Window to Japan
As shown for plant chloroplasts, a combination of low-temperature XFEL-CXDI x-ray laser imaging and low-temperature optical and electron microscope imaging provides functional images of frozen biological specimen. The use of gold particle aggregates of the sample ccan enhance resolution. RIKEN news release, January 29, 2016
The spin-out of Shimane University puts a focus on rapidly expanding cells (REC) stem cells from human bone marrow which constitute 0.001 % or less of mesenchymal cells. It is anticipated that REC cells can differentiate into self-proliferating cells which can be used for the treatment of, e. g., autoimmun diseases. Shimane University news release, […]
The active ingredient are five types of peptides which target malignant mesothelioma. Phase ib is carried out at the University of Chicago. Oncotherapy news release, January 26, 2016
The sake yeast GSP6 has been shown to enhance firm sleep (more delta waves), increase growth hormone secretion and to reduce sleepiness during wakes. The yeast is available as drink, blended with tomato vinegar, and as pill. Nikkei Biotech news release, January 26, 2016
A group around Shigeyuki KAWANO at the University of Tokyo has carried out whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic analysis and metabolic map construction of Parachlorella kessleri, an algae which can produce starch or oil. From transcriptome and microstructure analysis, autophagy has been implicated as a major for oil accumulation in Chlorella JST news release, January 16, […]
A team around Yasuhiro KAJIHARA of Osaka University has coupled six synthetic glycopeptides with different glycosylation patterns and arrived at five functional and correctly folded EPO glycoforms. Experiments on in vivo erythropoiesis in mice showed that biological activity is different in all glycoforms, providing information about the most important structural features, thus paving the way […]
VHH antibodies are single domain antibodies as occuring in camels, with 15 kDa m.w. RIKEN and Ajinomoto have succeeded to introduce halogenated tyrosine into such antibodies expressed by E. coli. It is hoped to improve functionality and binding affinity by such steps. Nikkei Biotech news release, January 25, 2016
The invention helps to laminate four or more myocardial cell sheets used in surgery, which helps heart failure treatment with cell sheets. JP 5,862,915
The composite is based on a uniform mixture of PLA with bio-tdrans-polyisoprene obtained from Eucommia bimass. The impact resistance of appropriate mixtures was 16 – 25 higher as compared to PLA, and the tensile properties were also higher. The material whose development was supported by a NEDO grant is intended for use in car components […]
After the temporary stop of KAKEN’s business by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) due to irregularities in handling and declaring samples, the JPMA took this drastic step. Nikkei Biotech news release, January 21, 2016