SCIENCE VIEW Season 2
#201 -Artificial Hibernation: No Longer Sci-fi!
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!
#202 - New Clues About Active Fault Earthquakes
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.
#203 - Special Episode: AI Hospitals: A Step Towards the Future
AI hospitals in Japan started as a project with a vision in which people can have access to high-quality healthcare anywhere in the country. It also aims to improve the well-being of healthcare providers, leading to compassionate patient care. Now, how far has AI hospitals come? Hospital care includes AI patient questionnaires, digital management of hospital beds, robotic drug dispensing and delivery, standing CT, robotic dogs powered by AI, and bed sensors that measure respiration and heart rate. Technologies are not limited to AI and involve robotics and digital technologies. Efforts using technology to eliminate disparities in healthcare are also gaining attention. For example, using AI to make a pathological diagnosis for cancer. Another is to use AI to identify the bacteria that cause blood poisoning. By feeding various images, AI is able to identify the types of bacteria in just 10 seconds at the level of a specialist. Reporter Michelle Yamamoto is joined by Dr. Yusuke Nakamura, an advocate of AI hospitals and a world-renowned expert in cancer immunotherapy and genetic research, to discuss the progress AI hospitals have made as well as the challenges they face.
#204 - Nanoscale Manufacturing with DNA Origami
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.
#205 - Exposing the Bacterial Enigma of the Lake - Microbial Ecologist Yusuke OKAZAKI
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.
#206 - The New Future with Nanomaterials
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.
#207 - Cyborg Technology: A Genius Inventor's View of Humanity's Future
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.
#208 - Special Episode: Helping Prosthetic Hand Users Become Choosers
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 accessible by using 3D printers and his original "muscle bulge sensor."
#209 - Editing Genomes to Improve Food Production
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.
#210 - The Chemistry around Young Stars: Astronomer Nami Sakai
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.
#211 - Growing Steak Meat in the Lab
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.
#212 - Creating Next-generation Inks that Never Fade
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.
#213 - Biomimicry Changes the Future of Robotics
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.
#214 - Artificial Photosynthesis: A Game Changer for Clean Energy
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.
#215 - How Edible Insects Could Save the World
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.
#216 - Poisons in the Animal Kingdom
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.
#217 - It's a Fact - Weather Pains Are Real!
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.
#218 - The Superpowers of Slime Molds
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.
#219 - New Findings from Mt. Fuji's Past Eruptions
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.
#220 - Special Episode: Laying the Groundwork for Wireless Power Transfer
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.
#221 - Next Generation Solar Cells
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.
#222 - Rhodopsin: From Light into Medicine
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.
#223 - Great Escape: How Prey Avoid Predators
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.
#224 - Special Episode: Advances in iPS Cell Technology - New Hope for ALS and Spinal Cord Injury
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.
#225 - Artificial High-Performance Soil: Shaping the Future of Agriculture
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.
#226 - Using Optical Illusions and AI to Study Brain Function
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.
#227 - Quest for Soil - Creating Soil to Feed 10 Billion People
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.
#228 - Special Episode: Investigating the Birth of the Universe with Neutrino Research
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.
#229 - The Mongolian Nomads' Art of Airag Making: A Researcher's Challenge
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.
#230 - The Secret of Japanese Swords
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.
#231 - Special Episode: The Last Judgement Wakes Up from Sleep - The Full Restoration
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.
#232 - Special Episode: Laying the Groundwork for Wireless Power Transfer
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.
#233 - Rhodopsin: From Light into Medicine
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.
#234 - The Wonders of Washoku - Exploring the Infinite Possibilities of Microbes
Do you love soy sauce or sake? Discover how a single type of microbe, Aspergillus Oryzae, enhances the flavor of Washoku, captivating fans worldwide.
#235 - Special Episode: Dual-wielder Scientist Challenges Nuclear Fusion
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.
#236 - Phased Array Radar Promises Precise Weather Forecasting
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.
#237 - The Dream of Generative AI Engineering - Koji Nishiguchi, Nagoya University
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.
#238 - The Art and Science of Cell Imaging
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.
#239 - Special Episode: iPS Cell Research - Advancing into the Future
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.
#240 - Autonomous Driving to a Driverless Future
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.
#241 - Protecting Infrastructure by Visualizing Stress
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. This makes it possible to see cracks in progress, including both small ones as well as those likely to occur in the near future. In this episode of Science View, we'll examine Terasaki's groundbreaking research that has made stress visible.
#242 - Microorganisms Living in Extreme Environments
Japanese scientists discovered microorganisms that can survive for more than 100 million years deep below the ocean floor. What they can tell us about the big question, "What is life?"
#243 - When Massive Underwater Volcanos Erupt
In 2021, a massive submarine volcano erupted off Japan. We follow Japanese researchers' efforts to understand the eruption and witness their discovery of obsidian and even new sea creatures.
#244 - A Battery Made of Wood
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.
#245 - Creating Artificial Blood to Save Lives
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. We'll take a closer look at the research of Professor Komatsu, who is aiming to realize the dream of artificial blood as soon as possible.
#246 - The Ultimate Mystery: Delving into the World of Animal Sleep
All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.
#247 - Tour of the Mysterious Eel Migration
Discover how eels navigate 3,000km in the vast ocean without getting lost. Also find out about a new technology that can share physical sensations.
#248 - The Science of Emotion: The Mind's Connection to the Body
Anger, sadness, joy... How do these various human emotions arise? The latest brain research has revealed a surprisingly close relationship between emotions and our bodies. When the body's condition changes, such as when the heart beats faster or blood pressure rises, this information is sent to the "insular cortex" in the brain. We now know that the changes in the body sensed by the insular cortex are recognized as emotions born within us. Moreover, the ability to recognize these changes in the body varies from person to person, and this affects the amount of "empathy" one has for other people's emotions. Research has also shown that people who have difficulty in recognizing their own emotions are insensitive to changes in their bodies, which can aggravate chronic pain. We will examine these complex mechanisms of the mind and the true nature of "emotion." Then, in our J-Innovators corner, we will meet a Takumi whose company has created a modular wheelchair that can be highly customized to suit different physiques and disabilities.
#249 - From Dinosaur Research to Evolutionary Biology Studies: Paleobiologist Tetsuto Miyashita
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.
#250 - Exposing Solar Mysteries to Prevent Space Disasters
Researchers pursue the mysteries of the sun in order to prevent damage to telecommunications equipment and potential space disasters caused by the magnetic storms following major solar flares.
#251 - A Sharper Look at Amazing Jellyfish
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.
#252 - The Mystery of Carnivorous Plant Evolution
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.