The superconducting magnet is built by a new design method combining two low-temperature supercondicting coils which are made from a bismuth/rare earth alloy. By sumultaneously exciting the two coils, a world record of 27,6 Tesla was reached on January 20, 2016. RIKEN news release, April 11, 2016
University of Tokyo group elucidates biosynthesis of lycopadiene, a biofuel candidate from the green algae Botryococcus braunii
The group of Shigero OKADA found that synthesis from 2 molecules of geranyl geranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) is catalyzed by lyocopaoctaene synthase = LOS. JST news release, April 6, 2016
Nipro develops improved Cellaforte culture bag system for cell expansion
The new system allows automatic replacement of medium and has a mounted camera for cell observation. A sensor allows measuring the weight of added culture broth. Nipro press release, April 4, 2016
RIKEN-led consortium succeeds in mice to form embryoid bodies from iPS cells, relevance for treatment of hair loss
In attempts to form skin organ systems from iPS cells, mouse embryoid bodies could be formed from mouse iPS cells, embedded in a collagen gel and transplanted into living mice where they formed epithelial tissues including hair follicles. The transplanted cells integrated into the surrounding tissues including connection with peripheral nerves. RIKEN news release, April […]
Boehringer Ingelheim and Kyoto University start joint research on sensorineural hearing loss
The PI is Kyoto University’s Takayuki NAKAGAWA, and the target is to screen small-molecule drugs to regenerate the inner hair cells in the inner ear. The initiative will involve 10 scientists from BI. Nikkei Biotech news release, April 1, 2016
Keio University group removes undifferentiated iPS cells from differentiated heart muscle cells by selective culture, reduce cancer risk
In collaboration with Ajinomoto, Ghuware TOYAMA of Keie University developed a method to kill remaining undifferentiated iPS cells after differentiation. Differentiated myocardial cells grow on extracellular lactic acid whereas undifferentiated ES – iPS cells do not. Expansion of a mixture of undifferentiated and differentiated cells on a lactic acid medium thus removes the ES – […]
NEDO starts new program on „internet of things“ and artificial intelligence
An IoT Promotion Consortium was already established with strong industrial participation, and AI was integrated into the robot section as „Robot – AI“ department. NEDO news release, April 1, 2016
World Fusion Co. develops COMA, a Clinical Oral Metagenome Analysis database
The company, with HQ in Tokyo and a subsidiary in San Diego, offers a software which analyzes the oral bacteria present in saliva and periodontal pockets. The 16SrRNA-based software covers about 400 species. World Fusion Co. news release, April 1, 2016