SIR2, an antiaging histone deacetylase gene, maintains lifespan solely by control of rDNA stability (the highly repetitive rDNA clusters exhibit genomic instability). Pertinent experiments were done with yeast mutants Kimiko SAKA et al., Current Biology online, August 29, 2013
NAIST develops high-precision metal-doped rubber using carbon nanotubes (CNT)
The procedure is claimed to lead to precise doping in the nanometer range and to result in rubber material with unique properties (wettability, adhesion, optical behaviour) JST news release, August 28, 2013
Megakaryon Corp., a Tokyo-based venture, to start clinical trial of iPS-derived platelet cells in 2016
The company has close links to Kyoto and Tokyo University and is co-funded by INCJ, a governmental industrial innovation organization Megakaryon press release, August 23, 2013
JAIST team develops optical shape-memory material based on bioplastic film
In an attempt to upgrade the value of biopolymers, the researchers developed a novel polyester of succinic and cinnamic acid. The shape of this material can be modulated by light and conserved by heat treatment. JST press release, August 26, 2013
Mizkan develops and sells Natto with improved characteristics
Mizkan, an Aichi-based food company, has developed and marketed an improved Bacillus natto strain which ensures reproducible moisture and softness of fermented soybeans leading to a mouthfeel of boiled rice. Mizkan press release, March 24, 2013
NAIST group to present handheld immunosensor for influenza virus detection
The handheld sensor is based on surface plasmon resonance and uses antibodies which can discriminate even subgroups of influenza virus A at high sensitivity. NEDO press release, August 21, 2013
Otsuka Pharmaceuticals to market barley-based ß-glucan products
Under the trade name of “大麦生活“ (Barley Energy), crackers, boiled rice and soup containing 1 – 3 g of barley ß-glucan will be released as of September, 2013. The claims are for blood sugar response. Otsuka Pharmaceuticals press release, August 19, 2013
Morinaga Milk introduces “Aloe Vera“ yoghurt as a skin moisturizing agent
Aloe vera products have been proposed as anti-aging agents and skin moisturizers. A yoghurt with such properties is now being marketed. Morinaga Milk, announcement at 31st Japan Aesthetic Dermatology Meeting in Kobe, August 11, 2013
Taisei presents calculation of 85,2 Yen/L bioethanol from straw
Based on the use of recombinant strains for the use of „soft biomass“ (including C5 and C6 sugars), and supply of heat from a waste incineration facility, this prize is said to become feasible. Mr Takamichi Soejima, Taisei Corp., lecture at 22nd Japan Institute of Energy convention, August 5/6, 2013
RIKEN studies new type of „Intelligent Nanostructure Computer“
The logic is based on a completely new concept, using decision making according to the movement of light between quantum dots. It is based on an algorithm developed by RIKEN on studying how Myxomycetes find appropriate answers from many combinatorial choices . The simulation results indicate that the system outperforms the softmax rule, which is […]