Tohoku Techno Arch Co., Ltd. Product Lineup

The smart contract is one of applications of the blockchain technology which realizes transaction of confidential data. The smart contract enables a seller directly to make a contract with a buyer. And when a contract to provide some confidential data is established between them, the seller him/herself needs to send it to the buyer. So the buyer cannot receive the data while the seller is offline. One approach for solving the problem is as follows: The seller stores the data on some cloud storage in advance, and then permits the buyer to download it only after the completion of the contract. In this case, the seller needs to tell the buyer which storage the data is stored in. However, one cannot include any information about the storage in the contract document because it opens to the public via the blockchain. 　The information processing system we have invented enables buyer safely and automatically to receive confidential data even when seller is offline. Let us consider a situation that a seller has some confidential data and that a buyer makes a contract with the seller to get the data. In the situation, the system works as follows: First node (the seller) stores the data in Storage node. Then Second node (the buyer) write, in the contract document, an address to receive the data. The document including the address opens to the public, but no information about the storage where the data is stored does. When the contract is completed, the data is sent to the address by Storage node, and Second node can finally get it.

• others

　Tertiary alcohols, such as tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), are useful as starting materials for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and resins because they have higher oxidation resistance and hydroxyl group reactivity than primary/secandary alcohols. As an industrial process, there is a method of radical oxidation of isobutane under high pressure or without catalyst, but this process has problems of high energy load and low selectivity. As a solution, selective oxidation at ambient pressure using gold nanoparticle catalyst in the presence of hydrogen has been reported. However, there is concern about the risk of explosion because hydrogen and oxygen coexist in this method. 　As a result of repeated studies to solve the above problem, the inventor found that isoparaffins can be selectively oxidized using molecular oxygen as an oxidant to produce the corresponding tertiary alcohols with high selectivity and high production rate by using a solid catalyst containing a transition metal oxide of periodic table group 6~9, which does not support gold, and using water instead of conventional hydrogen. In particular, when Co3O4 was used as a catalyst, the selectivity (STAB) of TBA in the product was as high as 99%.

• others

　Mesoscopic particles, ranging from several tens to several hundred nm in size, have attracted attention in a wide range of fields as interesting materials where quantum size effects and bulk effects interact or synergize. Regarding manufacturing methods, top-down approaches such as physical grinding and bottom-up approaches such as chemical synthesis have been proposed. However, these methods face challenges related to yield, dispersibility, and cost, necessitating new solutions. 　In this study, the inventor has developed a novel manufacturing method to address these issues: the "Biocatalytic Nanoparticle Shaping method" (BNS method), which utilizes enzymes. The BNS method can be applied to fabricate various mesoscopic particles by combining enzyme-degradable materials with organic/inorganic materials. For example, semiconducting quantum dots (QDs), porphyrin molecules, bipyridine molecules, and nanographene were used as core units, resulting in nearly monodispersed mesoscopic particles with uniform sizes, obtained as stable aqueous dispersions.

• others

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and analysis, used to monitor the presence and marine biodiversity (species composition), is widely applied by marine ecologists, government environmental agencies, fisheries and aquaculture, and deep-sea research expeditions. Conventional active eDNA sampling requires transporting water collected on site to the lab for filtration with electric powered vacuum pumps, or peristaltic filtration in situ, leading respectively to DNA degradation and ecosystem disturbance. In contrast, these two Biological Material Samplers passively collect material (eDNA, eRNA, microbes) from the water column or the benthos, respectively. They are simple to assemble, deploy, and retrieve, for both shallow coastal and deep-sea surveys down to 6000m depth. In field trials at a fishing port in Miyagi Prefecture, eDNA collected with these devices was used to validate the presence/absence of four octopus fishery target species across different seasons during a 2-year study, demonstrating the device‘s potential to transform marine biomonitoring efforts.

• others

Japan faces a severe driver shortage, with 36% of logistics demand potentially stagnating by 2030. While AGVs are a key solution, conventional path planning faces computational bottlenecks and high costs for proximity sensors. This technology implements a proprietary NoC-inspired architecture on FPGA, replacing "global batch computation" with "highly parallel local region processing." By dividing the domain into areas managed by router kernels, the system emulates agent movements significantly faster than real-time. This allows pre-emptive collision and deadlock detection, enabling safe, low-cost, real-time autonomous control in large-scale environments with minimal sensor dependency.

• others

Magnetic Powder Cores, possessing both high saturation magnetic flux density and high degree of shape freedom, are widely used as core materials for motors, transformers, and other applications. However, increased losses in the high-frequency range are a challenge for Magnetic Powder Cores, necessitating the development of design guidelines for reducing losses. Conventional Magnetic Powder Cores design often relied on experience and intuition, but in recent years, machine learning-based AC loss estimation methods and mechanism analysis methods have been proposed, leading to increased accuracy in material design. Nevertheless, Magnetic Powder Cores have numerous design parameters, and optimizing process conditions, in particular, has been difficult. The present invention constructs an estimation system that accurately predicts AC losses when prototype conditions are input, by utilizing Lasso regression and dividing the dataset into multiple parts. By appropriately modifying the prototype conditions according to the prediction function obtained in this invention, it can be used to develop design guidelines for Magnetic Powder Cores.

• others

Various 3D imaging methods including X-ray CT, ultrasonography,and confocal laser scanning microscopy are employed in industrial applications, depending on its usage. However, X-ray CT requires the rotation of a light source or the irradiation area to acquire 3D images, which makes rapid imaging difficult. Ultrasonographyenables 3D measurement using 2D array elements but suffers from limited spatial resolution. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy requires the sequential acquisition of 2D images while moving the observation plane, which makes 3D observation at video rate impossible. 　In recent years, 3D cameras and OCT are known as emerging 3D image acquisition techniques. However, the camera-based technique exploiting patterned- or line-illuminations provides limited spatial resolution, and it cannot visualize the internal information of samples. Besides, OCT is, in principle, applicable to reflected light signals only and impossible to measure fluorescence signals.A series of inventions solves the above issues and provides an imaging method with a simple implementation that enables the acquisition of precise 3D images in real-time.

• others

It is desired to develop the optimum metal powder for the metal additive manufacturing of the powder bed system. Especially, it is known that the fluidity of metal powder is an important parameter which affects the quality of the final molded product. For the optimization, it is important to design an appropriate evaluation method. Conventionally, the shape of each powder particle (Circularity, Sphericity), particle size distribution, angle of repose, etc. were evaluated, but they were not sufficient for practical use. The present invention was completed as a result of further research focusing not only on the characteristics of individual powder particles but also on the behavior of the entire powder bed. The fluidity can be evaluated more effectively than before by quantitatively analyzing the electrical characteristics and dynamic behavior. This is expected to provide a new guideline for the development of metal powders suitable for powder beds. In addition, it is expected to have a ripple effect on powder recycling and control of powder bed equipment.

• others

Memorable school experiences with arts, historical sites, and personal creations often leave only fragmented, temporary records (like yearbooks) lacking spatial context. This makes long-term reflection on personal growth difficult. This invention is a system that saves user-captured 3D object data paired with metadata (time, location, and emotions). The data is plotted on an "Object Icon Map," visualizing the user's expanding activity range and interests over time to track personal growth at a glance. Additionally, the 3D scanning process fosters active learning through multi-angle observation, while first-person VR enables users to vividly relive and share past experiences. Finally, AI analyzes this accumulated data to identify personal trends, predicting future possibilities and "turning points" to connect past memories with future guidance.

• others

In endovascular therapy, it is necessary to advance the distal tip of a catheter through the body to reach a lesion. When guiding the catheter internally, a guidewire is passed through the catheter and used for navigation. The positions of the catheter and guidewire are continuously monitored using X-ray fluoroscopy. While modern catheters have pursued extreme thinness and flexibility to enable highly precise treatments, they have become less visible under X-ray, often making it difficult to ascertain the exact location of the catheter tip. Consequently, the catheter may reach unintended locations, or inappropriate force may be applied to the guidewire. This can damage cerebral blood vessels and even lead to extremely severe complications. To prevent such adverse events, operators must maintain constant vigilance, which leads to prolonged procedure times and increased operator fatigue. The present invention is based on the concept of equipping the proximal catheter control section with a graduated adjuster. This clarifies the positional relationship between the catheter and the guidewire, enabling accurate identification of the catheter tip's location. The adjuster can be easily attached to and detached from the catheter, and is designed to secure to the exact same position on the catheter every time.

• others

In conventional laser scanning control, it is difficult to accurately match an arbitrary target intensity distribution even when optimizing the temporal change of irradiation positions. This has imposed limits on the precision of microparticle control using optical tweezers and the resolution of drawing and fabrication. This invention overcomes these constraints by reverse-calculating and optimizing scan patterns from target distribution data. By precisely managing irradiation timing and intensity balance, it aligns actual laser intensities with ideal profiles, enabling high-precision microparticle manipulation, maskless lithography, and optical 3D printing. Leveraging this technology, inventors achieved the world’s first experimental demonstration of particle transport with minimal thermodynamic dissipation, as predicted by mathematical "optimal transport theory". This breakthrough provides a foundation for next-generation ultra-low-power information processing and the design of precision nanomachines

• others

Conventional thermal property measurements using thermistors and thermocouples require electrical wiring, which limits further improvements in sensor density and sensitivity. Resonant temperature sensors using in-plane mechanical resonators also suffer from low areal density, and laser-based readout becomes impractical when many sensing points are required. To overcome these limitations, the inventors developed a wiring-free temperature sensor that optically detects the resonance vibration amplitude of a high–aspect ratio micro-resonator. This architecture is well suited to dense array integration and achieves a temperature sensitivity of 32%/°C, exceeding that of frequency-shift-based resonant sensors (35 ppm/°C) and thermistors (2.0%/°C), making it promising for high-sensitivity temperature measurement.

• others

Geothermal energy is recovered by injecting fluid through injection wells, allowing it to absorb heat as it flows through rock fractures, and extracting the heated fluid via production wells. Preferential flow through highly permeable fractures can cause short-circuiting, where injected fluid reaches the production well without sufficient heat exchange, reducing power generation efficiency. Currently, no effective method exists to mitigate short-circuiting, and operators are limited to temporary measures such as adjusting injection rates or switching wells. The inventors have identified a potential solution using a temperature-responsive gel that solidifies at high temperatures. When injected, the gel slurry flows into preferential flow channels and selectively plugs them upon reaching the high-temperature reservoir zone, redistributing fluid flow to other fractures and improving heat recovery efficiency.

• others

　Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technique that enables en bloc resection of lesions, but it is highly difficult to operate. In particular, highly skilled techniques are required in cases where the field of view is narrow or it is not possible to smoothly crawl into the submucosa. Conventionally, there has been a technique that secures the field of view of the peeling surface and reduces the crawling operation by pinching the lesion with a clip or the like connected to an elastic member and pulling it. However, it is not easy to properly attach a grasping member through an endoscope, and there is a problem that complicated work is required to operate multiple treatment tools. 　The present invention relates to a traction robot that safely and reliably performs a resection procedure by pulling a lesion with an appropriate force. An electromagnetic motor and a wire for pulling the lesion are provided inside the traction robot, and a force sensor is mounted to measure the traction force and enable feedback control. In addition, the traction force can be detected more safely and with high accuracy by providing a scaffold for fixing the traction part in vivo.

• others

The development of ingestible devices for testing and treatment in the body is underway.Because ingestible devices are small and have a limited power supply capacity, they have limitations in long-time operation and functional loading. In addition, because conventional devices are moved by the movement of the digestive system such as the small intestine, it is difficult to perform functions such as measurement and medication at a certain location for a long time. The ingestible device of the present invention is a ring-shaped device with coil wiring that is embedded in a small, folded state when ingested, and expands at a specific location to be fixed within the organ. Since the coil diameter is increased by expansion, efficient wireless power supply is possible by dielectric coupling with a coil outside the body. In addition, since the device is fixed at a specific location in the digestive organ when the coil is expanded, it is possible to measure time changes and administer medication at an appropriate location and time.

• others

　Nickel and cobalt demand is surging for lithium-ion battery cathode materials, driving the need for efficient separation and refining technologies. Due to their similar metallic and ionic properties, making separation challenging, the current mainstream approach relies on solvent extraction exploiting differences in complex formation behavior. However, this method involves multiple steps, uses environmentally burdensome organic solvents, and requires additional refining, such as electrowinning, to isolate the metals in pure form. 　This invention provides a low-cost, low‑environmental‑impact method for selectively electrowinning nickel from nickel–cobalt mixed aqueous solutions, characterized by a simple electrolytic process using general‑purpose electrodes. In the examples, electrodeposited nickel with a purity of over 99.4% was obtained.

• others

　 The development of a multi-scale numerical analysis technique for the melting and solidification phenomena of metal powders in metal lamination processes, such as powder bed fusion and electron beam melting, is progressing. Conventionally, the analysis has been carried out based on equations based on physical phenomena. However, the calculation load increases as the calculation becomes more precise, and it is difficult to calculate the whole structure. In order to reduce the load, there is a method to average microstructural information such as particle size distribution, phase fraction, and crystal orientation distribution. However, it is difficult to predict the formation behavior of micro defects such as unmelted powder, porosity, and cracks. The present invention solves the problem by replacing a part of the numerical analysis process with a surrogate model based on machine learning, and enables numerical analysis on the scale of the whole shaped object. By effectively integrating the macroscale analysis and the surrogate model, multi-scale analysis is realized which avoids loss of microstructural information while suppressing the computational load. By this, the computational load is reduced to 1/10, and the whole shaped object can be calculated.

• others

　 The technology to suppress the smoke phenomenon in the metal lamination process of powder bed system is attracting attention. Since the smoke phenomenon inhibits the beam irradiation, the melting of the metal powder becomes insufficient, and the deterioration of the laminated product is caused. To solve this problem, countermeasures such as temporary sintering have been taken, but they are not sufficient, and research and development are continuously carried out. 　As a result of repeated research focusing on the fact that each metal powder is covered with a thin oxide film, the present invention devised an apparatus capable of suppressing the smoke phenomenon more effectively than ever before. Since the smoke phenomenon is mainly caused by the electrification of each metal powder by the irradiation beam, the problem was solved by pretreating the powder bed. As a result, development of a laminated molding apparatus capable of effectively suppressing the smoke phenomenon and development of an auxiliary apparatus mountable to an existing apparatus are expected.

• others

Inductors and transformers, which consist of a magnetic core made of soft magnetic materials with wound coils, are widely used in applications such as electronic circuit boards in data centers. Particularly, amorphous soft magnetic materials are beginning to be applied to EV motors and other systems to improve energy efficiency. In these applications, reducing iron loss—comprising hysteresis loss, classical eddy current loss, and excess loss—is essential for achieving higher efficiency and miniaturization of power devices. At high frequencies, excess loss becomes dominant, and therefore material designs that effectively reduce this loss are required. This invention relates to a simple processing method for amorphous soft magnetic materials to reduce excess loss. Compared with conventional approaches such as nanocrystallization, this method provides greater loss reduction at high frequencies, while also offering superior processability and applicability to a wide range of material systems.

• others

EVs and renewable energy are driving a surge in lithium (Li) demand. Li is mainly produced either by concentrating brines from salt lakes or by extracting it from ores, primarily α-spodumene. Brine evaporation requires vast land, long processing times, and favorable climatic conditions. Ore processing requires roasting above 1000 ℃, followed by intensive sulfuric acid leaching, leading to high energy and chemical consumption. Moreover, the co-dissolution of Si and Al impurities complicates downstream purification, increasing both economic and environmental costs. The inventors developed a hydrothermal process that controls element behavior, enabling simultaneous Li recovery, hydrogen (H2) production, and CO2 mineralization at relatively low temperatures. For example, a NaHCO3 solution with olivine enables efficient and sustained Li extraction from α-spodumene at 300 ℃. Impurities such as Si and Al are immobilized as secondary minerals, simplifying purification. Meanwhile, Fe(II) and Mg in olivine contributed to concurrent H2 generate and CO2 mineralization.

• others

Complexes composed of the rare earth element Eu (europium) and organic molecules are materials that absorb only ultraviolet light and emit red light with high brightness and color purity, and are being developed for use in displays, lighting, and sensors. Conventional rare earth complexes have low solubility and are prone to crystallization, making them difficult to fabricate transparent molded objects or use as films directly applied to plates, etc. 　The present invention realizes a transparent, coatable optical wavelength conversion film by mixing a clarifying agent that reduces crystallinity into the rare earth complex. Furthermore, because it absorbs only ultraviolet light and transmits visible light, it can be used in applications such as agricultural films to promote plant growth.

• others

Phosphors are used in lighting and displays, and in recent years, fluorescent dyes as well as inorganic phosphors have attracted attention. However, conventional red phosphors have presented challenges for application in next-generation LEDs, displays, and sensors due to limited durability, excitation by ultraviolet light alone, and material toxicity. A complex consisting of europium (Eu) and organic molecules emits strong red light when excited by ultraviolet light and has high color purity, making it a promising light-emitting material. However, conventional Eu complexes have poor absorption ability in the long-wavelength blue light region, making them unsuitable for white LEDs. The present invention introduces a new carbon structure based on a fused polycyclic aromatic group into Eu(III), achieving high-brightness red emission when excited by blue light (450 nm). This complex possesses high color purity, high durability, and is a light-emitting material that does not contain the toxicity of quantum dots.

• others

Phosphors are used in lighting and displays, and in recent years, fluorescent dyes, as well as inorganic phosphors, have been attracting attention. Organic-inorganic hybrid materials composed of organic molecules and rare earth elements emit strong light when excited by ultraviolet light and have high color purity, making them promising for use in lighting effects that are more beautiful than conventional light-emitting materials. The present invention relates to a rare earth complex composed of europium (Eu) and organic molecules. By introducing a fused polycyclic aromatic group into the ligand of this complex, it has a large molar absorption coefficient for visible ultraviolet light, highly efficient energy transfer to Eu(III), and high-intensity emission. This complex also has high heat resistance, approaching 300℃.

• others

Since the transportation network of goods is cut off when the road is cut off by the landslide disaster, it is indispensable to secure the passage of vehicles by improving the temporary road in the disaster site for quick recovery. The temporary road is constructed by the excavation operation of the backhoe, but the operation is accompanied by the risk of the secondary damage, so the automation technology of the backhoe is required. In the conventional research, the motion planning to change the level difference to the roadable slope was carried out, and the modification work using the simulator was successful. However, to move to the destination in the remote place, the route to the destination and the excavation work must be planned simultaneously, and the simultaneous planning has not been achieved. This invention proposes a method to simultaneously carry out the excavation planning of the rough ground and the route planning to the destination. The excavation is realized by fitting the roadable slope in the footprint of each point on the route, and adjusting the amount of cut soil and embankment of the slope to be equal. By adding the cost of excavation and movement to the planning problem by the A* method, and deriving the solution to minimize the cost, the modified terrain and the moving route are calculated simultaneously. It is also possible to flexibly adjust the guide of the route and the excavation plan by changing the weighting of each cost.

• others

The development of rechargeable batteries employing solid electrolytes has been actively pursued as a route toward safer and more reliable energy storage systems. Among the candidate materials, inorganic electrolytes such as sulfides, as well as polymer electrolytes, have attracted significant attention due to their high lithium-ion conductivity. Beyond ionic transport performance, extensive efforts have been devoted to improving safety, durability, and long-term stability for practical all-solid-state battery applications. Nevertheless, materials that fully satisfy industrial requirements have yet to be realized. Through sustained research efforts, we have developed a new solid electrolyte material that simultaneously addresses lithium-ion conductivity and safety. This advance was achieved by introducing targeted modifications into hydroxyapatite-based materials. While conventional hydroxyapatite exhibits negligible lithium-ion conductivity, the modified material demonstrates a conductivity of approximately 1 mS/cm at room temperature. This result establishes a new pathway toward safer and higher-performance all-solid-state batteries, with promising potential for applications in the automotive and robotics industries.

• others

Technology for reusing metal powder used in metal lamination process is attracting attention. One of the conventionally known methods is to mix unused metal powder with recovered metal powder, which is called powder refresh. However, although it is unmelted, some of the recovered metal powder has lost its original composition due to evaporation of highly volatile elements by repeated lamination process. Since powder refresh is not a process to recover the composition of individual particles, further improvement of the reuse method has been required. 　 The present invention devises an apparatus which enables the supply of a specific element more effectively than ever before, as a result of repeated research focusing on the motion of individual particles of metal powder. As a result of detailed observation and examination of the process of friction and collision, a means for supplying a specific element to the surface of individual particles was clarified, and the problem was solved. This enables the construction of a more effective powder regeneration process in laminated molding, and is expected to lead to cost reduction of molded products.

• others

The technology to suppress the smoke phenomenon in the metal lamination process of powder bed system is attracting attention. Since the smoke phenomenon inhibits the beam irradiation, the melting of the metal powder becomes insufficient, and the deterioration of the laminated product is caused. To solve this problem, countermeasures such as temporary sintering have been taken, but they are not sufficient, and research and development are continuously carried out. 　As a result of repeated research focusing on the fact that each metal powder is covered with a thin oxide film, the present invention devised an apparatus capable of suppressing the smoke phenomenon more effectively than ever before. Since the smoke phenomenon is mainly caused by the electrification of each metal powder by the irradiation beam, the problem was solved by pretreating the powder bed. As a result, development of a laminated molding apparatus capable of effectively suppressing the smoke phenomenon and development of an auxiliary apparatus mountable to an existing apparatus are expected.

• others

This invention presents a new platform for creating organic-CaCO₃ composite materials with pearl-like multilayer nanostructures using a bio-manufacturing process involving yeast and koji mold. 　Building on prior research into the bio-mineralization of Pteria penguin pearls, the inventors have successfully expressed the related proteins and enzymes in yeast to produce highly controlled multilayer CaCO₃ crystals. High-Performance Materials　：By optimizing the expression of matrix proteins and enzymes, the crystal structure and material properties can be precisely controlled. Sustainability　：The fermentation-based production process enables large-scale manufacturing with minimal environmental impact and low cost.

• others

Current Alzheimer’s disease therapies provide only limited cognitive benefit, and there is an unmet need for disease‑modifying drugs that directly reduce amyloid‑β (Aβ) accumulation.​ The inventors identified habu snake (Protobothrops flavoviridis) venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), evolutionarily related to non‑amyloidogenic APP‑processing ADAM proteases, as potent Aβ‑degrading enzymes.​ In vitro, an SVMP cocktail cleaved secreted Aβ at the APP α‑cleavage–equivalent site, converted it to non‑toxic p3 fragments, and reduced Aβ levels in culture medium by about 90%.​ Among these, the flavoridin‑precursor–derived SVMP targets both monomeric and aggregated Aβ and shows higher substrate selectivity than neprilysin with minimal neuropeptide degradation, supporting its potential as a low‑toxicity, disease‑modifying AD drug lead.

• others

In recent years, concerns about animal welfare have accelerated efforts to reduce animal testing in pharmaceutical and cosmetic development, driving a global shift toward in vitro evaluation methods that better replicate the human body. Microphysiological systems (MPS), which combine microfluidic technology with human cells, are attracting significant attention as next‑generation in vitro evaluation methods capable of reproducing organ‑level physiological functions.​ 　The inventors have developed a device capable of independently controlling the two‑dimensional spatial distributions of both oxygen concentration and pH. This invention is expected to facilitate understanding of cellular dynamics in microenvironments with oxygen and pH gradients. For example, by reproducing the hypoxic and low‑pH environment of cancerous tissues, the device enables the evaluation of anticancer drug efficacy and toxicity under conditions that closely mimic the in vivo environment of cancer patients. Beyond these applications, the device is expected to support a broad range of uses as an organ‑on‑a‑chip platform. Since this patent has not yet been published, the specification can be disclosed after the intellectual property agreement is concluded.

• others

　Piezoelectric sensors made of piezoelectric ceramics and polymers have been developed. Among them, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a semicrystalline polymer composed of (CH2-CF2) repeating structures. It has attracted attention because of its low cost and excellent flexibility. While further improvement of piezoelectric properties is required, improvement of materials without compromising their flexibility has been studied. However, materials that meet the needs of the industry have not been developed. 　As a result of repeated research, we succeeded in developing a modified PVDF with significantly improved piezoelectric properties. The development of a new material was made possible by adding additives to the raw material PVDF. We confirmed that the piezoelectric properties of this material were increased without losing the excellent flexibility of the conventional material. This paves the way for the development of more sensitive sensors, which are expected to be applied in the medical device and robot industries.

• others

In factories, buildings, hospitals, commercial facilities, and water treatment plants, water is typically pumped to elevated storage tanks, which results in high electricity consumption. To address this issue, the proposed invention introduces a liquid lifting and power generation system that uses high-pressure fluid to increase the internal pressure of a storage chamber, enabling liquid to be transported to higher elevations without conventional pumps. ■Key Features of the Invention ・　Significant reduction in power consumption compared to conventional pumping systems ・　Superior safety and ease of handling compared to methods that use flammable gases

• others

The inventors have developed a subcritical separation technology, which, combined with a newly established method for estimating phase equilibria in a carbon dioxide–ethanol–water ternary solvent system near room temperature, enables the design of efficient extraction conditions for algal oils. 　This invention proposes a clean extraction technology that mixes subcritical fluids with a feed solution (alcohol–water solution containing algae) to separate a vapor phase enriched in oils and a liquid phase enriched in chlorophyll and pheophorbide. ◎ Enhanced Safety ◎ Suppression of Oxidation and Thermal Degradation ◎ Energy Savings ◎ Low Environmental Impact

• others

The inventors have developed a unique subcritical solvent separation method using three green solvents—CO₂, ethanol, and water—to enable safe, eco-friendly production of pharmaceutical and food ingredients. Conventional supercritical and subcritical processes often face slurry freezing and clogging due to adiabatic expansion, reducing productivity and increasing maintenance time and cost. The proposed system prevents these issues by creating a controlled pressure difference between gas and liquid phases in the separation column, enabling a safer and more efficient extraction and manufacturing process. ◎High productivity enabled by continuous separation and collection ◎Handles slurry without clogging, reducing pretreatment time 　　　　　　 　　and preventing degradation of target compounds ◎No harmful organic solvents, ensuring safer and cleaner operations

• others

Conventional microfluidic devices are typically fabricated on flat substrates using lithography—a standard semiconductor manufacturing technique. However, this approach is limited by its inability to create three-dimensional or non-planar channel structures, which restricts the functional complexity of the devices. To overcome these limitations, the research team developed a Rotary Thermal Drawing System. This breakthrough equipment enables the production of 3D helical channels and microcoil fibers. Beyond simple fluidics, this technology allows for the integration of electrical components, leading to novel applications such as advanced electrophoresis. Key features of this technology: ・Flexible design is possible: the fiber material (e.g. high‑strength material, elastic materials), diameter size, pitch, shape (liner or spiral), hollow or not, etc. ・Portable size of the equipment: Saving space and easy to handle.

• others

Conventional microfluidic devices are typically manufactured on flat substrates using lithography—a standard semiconductor fabrication technique. However, this traditional approach is largely limited to two-dimensional (planar) channel structures, making it difficult to create complex, three-dimensional fluid paths. To overcome these limitations, the inventors developed a Rotary Thermal Drawing System. This breakthrough device enables the production of hollow spiral microfibers with complex 3D structures. By leveraging this technology, the inventors have successfully designed a highly efficient Micromixer that uses internal helical channels to achieve uniform mixing of fluids, such as chemicals and reagents. Key Technical Advantages: ・Flexible design is possible: the fiber material (e.g. high‑strength material, elastic materials), diameter size, pitch, shape (liner or spiral), hollow or not, etc. ・Portable size of the equipment: Saving space and easy to handle.

• others

This database includes more than 10,000 motion capture entries from 97 performers, 54 from Japan and 43 from Taiwan. 　It features recordings of 12 emotions-joy, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, disgust, contempt, gratitude, guilt, jealousy, shame, pride, and neutral state. 　Each emotional category comprises 3 self-prepared personalized scenarios by the performers, at 3 intensity levels: low, middle, and high. 　Scenarios are provided in Japanese, English, and Chinese, offering detailed context information that illustrates the cultural nuances behind emotional triggers.

• others

Patients with severe respiratory failure or low oxygen saturation are currently supported by ECMO, but conventional systems are bulky, highly invasive, and require specialized expertise. This system integrates a miniature axial-flow blood pump and a hollow-fiber oxygenation unit within a dual-lumen cannula, allowing blood pumping, oxygenation, and CO₂ removal in a single device. ・　Integrated pump and oxygenator: No additional artificial lung needed ・　Single-port percutaneous insertion: Femoral or jugular access reaching the right atrium ・　Recirculation control: Flow rate and oxygenation optimized via pump speed ・　Low-flow gas exchange proven: Effective oxygenation and CO₂ removal demonstrated at 0.2 mL/min

• others

Microneedles deliver drugs by coating or loading therapeutic agents onto fine needles that penetrate tissues and release the drug in a minimally invasive manner. However, pharmacokinetic evaluations have so far relied on the assumption that sufficient drug amounts were successfully administered to achieve therapeutic effect. This has limited the quantitative assessment of safety and efficacy. Our system enables quantitative evaluation of microneedle penetration behavior—such as penetration depth, direction, and the range of affected tissue—within a simulated skin environment that can reproduce mechanical properties like pulsation and viscoelasticity. These features allow realistic replication of the dynamic interactions that occur during microneedle insertion. Using stereo camera–based measurements, the system captures both the physical penetration process and the dynamic deformation of the target with high precision.

• others

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) composites serve as excellent dispersible carriers that maximize silver’s conductivity, catalytic activity, and antimicrobial performance. CNF, being plant-derived and environmentally friendly, also aligns with SDG goals. Conventional wet reduction methods, however, generate wastewater and require washing steps, leading to environmental issues and complex processing. 　This invention introduces an ultrasonication-based method that both disperses CNF uniformly and reduces silver oxide to form CNF/AgNPs composites without harmful reagents. The simple, waste-free process offers higher silver loading and better silver dispersion than conventional methods, enhancing silver’s inherent properties.

• others

For patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC), first-line therapy usually involves pembrolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor; ICI) with chemotherapy (5-FU plus cisplatin/carboplatin), or pembrolizumab alone for PD-L1–positive cases defined by the combined positive score (CPS). As a second-line option, cetuximab (anti-EGFR antibody) plus paclitaxel (CET+PTX) is commonly used. Our study revealed that responses to pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy and subsequent CET+PTX are inversely associated in R/M-HNSCC, and that activation of the JAK–STAT pathway, particularly STAT3 phosphorylation, marks tumors resistant to pembrolizumab-based therapy but sensitive to CET+PTX. This diagnostic approach uses these biomarkers to guide treatment sequencing after ICI.

• others

In biotechnology and healthcare, it is crucial to detect small temperature changes and heat generation with high sensitivity. This invention achieves remarkable temperature sensitivity by using ionic liquids with a high Seebeck coefficient in thermocouples, far surpassing conventional solid-state materials. The device employs a microfluidic chip, allowing the liquids to be physically separated but electrically connected, enabling flexible sensor structures. This system makes it possible to conduct ultra-sensitive temperature measurements even on curved and irregular surfaces, expanding the practical utility of temperature sensing well beyond what is possible with traditional solid-state sensors.

• others

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are regarded as promising materials for next-generation electronics owing to their unique optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. Conventional synthesis methods such as laser ablation and arc discharge create SWCNTs with a broad mixture of chiralities, resulting in inconsistent device performance. Polymer wrapping and density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) are widely used for chirality separation, but polymer wrapping is limited to certain chiralities and DGU tends to shorten nanotube length, increasing resistance in electronic devices. We have developed a new dispersion and purification method that enables efficient separation of a wide variety of SWCNT chiralities—including enantiomers—while preserving tube length. The resulting high-purity, long SWCNTs allow the realization of advanced devices with high speed and sensitivity, expanding the possibilities for practical applications in electronics and sensing technologies.

• others

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health issue without any drugs that improve kidney function. Previous mouse experiments showed that lubiprostone, a constipation drug, reduces uremic toxin accumulation by improving the intestinal environment altered by kidney decline, thus inhibiting kidney damage progression 1. A phase II clinical trial was conducted to test lubiprostone's effects on kidney function in patients. Results revealed dose-dependent suppression of kidney function decline (eGFR) in lubiprostone-treated patients compared to placebo. Further analysis showed lubiprostone improves kidney mitochondrial function by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing spermidine production, which enhances mitochondrial activity and provides kidney protection.

• others

Traditionally, a specialist determines the epileptogenic area (EZ) to be removed during epilepsy surgery by comprehensively judging the results of EEG, CT and MRI, SPECT and PET. Conventional methods are challenged by (1) low accuracy, (2) the length of the examination period (which requires at least one week), and (3) the high burden on the patient (two surgeries, the installation of an electroencephalograph and the removal of EZ). 　The present invention can estimate the seizure origin (SOZ) and EZ with high accuracy and speed without waiting for an epileptic seizure by analyzing the high-frequency electroencephalogram during the interictal period. Specifically, since EZ can be precisely determined in about 30 minutes after the installation of the electroencephalograph (electrode), it is theoretically possible to determine and remove EZ in a single operation, greatly reducing the patient's burden. 　It is expected that real-time EEG analysis software based on the present invention will be developed and implemented in EEG equipped with the software.

• others