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Sci-tech 2007-2008
The Science Of Origami
(March 12, 2008)
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. With just one sheet of paper, you can make all kinds of objects, such as cranes, rabbits, turtles, and airplanes. But the possibilities of origami do not end there. There is now research on applying paper-folding techniques to engineering in a field dubbed "origami engineering."
Regenerative Medicine Moves A Step Closer
(February 14, 2008)
In a breakthrough that was hailed around the world, a team led by Professor Yamanaka Shinya of the Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences at Kyoto University has successfully developed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), which have almost the same abilities as embryonic stem cells, from human skin cells.
Air-Purifying Paper
(January 31, 2008)
We live our lives surrounded by all sorts of smells, and there is a wide array of products designed to eliminate the more unpleasant ones. Paper is the latest material to be given deodorizing properties, and the anti-odorant papers developed by Japanese manufacturers have so far met with positive reviews. One such material is photocatalyst-coated paper, which was made public in 2006 by major paper maker Nippon Paper Industries Co.
Virtual Singer Tops The Charts
(December 21, 2007)
The voice of female vocalist Hatsune Miku has become the talk of Japan's Internet community. Her voice is husky with just a hint of sweetness, and she has the spellbinding appearance of an anime character. Hatsune Miku is certainly no ordinary girl.
The World's Thinnest TV
(December 5, 2007)
The world's first 11-inch organic electroluminescence TV set, Sony Corp.'s XEL-1, will go on sale in December 2007. At its thinnest point, this model is just three millimeters thick.
Flying To The Moon
(November 1, 2007)
Launched on an H2A No.13 rocket on September 14 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan's first large-scale lunar probe is the largest lunar mission since the United States' Apollo space program.
Surfing In The Rain
(October 4, 2007)
Gray, rainy days may be about to get more colorful thanks to a new umbrella invented by Japanese researchers. The Internet Umbrella, conceived by a team at Keio University, acts as a photo browser by displaying images from the Internet as the user walks along.
World's Smallest Humanoid Robot
(August 31, 2007)
A new humanoid robot, certified as the world's smallest, will be released this autumn by Japanese toy manufacturer Tomy Company. Robotics fans look forward to i-SOBOT as a fun toy to add to their collections, but also as a leap forward in miniaturization of the advanced parts that go into these high-tech tools.
Flowers On Demand
(July 31, 2007)
A group of researchers led by Professor Shimamoto Ko of Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) has identified the hormone that makes rice plants flower. It has taken 70 years for scientists to track down the hormone.
A Shopping Revolution
(March 27, 2007)
Some convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers are attaching integrated circuit tags to their merchandise. The use of this technology not only enhances convenience for the consumer but also boosts efficiency for retailers.
PC Controlled By User's Eyes
(March 19, 2007)
Professor Arai Kohei of Saga University's Faculty of Science and Engineering has developed a system whereby PC users can input text simply by looking at an on-screen keyboard.
Burying Co2 To Combat Global Warming
(February 2, 2007)
Interest in sub-seabed storage - a method of sealing carbon dioxide (CO2) under the seabed - has been growing. The underground sequestration of the gas is regarded as a very promising method for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Ergonomic Excellence
(January 5, 2007)
A growing number of companies are putting ergonomics front and center when designing and developing such things as car and airplane seats.
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