This research aims to contribute to the realization of high-performance photonic devices that will support next-generation communications through this technology.

Tool and mold manufacturers seek to enhance the wear resistance of complex micro-shaped parts, while contract coating manufacturers face challenges such as lot defects and shortened lead times. Various industries require solutions to diverse issues. The improved MVP method developed in this research enables the formation of even diamond films on complex, intricate shapes. It simultaneously achieves low-power operation, compact equipment, and high-speed film deposition, including the generation of high-density plasma capable of forming films in grooves as narrow as several millimeters. This technology also allows for flexible process design suited to small-volume, high-mix production. We believe this technology can significantly extend tool life and reduce processing costs in manufacturing environments, contributing to improved productivity across industries requiring high-efficiency processing, such as automotive and electronic components.

There is a rule for small communication satellites increasing in low Earth orbit to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up to avoid becoming space debris. However, there is concern that materials like aluminum used in their structure could leave behind fine particles that burn incompletely, potentially causing atmospheric changes. The wooden satellites being developed in this research burn up completely upon re-entry, returning only to carbon dioxide and water, posing an extremely low risk of atmospheric pollution. Globally, this research team is the only one that has developed wooden satellites and achieved launch success. Currently, leveraging the expertise gained from developing the first wooden satellite, the team is advancing research on key technologies for scaling up and mass-producing wooden satellites to enable their operation as communication satellites.

PFAS and fluoropolymers are indispensable in many industries, but they are highly resistant to decomposition, posing significant challenges in environmental pollution and increased treatment costs. This research's photodegradation technology can safely render them harmless at room temperature, significantly reducing recycling challenges for material manufacturers and the burden of PFAS wastewater treatment at semiconductor manufacturing sites. Consequently, it contributes to strengthening corporate environmental measures and establishing sustainable production systems. Moving forward, centered on this patent-pending photocatalytic technology, we will accelerate joint development with materials manufacturers and semiconductor manufacturers. We will advance the production of larger-scale equipment and its evaluation under practical conditions. As an innovative technology directly linked to achieving sustainable manufacturing processes, we aim for its widespread adoption across the entire industry.

Myocarditis is a disease that claims many lives, including young people, yet neither its diagnosis nor treatment is fully established. Therefore, this study has established a unique "smart theranostics" approach by targeting VLA-4-positive lymphocytes, a key driver of myocarditis pathogenesis, in a first-in-class approach. This approach integrates both a diagnostic tool (VLA-4-targeted PET) and a therapeutic agent (VLA-4 inhibitor) using the same target. This enables minimally invasive, high-precision definitive diagnosis and treatment stratification-unattainable with conventional myocardial biopsy-thereby enabling earlier intervention, preventing severe progression, and ultimately saving more lives. Moving forward, we aim to apply this technology to inflammatory diseases in general, establishing a globally scalable platform that integrates diagnosis and therapy to transform the future of cardiac disease care.

Tooth loss restricts eating and speaking, impairing psychological and social well-being. While dental implants are powerful option, implant placement requires sufficient jawbone as a foundation. Furthermore, jaw defects following oral cancer resection can even make speaking difficult. In this study, we massively expand mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) harvested from a patient's own jaw, wrap porous artificial bone in multilayered MSC sheets, and create a bone regeneration material that adapts to any shape or size. This technology not only regenerates the jaw foundation necessary for secure and safe implant placement but also regenerates bone of the required size for the lost jaw. We aim to contribute to restoring a life where people can enjoy eating delicious food and engaging in pleasant conversation.

lmmunotherapy has achieved dramatic success in hematologic malignancies, but it has not yet shown sufficient efficacy against solid tumors such as colorectal and bladder cancers. Furthermore, because current treatments use the patient's own cells, manufacturing is time-consuming and extremely costly. In this research, we use a unique technology to generate γδT cells-an immune cell type-from iPS cells. These γδT cells can recognize and attack a wide range of cancer cells, including those in solid tumors, while sparing normal cells, even when derived from another individual (allogeneic). Through this technology, we aim to provide an affordable and readily available, and groundbreaking therapy for the many patients with solid tumors who currently lack effective treatments and live with the fear of recurrence.

The new MRI contrast agent we are currently developing has a major feature: it aims to visualize “amyloid oligomers” appearing in the very early stages of dementia using MRI. The very concept of directly capturing this stage is novel and could not be achieved with conventional technology. Specifically, it utilizes the property of the “keto form” of a curcumin derivative to selectively bind to early lesions. By integrating molecular design with MRI technology, this unique approach aims to shift diagnosis from “after symptoms appear” to “proactively capturing changes before onset.” We hope to change the current reality where dementia is often “already advanced by the time it's detected,” widely utilize this technology, and contribute to building a society prepared for dementia.

The ultrahigh-sensitivity "graphene biosensor" enables rapid on-site detection without the time needed for gene amplification, such as in PCR. Furthermore, its principle of electrical detection facilitates system miniaturization, enabling sensor integration and multi-parameter testing. For instance, detecting infectious diseases quickly requires simple yet accurate testing. However, conventional methods often require sophisticated equipment and lengthy measurement times, making them insufficient. The graphene biosensor, capable of highly sensitive on-site testing, enables "rapid, simple, accurate, and highly sensitive testing" in numerous settings such as medical facilities, schools, nursing homes, and food processing plants.

A key feature of this research is a unified platform design constructed by combining originally developed single-chain Fv antibodies, scaffold molecules, and molecular modification technologies. Because the same design concept can be applied even when target antigens are different, there is no need to re-establish optimal conditions for each individual clone. By integrating molecular orientation control, material immobilization, and manufacturing processes into a single design framework, this platform achieves a level of reproducibility and scalability that has not been attainable with conventional antibody technologies. Its robustness and general applicability provide high value in Western pet healthcare markets, where demand for animal-free technologies is increasing, as well as in emerging regions where environmental conditions are often challenging. Ultimately, this technology contributes to enabling appropriate testing in settings where access to conventional diagnostic infrastructure has been limited.

Conventional organic light-emitting materials is unable to utilize the triplet state for light emission, even though these states account for 75% of the excited states generated within OLED displays. In this research, we have successfully developed the world's first inverted singlet–triplet materials (N. Aizawa et al. Nature 2022, 609, 502–506*). By breaking Hund's rule and rapidly converting chemically unstable triplet states into low-energy singlet states, this class of materials enhances the OLED efficiency (thereby reducing power consumption) and further improves device durability. We aim for the implementation of inverted singlet–triplet materials to realize high-brightness, high-efficiency, and durable OLED displays, replacing conventional rare-metal-containing emitters.
※ JP 7709235

The objective of this research is to develop new communication technologies using AI to achieve high-quality real-time multimedia communication in extreme environments such as space and underwater. The communication module under development enables efficient transmission and reception of real-time video captured by underwater drones, facilitating faster inspections, reduced manpower requirements, and enhanced safety. As a result, we believe this will contribute to reducing O&M costs and ensuring stable operation for offshore wind power generation, thereby enhancing the overall value of the renewable energy industry. Detailed visualization of the underwater environment also enables continuous monitoring of the health of blue carbon sinks like seagrass and seaweed beds, facilitating carbon sequestration assessments and conservation activities.

The wireless sensing system we are developing, utilizing our signal compression and reconstruction technology, will significantly contribute to energy savings in existing systems once it is put into practical use. Furthermore, by pursuing even greater energy efficiency, we can envision constructing sensing systems capable of long-term healthcare and predictive maintenance, powered solely by electricity generated from environmental sources such as vibration, light, and heat. We have already demonstrated wireless transmission of EEG signals using only the minimal power generated from the temperature difference between the body and the ambient environment (demonstrated at the Osaka-Kansai Expo), and we expect the technology to have broad applications. Moving forward, we aim to build a universal platform usable for diverse sensing applications like healthcare and equipment monitoring, striving to realize the previously difficult concept of “sensors you can install and forget.”

Operating entirely independent of fossil fuels, cold fusion produces absolutely no carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, unlike conventional nuclear power plants, it poses no risk of generating radioactivity. Because it also eliminates the need for massive facilities and equipment, it serves as an exceptionally clean and compact heat source. I believe that scaling up its thermal output for practical application holds the key to solving global energy challenges. With enhanced heat generation, we could establish decentralized cold fusion power plants in local communities, making it possible to realize a society free of power transmission lines. Additionally, I consider space exploration, where access to external resources is strictly limited, to be the optimal application for cold fusion-based energy sources.

In this research program, a drug target was biochemically identified in-house, and a proprietary compound screening assay was independently developed against this target. Hit compounds obtained through de novo screening were further optimized through extensive medicinal chemistry efforts, ultimately leading to the generation of a development candidate. As a result, this drug possesses both a completely novel mechanism of action, not seen in existing therapies and a high degree of structural novelty at the compound level. By enhancing systemic energy production efficiency, this therapeutic approach has the potential to improve not only heart failure but also the pathophysiology of a broad range of cardiovascular diseases characterized by energy deficiency.

This research represents an innovative technology enabling the production of L-PGA—generally low-yielding and costly in halophilic archaea—as an ultra-high-molecular-weight polymer with a molecular weight exceeding 20 million using B. subtilis cultured in inexpensive synthetic media. L-PGA exhibits superior moisturizing properties and film-forming ability based on its high stereoregularity and crosslinking efficiency, demonstrating higher performance than DL-PGA or hyaluronic acid as a cosmetic ingredient. Furthermore, its ability to form high-quality hydrogels enables diverse applications such as medical adhesives, wound dressings, superabsorbent polymers (SAP), and even environmentally conscious bioplastics. Realizing L-PGA supply via B. subtilis could advance the functional enhancement and substitution of existing raw materials, contributing to the shift toward materials with lower environmental impact.

Xenogeneic islet transplantation offers a potential cure for diabetes patients requiring insulin injections. Particularly for elderly insulin-dependent diabetics, hypoglycemia—a side effect—is not only life-threatening but also a cause of dementia, making treatment extremely challenging. Xenogeneic islet transplantation represents a beacon of hope. Establishing mass production of medical pigs would enable adaptation for stem cell transplants, skin grafts, and other applications. It could also save more patients through xenotransplantation of organs like kidneys and hearts. While xenotransplantation has gained momentum in recent years in the US and China, no other research has been conducted on mass-producing medical pigs. Our approach could lead the world in pioneering this field.

In recent years, efforts toward practical application in fields such as medicine, healthcare, marketing, and education have advanced within "Brain Tech," which combines insights from neuroscience with technology. There is a demand for mechanisms that can collect and manage brain activity data at low cost and process vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. The implantable device used in this research is an ultra-compact 0.2 mm x 2.0 mm unit, weighing only about 1 / 100th of conventional products. It can measure brain function in live (in vivo) experimental mice during free movement. Compared to conventional head-mounted ultra-compact fluorescence microscopy devices, it weighs about 1 / 100th as much. Its lightweight, simple, and low-cost nature makes it a promising new medical approach.

Integrated circuits operating at temperatures above 250°C have no practical implementation examples, making their very existence inherently valuable. The essential value of this research lies in three points: ① information processing under harsh environments, ② simplification and weight reduction of communication systems accompanying ①, and ③ increased design flexibility for peripheral devices due to simplified circuit thermal design. While it has been known for over 30 years that SiC semiconductors can operate at higher temperatures than silicon semiconductors, the semiconductor devices and circuit configuration methods suitable for forming integrated circuits for industrial applications had not been established. The SiC semiconductors used in this research have recently garnered significant attention as power devices, and their potential holds the promise of bringing major innovation to the semiconductor industry.

When esophageal cancer is surgically removed, the anastomotic site narrows in 18–42% of cases, blocking food intake. Patients undergo endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) to widen the anastomosis, but 68% require three or more EBD sessions, and 45% require six or more. Our novel alloy ring maintains the anastomotic diameter during the fibrotic healing of the EBD-induced laceration, achieving long-term patency. The implanted ring is designed to naturally degrade at the intended time under low pH conditions within the digestive tract. This eliminates the need for a subsequent endoscopic procedure to remove the ring, significantly contributing to improved patient quality of life (QOL). Upon securing intellectual property rights and establishing safety and efficacy in non-clinical trials, we plan to pursue partnerships with medical device manufacturers/marketers to advance toward non-clinical proof-of-concept (POC), regulatory approval, and insurance coverage.

The goal of this research is to alleviate the physical and psychological burden on ulcerative colitis patients who experience repeated relapses and hospitalizations due to insufficient efficacy from existing treatments. Therefore, we focused on the “Wnt-5a peptide,” which has a completely different mechanism of action from existing biological agents such as anti-TNF antibodies. Unlike conventional drugs that directly inhibit specific receptors, this new approach modulates the inflammatory environment itself. By combining this with sustained-release technology using self-assembling peptides, we have achieved a therapeutic strategy that balances sustained efficacy with safety. Controlling inflammation while reducing treatment frequency and side effects would enable patients, particularly younger individuals, to continue their studies or work without interruption. This would also help alleviate the caregiving burden and psychological stress on their families.

Wireless power theft prevention technology is essential not only domestically but globally. This research advances vehicle identification through a novel concept: deploying coils with controllable resonance frequencies along roads (patent application filed in September 2025 - KSAC Step 1 outcome). A key feature of this technology is its ability to transmit information by combining multiple coils with variable resonance frequencies in a code-like sequence, using this as the authentication key for identification. For example, using two different frequencies, a set of 10 coils allows for 2¹⁰ = 1,024 possible combinations. We are now laying the groundwork for international standardization of this anti-theft technology. This involves providing this information to vehicles, enabling only those whose codes match when passing the coils to receive power.

Acetylene is a key chemical feedstock for acetylene black, which serves as a conductive additive in cutting-edge lithium-ion secondary batteries. Maintaining its production is essential to support Japan's chemical industry. This technology, which generates acetylene from methane in a high-frequency plasma reaction field without CO2 emissions, has achieved yields higher than those of current manufacturing methods in laboratory tests. It is now entering the phase of testing for dramatic improvements in energy efficiency. By pursuing a unique development path utilizing large-diameter reaction vessels and low-frequency electromagnetic waves, we aim to protect Japan's chemical industry with this Japanese-developed technology in the future, while also challenging the transformation of the global chemical industry.

The total length of sewer pipelines managed nationwide in Japan is approximately 500,000 km. However, as of 2023, pipelines exceeding their 50-year service life total about 40,000 km. Those exceeding 40 years reach about 100,000 km, and those exceeding 30 years reach about 210,000 km. This indicates that a future of severe sewer infrastructure aging is rapidly approaching within the next few decades. This research focuses on developing a robotic system to perform health inspections on domestic public sewer and watershed sewer pressure pipes. The system is being developed with capabilities for long-distance travel, navigating curved pipes, vertical travel, emergency escape, and creating 3D route maps. Using a robotic camera, it detects conditions inside pressure pipes, enabling the identification of sinkhole accidents and hydrogen sulfide leaks. This research aims to support future applications such as predicting deterioration and determining repair/replacement priorities.

The HLH molecular-targeting peptides maintain a stable three-dimensional structure of helix-loop-helix to exhibit strong binding affinity and high specificity for the disease-related target proteins. Furthermore, it contains three binding sites (left helix, loop, and right helix), and each of the sites can be constructed to interact with different target proteins to act as proximity agents. This technology gives the products diverse biofunctions. Particularly, its utility has been confirmed in cancer therapy, where it effectively facilitates interactions between anti-cancer drugs and cells within living organisms. The HLH molecular-targeting peptides and the products are anticipated to serve as peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), cell engagers, peptide CARs, molecular glues for gene delivery, and proteolysis inducers. It is an innovative drug discovery platform for creating next-generation pharmaceuticals.

Our research team has long focused on the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM) from the perspective of "aging and metabolism." In senescent cells, PGAM-Chk1 binding is enhanced, contributing to cell survival and chronic inflammation (SASP). We confirmed that inhibiting this binding induces senolysis effects and improves aging symptoms. While aging has traditionally been considered an irreversible process, the novel concept of senolysis holds promise for: a) improving multiple age-related diseases and symptoms by eliminating chronic inflammation, and b) treating and preventing age-related diseases through a novel approach targeting "aging" itself. The implementation of senolysis as a groundbreaking "aging therapy" has the potential to address unmet medical needs in aging societies worldwide.

The compound library in this study is based on tens of thousands of molecules generated during the process of reducing diverse food molecules to medium-to-low molecular weight. Its most distinctive feature is that the gut-brain axis serves as the target site for its effects. Of particular note is the development of candidate drug compounds demonstrating efficacy through an unprecedented mechanism of action: gut-brain axis signaling induced by acting on novel peripheral target receptors, targeting brain dysfunction such as dementia. Each day, a wide variety of molecules enter the body through the mouth. During digestion, these molecules are broken down, resulting in a substantial increase in their total number. Yet, the body manages to process them effectively. We aim to unravel this mystery, develop groundbreaking pharmaceuticals based on novel mechanisms of action, and establish a sustainable development platform.

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of diseases with unmet medical needs, such as ischemic organ damage, organ fibrosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Although substantial research and development efforts are underway to translate ferroptosis inhibitors into therapies for these conditions, none have yet reached clinical application. Our novel compound PICS, for which a patent application was filed in March 2024, suppressed cardiomyocyte death in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, in an oral administration study using a mouse model of burn injury-induced pain, PICS inhibited lipid peroxidation in burned skin tissue and promoted early pain recovery. To our knowledge, there are no reported examples worldwide of a ferroptosis inhibitor demonstrating efficacy via oral administration, highlighting the exceptionally high potential of PICS for clinical translation.

One reason for the limited efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has been attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction in immune cells. This research focuses on the development of therapeutic compounds that restore mitochondrial function in T cells, the main players among immune cells, and is advancing their application to enhance immunity against cancer. Existing cancer treatments primarily involve combination therapies with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, aiming for direct cancer cell killing. In contrast, this research focuses on a treatment that fundamentally enhances the body's anti-tumor immune response, emphasizing the reactivation of the patient's own immune system. Development of drugs targeting T cell mitochondria is relatively underdeveloped, positioning this research as a world-leading effort in the field.

Cartilage diseases of the knee, including knee osteoarthritis, affect an estimated 10 million people in Japan and over 300 million worldwide, with no curative treatment currently available. In this study, we produced high-quality cartilage-like tissue using our proprietary iPS cell differentiation technology. The competitive advantage of our cartilage-like tissue product is that both chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix (which provides the physical integrity) can be obtained solely through culturing of iPS cells, without any artificial fabrication. The allogeneic nature of our product ensures effective function without relying on the patient's limited healing capacity. Unlike conventional cell therapy, our technology uniquely stands out with its clear mechanism of action of tissue transplantation.

This research develops new catalyst materials and electrolytic devices that produce hydrogen—a clean fuel—from seawater. Focusing on layered manganese oxide, an inexpensive mineral abundant on the seafloor, it enables operation unaffected by external factors, even in impure seawater, through a unique material incorporating a catalyst within its structure. Furthermore, by utilizing a proprietary real-time analysis technology capable of observing the vicinity of the catalyst at the molecular level and at high speed during the reaction, the team has also achieved rapid optimization of material design to enhance efficiency and durability. Ultimately, the goal is to demonstrate a “direct seawater electrolysis cell” using this material and establish a sustainable hydrogen production technology with low costs, utilizing materials abundantly available in the seas surrounding Japan.

Conventionally used phosphoric acid is derived from raw materials extracted from phosphate mines, which cause environmental damage. Crushed and processed phosphate ore is treated using either a process involving sulfuric acid or an energy-intensive process that simultaneously releases enormous amounts of CO2, from which phosphoric acid is extracted and refined. This research focuses on a technology that extracts phosphate from discarded bones of livestock such as those from cattle under mild conditions at near room temperature. This uniquely developed manufacturing method contributes to achieving the SDGs, and multiple related patents have already been filed. Phosphate is not only essential for fertilizers but also a critical material for Japan's key industries, including automotive, lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Domestic production of phosphate would also help reduce risks to economic security.

This research addresses challenges in crop production such as unstable yields, high fertilizer and heating costs, and difficulty in decision-making due to reliance on empirical rules. By capturing the internal state of plants before visible changes occur, predicting future issues, and automatically operating growth conditions, it safeguards yields while reducing waste of fertilizers, pesticides and fuel. Furthermore, it quantifies changes in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from reduced fertilization and heating, making it applicable for corporate and municipal decarbonization efforts and accountability. We will first implement diagnostic algorithms and automated control for major crops, then rapidly expand to multiple crops using transfer learning. Since challenges vary by crop and region, we will achieve societal implementation as cultivation infrastructure through continuous consultation and collaborative research.