Incredible Senseisat Meiji University
Researchers at Meiji University are full of ideas for overcoming all sorts of challenges, but solving real-world problems is no easy matter.
They keep on trying in the belief that someday they will make a difference.
Why? Because they know that possibilities are boundless.
Eliminating the Long Waiting List for Organ Transplants with Pig Cloning by Hiroshi Nagashima
Hope for Organ Transplant Patients through Cloning Technology!
An organ transplant may be the only option, but what if a donor can’t be found? Incurable genetic diseases may need research, but what if there are few cases to study? Professor Hiroshi Nagashima is at the forefront of research that could overcome such hurdles with groundbreaking animal cloning technology, with the aim of creating transplantable organs for use in humans. Learn more about this heroic, life-saving research.
Hiroshi Nagashima, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Agriculture
Director, Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research
Hiroshi Nagashima has been pursuing research related to the use of genetically engineered and cloned pigs, with the aim of regenerating organs to overcome severe and incurable diseases. His current research focuses on animal cloning, the creation of transgenic animals, and their applications in transplants and regenerative medicine.
"Algae," the Key to Creating a Decarbonized New Era by Takashi Osanai
Can We Really Decarbonize and Keep Making Plastics?
Today’s world calls for decarbonization, yet we still rely on plastics. Associate Professor Takashi Osanai wants to resolve this problem with the help of algae, by using the mechanism of photosynthesis to make bioplastics from CO2. And his efforts go beyond research: to commercialize the technology, he has launched a bioventure from Meiji University, which he manages himself.
Takashi Osanai, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Agriculture
Specializes in biotechnology, metabolic engineering, and molecular biology. His research focuses on environmental biotechnologies for production of biomaterials and bioenergy using photosynthetic microalgae. To apply his findings in the real world, he is developing technologies that use light and carbon dioxide to protect the environment and resolve resource challenges.
LINKS
- Meiji University × The Wall Street Journal："The Future of Plastics ~Can Carbon Dioxide Solve Our Plastics Problem?"
- [Press Release] New video "Algae," the Key to Creating a Decarbonized New Era is released at “Incredible Senseis at Meiji University,” a video series showcasing Meiji’s world-class research
- Meiji.net: Will cheap bioplastics appear before marine pollution reaches the limit?
Why Don’t You Have Any Robot Friends? by KOMATSU Takanori
What Kind of Robots Could Be Our Friends?
The more robots look like humans, the creepier they seem. You may know this feeling, but what kind of robots could we accept? Professor Takanori Komatsu of Meiji University is exploring this question from a human psychology perspective. Deep down, maybe we just don’t want to get along with robots. What do you think?
Takanori Komatsu, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences
Specializes in cognitive science and human-computer interaction. He conducts research to observe and analyze the relationship between people and artifacts, considering human cognitive attributes. Lately he has taken particular interest in examining why robots haven’t become part of our daily lives and reducing subjective lag times between users and IT devices.
LINKS
- Meiji University × Scientific American：“Friend or Fridge? What Humans Really Want from Robots”
- DW (Germany's international broadcaster), DIGITAL WORLD / JAPAN, “Can robot companions live up to expectations?”
- DW (Germany's international broadcaster), DIGITAL WORLD / JAPAN, “Shift – Living in the Digital Age.”
- Meiji.net: It is people that are preventing the spread of robots that help people’s lives
An Explorer of Cultural Knowledge by MORINAGA Yuki
Groundbreaking Sustainable Food from Mongolia Yurts
Professor Yuki Morinaga, an expert in climatology and environmental science, became obsessed with fermented horse milk, known in Mongolia as “airag.” Her interest was triggered by the wisdom of nomads, who live in tune with nature. Professor Morinaga’s efforts to scientifically analyze and record the dwindling airag culture provide many tips on rich diversity of nutrition and microbes, environmentally friendly production methods, animal welfare, and more.
Yuki Morinaga, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Commerce
Specializes in climatology and environmental science. She attempts to verify and inherit the traditional knowledge of Mongolian nomads. She also disseminates Japan's pollution experience such as Minamata disease to developing countries. She participated in the 29th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition as Japan's first female member.
Studying “japan is urushi” by HONDA Takayuki
Looking Back to Move Forward with CO2 Reduction
About 9,000 years ago, lacquer has been used for eating utensils in Japan. Professor Takayuki Honda is a leading expert in the scientific study of lacquer. With its beautiful deep gloss and strong coating, lacquer merits fond use over a long period, and is an eco-material that ultimately returns to nature. While being an ancient material closely tied to Japanese culture, lacquer can also help to resolve environmental issues, for example by reducing CO2 emissions. Find out more about research on this challenge.
Takayuki Honda, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Science and Technology
Specializes in analysis of organic compounds and development of methods. We are mainly conducting research on natural organic matter such as lacquer, glue, and pine resin. In particular, we have analyzed the heritage and excavated relics that are thought to have used these natural organic substances, and have clarified "what they were made of" chemically. On the other hand, we are also developing environment-friendly materials made from these natural organic substances.
What is the Shape of a Future Computer? by MIYASHITA Homei
Is There Something You Want in the Future? Try Making It!
Imagine something you want in the future and harness the power of computers and 3D printers to create a prototype. In Professor Homei Miyashita’s lab, students are exploring the future by giving form to these kinds of ideas. What can we make, and how, to live more happily? A whole range of challenges is under way.
Homei Miyashita, Ph.D.
Professor, Department Chair of Frontier Media Science, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences
His research area is Human-Computer Interaction. He explores how advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality, 3D printers, drones and taste displays can be integrated into our daily lives.
LINKS
- Meiji University ×The Wall Street Journal : “Tasting is Believing ~Can a Low-Sodium Diet Still Deliver Savor?”
- Meiji.net: Tasting is believing! FUJIMORI Shingo experiences something Surprising at the forefront of taste media
- [Press Release] Professor MIYASHITA Homei, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences at Meiji University and the other received the Ig Nobel Prize in Nutrition
- Meiji University × National Geographic: “A new sensation: recording and reproducing taste”
Can Robots Get Along with Humans? by KURODA Yoji
Practical Robots Now in Training
Professor Yoji Kuroda is working on practical application of user-friendly robots capable of performing security duties and dangerous work as a tool of humans. Robots hold the key to resolving Japan’s labor shortage, but in order to move around smoothly and do their work even in crowds, they need plenty of real-world experience. Enter the new robot recruit. It makes you want to keep a fond eye on it.
Yoji Kuroda, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Science and Technology
His research field is autonomous mobile robot, and he was a member of JAXA's Hayabusa project. While conducting academic research at the university, he aims to apply the resulting robotics technology to create a sustainable industry to help people.
Optical Illusionist by SUGIHARA Kokichi
Welcome to the Amazing World of Optical Illusions
Optical illusions have long depicted mysterious three-dimensional shapes. Now Professor Kokichi Sugihara is using the power of mathematics to create such shapes for real. Optical illusions occur when our brains unconsciously augment two-dimensional information reflected on our retinas by converting it into three dimensions. That’s why we can’t “unsee” such illusions even once we know how the trick is done. Perhaps we should simply enjoy the mystery.
Kokichi Sugihara, Ph.D.
Meiji University distinguished professor emeritus
Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences
His research area is mathematical engineering. In his study of mathematical modeling of the human vision system, he found new types of optical illusions such as impossible motion illusion and ambiguous cylinder illusions.
Origami Changes Everything by HAGIWARA Ichiro
The Fusion of Origami and Robots Brings a Revolution to Manufacturing
Origami can create various shapes from a single sheet of paper, and its techniques have even been used in space. The only obstacle to exerting its full potential is achieving mass production. Professor Ichiro Hagiwara is working to solve this problem with 3D origami printers and robots. He believes origami-based manufacturing will change our lives in the near future. Watch the video to discover more.
Ichiro Hagiwara, Ph.D.
Meiji University distinguished professor emeritus
Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences
His research area is Origami engineering. In his study of industrialization of Origami structure by cheap forming method, he has developed Origami 3D printer with Origami robot which keeps foldable and deployable function of Origami structure.