Shiseido, which has built a cell processing center in Kobe in May 2014, has obtained permission to initiate own and clinical studies based on Canada’s RepliCel hair regrowth technology (RCH-01). Using this technology, cells are collected from the back of the head, reprogrammed and transplanted. Nikkei Biotech news release, Sept. 30, 2015
NEDO starts smart electricity demonstration project in Spain
Based on technology from Toshiba Corp., NEDO has installed a lithium ion secondary battery of the type SCiBTM (capacity 776 kWh) in the city of Alcala de Henares, in collaboration with Spanish Gas Natural Fenosa Co., to stabilize power consumption by a low-cost – high-power storage system made in Japan. NEDO news release, Sept. 30, […]
Fujifilm acquires Cellular Dynamics International, Japan, as a wholly owned subsidiary
In March 2015, Fujifilm acquired CDI, a Madison-based leader for iPS-derived cell products. Fujifilm has now acquired CDI Japan as a wholly owned subidiary . Fujifilm news release, Sept. 29, 2015
Sysmex enters into licensing agreement with Human Metabolome Technologies on depression biomarker
The biomarker is phosphoric acid ethanol amine (PEA) as a biomarker candidates for major depression, as discovered by HMT in cooperation with the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry. Nikkei Biotech news release, Sept. 29, 2015
Fuji Software builds cell processing facility for academic customers
The company has established a subsidiary, Tokyo Fuji Soft Tissue Engineering, at Sumida-ku, Tokyo, which prepares in its cell processing facility samples of cell products for academic contractors which need sufficient and GMP-type samples for clinical trials. Fuji Soft news release, September 28, 2015 and Fuji Soft website
Hayashibara introduces Fibryxa, a water-soluble dietary fiber produced from starch
The product consists of 95 % maltodextrin α-glucan which is enzymatically produced from starch. Various types of starches can be used as starting material for this .alpha.-glycosyl transferase-catalyzed process. The product is claimed to have a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora and will be marketed from November 2015. Hayashibara news release, September 28, 2015
Japanese consortium establishs first yellowfin tuna fish farm in Panama
Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA and JST, a team of Kinki University has successfully established a fishfarm at the IATTC Achochinesu Institute, Panama, that rears yellowin tuna from eggs to juvenile fishes (average length 18,7 cm), as a first step to ensure the future supply of tuna (maguro). JST news release, September […]
Hiroshima group takes part in NASA mission to culture mesenchymal stem cells in a microgravity environment
In a microgravity environment, cells will not settle like on Earth. This provides an increased opportunity for freely floating cells to interact with each other and develop 3D structures. Hiroshima University’s Professor Yuge professor will participate in a NASA experiment to culture mesenchymal stem cells designated to treat spinal cord injury in the microgravity environment […]
NEDO runs test for a real-time energy-control system for office and e-cars
In collaboration with Takenaka Co., an office building in Tokyo will be equipped with a multi-source energy gateway (MSEG) based on solar energy (SiC power module) which controls the supply of energy to various outlets in the building such as offices and electric vehicles NEDO news release, Sept. 25, 2015
Yakult and RIKEN elucidate induction mechanism of immune cells involved in inflammatory bowel disease
A research team of Yakult and Riken’s gastrointestinal homeostasis research group have found, in human experiments, that Th17 immune cells which are closely related to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases are induced by over 20 types of intestinal bacteria which have the capacity to adhere to the intestinal epithelium. RIKEN news release, September 24, 2015