In a joint project, groups at Tokai University, Tohoku University and Osaka University have synthesized an insulin analog where one of the disulfide bonds linking the A- and B-chain is replaced by diselenide bonds („seleno-insulin“). X-ray analysis revealed a similar structure, but degradation in vitro by insulin-degrading enzyme IDE (a protease) was much slower (45 […]
NEDO establishes additional consortium for „smart cell industry“ based on microbial cells
The target is on improved production of industrial materials by microorganisms, and the topics are clustered around substance production technology (Design), high-speed DNA synthesis / evaluation technology (Build), non destructive / minimally invasive cell evaluation technology (Test), and building a knowledge database using AI (Learn). The project will run for 3 years, and partners are […]
2 years functional study of human iPS-derived dopamine neural progenitor cells transplanted in primate Parkinson model confirm reduced symptoms
In a preclinical study lasting two years, the group of Jun TAKAHASHI at Kyoto University’s CiRA transplanted human iPS cell derived dopaminergic neurons into 7 Macaca monkeys treated with the neurotoxin MPTP, as a Parkinson disease (PD) model. Video-observations and MRI- and PET-imaging showed that PD symptoms were reduced over time, as compared to 3 […]
Telepsychiatry” may help to identify dementia by remote tests and AI”
Nippon Tect Systems is developing a diagnostic support system for dementia using AI. Currently, doctor’s dementia examination is performed using quantitative data such as neuropsychological examination and image analysis (MRI), and qualitative indicators such as facial expression and voice (videophone). In the system to be developed, the doctors will be supported by AI in order […]
Nippon Shinyaku develops antisense drug against Duchenne and Fukuyama muscular dystrophy
Nippon Shinyaku had developed long-strand DNA synthesis in the late 1990ies and started collaboration with the National Center for Mental and Neurological Medicine to develop an antisense RNA (NS-065/NCNP-01) with exon skipping action against DMD. The synthetic double-stranded RNA polyI: polyC is prepared using a novel RNA synthesis method (2-cyanoethoxymethyl or CEM method) and delivered […]
NEDO starts demonstration project with large EV buses in Malaysia
The bus is equipped with a long-life and ultra-fast chargeable secondary battery to improve the efficiency of the city’s transportation. It can be charged within 10 min, for a operation distance of 30 km. The NEDO-project is carried out by Toshiba Infrastructure Systems, Hasetech and Pues and located in Putrajay City, Malaysia. NEDO news release, […]
Tohoku Medical and Mechanical Banking Organization (ToMMo) starts selling biological samples and genomic information
Biological samples and the transcriptomes from a 3-generation cohort of 23,000 people obtained from a DNA Japonica microarray and reconstructed by a statistical imputation method into pseudo-genomes based on the genome sequences of 2000 Japanese) are now offered to domestic academia and corporate researchers for the identification of biomarkers etc. Intellectual property rights obtained by […]
IHI completes 100 kW class ocean current power generation
Under a NEDO contract, the company installed the world’s first submerged floating power generation system off the coast of Kagoshima. During the test, an autonomous control system kept the system floating at depth of about 30 to 50 m in the Kuroshio current, resulting in a maximum of about 30 kW power generation. Practical application […]
Asano ERATO project finds algorithm to ensure expression of soluble enzymes
80 to 90 % of enzymes derived from animals and plants will become insoluble and inactive when heterologously expressed in microorganisms. With a new software (INTMS Align) which identifies aggregation hotspots based on secondary structure and amino acid hydrophobicity Asano’s group succeeded to predict changes realised via protein engineering which lead to soluble, active enzymes. […]
Light Touch Technology Co. measures blood glucose without taking blood
In the mid-infrared region, glucose can be measured relatively easily. As conventional light sources such as ceramic heaters have extremely low brightness in this region, the company developed a palm-sized high-intensity mid-infrared laser by fusing solid-state laser technology and optical parametric oscillation technology. Using this system, the measurement accuracy for glucose specified by ISO could […]