The canned coffee carries a claim to reduce fat absorption in the intestine. By adding a higher ration of deep-roasted beans, the bitterness was enhanced. Nikkei Biotech news release, Sept. 30, 2014, and Suntory TV commercial
NEDO publishes 15 years’ photovoltaic strategy
The 90 page strategy paper is an update of the 2009 “Solar Power Roadmap” and takes into account the progress of PV technology in China and prize decline. The cost goals are 7 yen/kWh in 2030, and 14 yen/kWh in 2020. The 2020 goal will be attempted to reach by back-contact and hetero-junction technology, the […]
JST and DFG to co-sponsor 4 new projects within its FY 2014 Strategic International Research Cooperation Program
The programs and the German partners are: 1. Actual learning using a computational approach (with Markus Ursperg, Magdeburg University), 2. Decoding of the mouse motor cortex by in vivo 2-photon imaging data (with Takashi SATO, Junior Group at Tübingen University), 3. The development of the functional organization of the visual cortex (with Prof. Matthias Kaschube, […]
Kowa obtains approval from MHLW for Rho kinase inhibitor as ocular hypertension therapeutic
In clinical trials with Japanese patients suffering from ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma, this agent was used in combination with existing therapies or alone. In any case, it showed effects in intraocular pressure reduction. Kowa press release, Sept. 29, 2014
Daiichi Sankyo purchases US Ambit Biosciences, strengthens oncology pipeline
The lead Ambit Biosciences drug candidate, quizartinib, is currently in phase 3 clinical trials among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). San Diego’s Ambit Biosciences will be bought for a total of 315 mill USD. Ambit Biosciences press release, Sept. 29, 2014
Regience starts joint research with Osaka City University on regenerative medicines against male pattern baldness
Regience is a Tokyo startup focused on regenerative Science. Cooperation partner is Prof Daisuke TSURUTA, a specialist for hair growth mechanisms. Regience press release, Sept. 29, 2014
SCIVAX launches 3D culture kit for testing anticancer drugs
The kit can be used for testing drug candidates for primary cancer cell, for toxicity studies or for iPS cell regeneration. The NanoCulture® plates of SCIVAX contain a multi-layer adhesive which has been subjected to micro honeycomb and micro square patterning by nanoimprint technology, mimicking the extracellular matrix to the bottom surface. On these surfaces, […]
Sony releases “Cell motion image analyzer” SI8000R
The system allows non-invasive, non-staining analysis of animal and human cells including cell movement. One application is for iPS-derived cardiomyocetes. The prize of the “Cardio model” version is 20 million Yen (260 T€), of a “Research model”, which will appear in February 2015, is 30 million Yen. Sony news release, September 24, 2014
Meiji enhances cheese aroma using a Lactobacillus starter culture
According to a poster shown at the Dairy Science Symposium held in Tokyo on Sept. 12, 2014, Meiji has achieved a pleasant cheese aroma in long-term aged cheese (2-3 years) by co-culturing its proprietary strain Lactobacillus fermentum OLL203697. The aroma is based on ethyl esters formed during ripening. Meiji news release, Sept. 24, 2014
Ajinomoto obtains approval from MHW for glutamyl-valyl-glycine flavorant
After having obtained approval on August 8 2014, Ajinomoto will now commercialize this product in Japan. Ajinomoto press release, August 19, 2014 Nikkei Biotech news release, Sept. 22, 2014