Based on a concept developed by Grätzel at EFPL in 1991 , a completely sealed new solar cell was developed which can be produced at low cost. Materials are an organic dye and an oxide semiconductor. Energy conversion efficiency is 11.9%. Project leader is Mr Shuji HAYASE, industrial partner is Ushio Inc. JST news release, […]
JST and MEXT start cooperative innovation program COI STREAM, 1 billion Yen per site per year
The program requires industry-university-government cooperation for up to 9 years. 14 projects out of 190 applications were adopted, e. g. a program of Kawasako on „Open innovation manufacturing leading to smart nanotechnology-based medical devices for health“ JST press release, Oct. 30, 2013
Food Safety Commission deliberates on DSM’s recombinant asparaginase for suppressing acrylamide formation in food, opens public debate
Nikkei Biotech, October 28, 2013
Japanese team reports progress on humanized laboratory animals for the study of drug metabolism
At the 3d Genome Editing Meeting held in Hiroshima on Oct. 27, researchers from Hiroshima, Tottori and Chiba University reported on their joint advances to prepare humanized experimental animals through genome editing. Nikkei Biotech, October 28, 2013
Shiseido finds that citronellyl acetate promotes lumen formation and proliferation of lymphatic endothelium
The compound contained in the fragrance of many flowers such as roses and used in perfumes was found to have lymphatic activity. Shiseido Group web release, https://group.shiseido.co.jp/rd/development/products/perfume.html (in Japanese)
MAFF Awards for Meiji (konjac-based ceramide) and Unitika (immunostimulating polysaccharide in yoghurt)
Nikkei Biotech, October 23, 2013
Ajinomoto participates in „Active Senior Project“
As a member of companies contributing to the extension of healthy life expectancy, Ajinomoto announced on Oct. 18 that the company will participate and for the time being focus on the locomotive syndrome influenced by the „amino index“. The product involved is „Amino L40“, a leucine-rich whey – amino acid mix which stimulates muscle cell […]
NEDO promotes HAL, a wearable robot suit for rehabilitation, at Bochum hospital, Germany
The robot was developed by Cyberdyne Corporation with support from NEDO and complies with the European Medical Device Directive. NEDO press release, October 18, 2013
AIST develops porous silica-reinforced paper with honeycomb structure, shows improved flame retardancy and water resistance at low cost
AIST press release, October 18, 2013
AIST laboratory produces canine IFN.alpha. in strawberry plants in a „plant factory“
Using a fully encapsulated „plant factory“ as laboratory, the AIST Hokkaido Center, in collaboration with Hokusan Co., has produced IFN.alpha. in recombinant strawberry plants. The veterinary drug could be used for the treatment of gingivitis. AIST news release, October 17, 2013