-
Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Mathematics
- Professor
- Michiyuki WATANABE
- Research Field
Mathematics, Analysis, Mathematical Physics
- Keyword(s)
Partial differential equations, Scattering theory, Inverse problems
- Research theme
-
- Inverse problems for partial differential equations
- Nonlinear waves and partial differential equations
- Scattering theory and its relevance to the elastic wave equation for seismic waves
Outline of research activitiesMy research explores the mathematical connections between quantum mechanical scattering, nonlinear waves, and seismic waves to understand how mathematical methods and analysis can potentially gain new insights and develop novel approaches.
Finding and understanding the mathematical connections that exist between different fields and phenomena is what makes mathematical research so fascinating.- Desired cooperation
-
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Mathematics
- Associate professor
- Masakazu ONITSUKA
- Research Field
Qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations
- Keyword(s)
Ordinary differential equations, Qualitative theory, Stability
- Research theme
-
- On the stability of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations
Outline of research activitiesThe field of my research is part of the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations. In this research, we focus on the behavior of all solutions of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations. How does the variable coefficients of ODE influence the stability of the solutions? The main purpose of this research is to answer this question. In particular, we deal with the problem on the stability in the Lyapunov sense. For example, we treat asymptotic stability, uniform asymptotic stability and exponential stability. By understanding these essence, we aim to contribute to the development of ODE.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Applications to control theory
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Professor
- Masanori YAMADA
- Research Field
Biopolymer
- Keyword(s)
DNA, Environmental material, Enegry material. Bioplastic
- Research theme
-
- Removal of harmful compounds by DNA
- Preparation of environmental material consisting of biopolymer
- Utilization of biopolymer as anhydrous proton conductors
- Preparation of bioplastics consisting of sustainable materials
Outline of research activitiesSalmon milt, defatted soybeans, crab and shrimp shells, and cowhide have been discarded as an industrial waste around the world. Therefore, DNA, soy protein, chitin/chitosan, and collagen, which are obtained from these materials, are sustainable resources. Our research using sustainable resources is as follows; 1) removal of harmful organic compounds; 2) selective accumulation of metal ion; 3) development of anhydrous proton conducting material; and 4) development of bioplastic with the biodegradable property.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Development of environmental material
- Development of anhydrous proton conducting material using biopolymer
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Professor
- Takashi YOKOYAMA
- Research Field
Analytical chemistry, Separation science, Environmental analysis
- Keyword(s)
Flow analysis, Separation material, Analytical reagent, Chromatography
- Research theme
-
- Development of new selective analytical methods using flow injection analysis (FIA)
- Development of new separation and analytical methods using liquid chromatography (LC)
- Separation and analysis of dissolved organic compounds in natural waters
- Development of new separation materials
Outline of research activitiesOn the basis of FIA and LC in analytical methods using a liquid flow as much as possible to concern for the environment, we have studied to develop separation materials using carbon microparticles, analytical reagents specifically reacting with organic compounds, separation and analytical methods of dissolved organic compounds and bacteria in natural waters, a nano-LC which can separate and analyze an analyte in a sample volume of 1/1000000000 liters using a liquid flow volume of 1/1000000 liters, and separation and analytical methods using a self-reaction of sugars and amino acids.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Development of analytical methods using FIA
- Development of separation and analytical methods using LC
- Development of analytical methods for natural water samples
- Development of automatically analytical methods
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Associate professor
- Noboru OSAKA
- Research Field
Structure and dynamics of polymeric materials (solution, gel, elastomer, plastic)
- Keyword(s)
physical chemistry, hierarchical structure, various scattering methods
- Research theme
-
- Mechanical improvement and functional expression of polymeric materials by structure control
- Investigation on microscopic interaction between polymers and solvents
Outline of research activitiesThe kinds of polymers are relatively a few, which are used as plastics, rubber, and gels for daily life, since they exhibit versatile properties by hierarchical structure control ranging from nano- to micro-meter scales. In our laboratory, we focus to develop new polymeric materials by the hierarchical structure control and reveal the relationship between the mechanism and structure by microscope, scattering, and spectroscopy methods.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Development of new polymeric materials by structure control
- Investigation on relationship between structure and physical properties of polymer
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Professor
- Shinya MIZUNO
- Research Field
Regenerative Medicine, Biochemistry, Physiology
- Keyword(s)
Growth Factor, Intracellular Signaling Pathway, Gene Expression, Environmental Adaptation
- Research theme
-
- Molecular basis for HGF-mediated organogenesis
- Molecular basis for HGF-mediated organogenesis
- Basic study on HGF-based self repair therapy of intractable diseases
- Molecular analysis of vertebrate's adaptation to severe winter or drought stresses
Outline of research activitiesHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was originally identified as an hepatotrophic factor. During the past 30 years, we provided evidence to show that HGF plays an essential role for regeneration of several types of organs, including kidney, lung, hearts and neural tisses, using animal models of intractable disorders. HGF elicits unique biological activities, such as mitogen, motogen and morphgen via activating c-Met/HGF-receptor tyrosine kinase as shown below. Of note, a loss in HGF production is responsible for manifestation of acute and chronic organdiseases. This is the reason why HGF supplemental therapy produces benefit effects against the progression of acute and chronic organ diseases.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Practice of HGF-based self repair therapy in Vet.
- Renal repair, Tendon repair, lung regeneration
- Tissue engineering technique for HGF slow release
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Associate professor
- Atsushi NAKAMOTO
- Research Field
Animal Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Conservation Science
- Keyword(s)
Fieldwork, Wildlife, Ecosystem services, Biocultural diversity
- Research theme
-
- Ecology of flying foxes
- Animal-plant interactions (seed dispersal and pollination)
- Ecology of urban wildlife
- Distribution and ecology of mammals in Okayama Prefecture
Outline of research activitiesWe focus on the ecology of wild animals, including endangerd species, and their function in the ecosystem using direct observation or research tools such as camera trap. We explore better conservation methods and way for a sustainable coexistence with people.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Ecological survey and conservation activities of endangered animals
- Wildlife management
- Citizen science
- Research on biocultural diversity (collaboration with cultural anthropology and folklore)
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Associate professor
- Ken TAKUMI
- Research Field
Neuroendocrinology, Reproductive physiology
- Keyword(s)
Postnatal development, Hormone, Brain
- Research theme
-
- Development of reproductive functions
- Effects of light-dark cycle on the onset of puberty
- Monitoring of reproductive status by steroid hormones in hair
Outline of research activitiesMammanlian reproductive status changes during postnatal development and aging. It can also be altered by environmental cues, stress or dysfunction of related organs. My research aims to clarify the factors and the mechanism which affect reproductive functions by using histological analysis on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and measuring reproductive hormones. I am also working to establish methods to monitor reproductive status of wild animals by measuring steroid hormones in hair.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Histological analysis of peptides and mRNA localization
- Measurement of steroid hormones in hair
-
Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Lecturer
- Mitsuo NUNOME
- Research Field
molecular phylogeography, population genetics
- Keyword(s)
wild animals, domestic Japanese quail, Japanese dormouse, genetic diversity
- Research theme
-
- reproductive, behavioral characteristics of Japanese quail
- Population genetics and phylogenetic study on wild animals
- Conservaton for threatened animals
Outline of research activitiesJapanese quail are the second most reared animal in the world poultry industry (meat and egg production), after chickens. Although suitable environments to improve productivity of domestic quail have been studied, not much is known about their biological characteristics, such as whether they are monogamous or polygamous, how females and males are involved in child rearing, and how they select partners. A better understanding of these issues will contribute to further improvement of quail productivity, and we are conducting behavioral and genetic research by actually raising and observing quail.
We also conduct population genetic and phylogeographic studies to understand how wild animals adapt to and live in their habitats, with focuses on wild animals.- Desired cooperation
-
- approaches to analyze defferences of color, color pattern, sounds presented by animals
-
Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Motoki TERANO
- Research Field
Manufacturing processing
- Keyword(s)
Metal Forming,Microsturucture control, Micro/nano forming, Tribology
- Research theme
-
- Development of local microsturucture control method
- Precision metal forming using CAE analysis
- Development of efficient fabrication method of functional surface by nano forming
Outline of research activitiesThe mechanical and electro-magnetic characteristics of metals are dependent on microstructures such as crystal orientation and grain diameter. In recent years, comprehensive studies have been carried out on thermo-mechanical control processing to improve physical properties of metallic materials without adding rare elements in order to save energy and resources. For example, high performance metals, such as ultrafine grain steel and magnetic steel, are developed by a combination of rolling and heat treatment. These metals exhibit uniform characteristics. However, it is more efficient if suitable characteristics can be generated at required positions. In our research, a new technology to control only material surface microstructure is being studied.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Local microsturucture control
- CAE analysis for metal forming
- Fabrication of functional surface by nano forming
-
Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Associate professor
- Toshio YADA
- Research Field
Architectural Design, Urban Design
- Keyword(s)
Design Method, preservation and utilization
- Research theme
-
- The study and the practice of the architectural design
Outline of research activitiesStudy and practice on design methods of architecture in the context of urban space, public space, strategic urban regeneration by micro-intervention.
The main emphasis of my laboratory is to grasp architecture in the context of urban space and social situation, and use this for the basis for constructing both a new design theory and practical architectural projects.- Desired cooperation
-
- Architectural Design
- Urban Design
-
Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Department of Information Science and Engineering
- Associate professor
- Hiroaki KUNO
- Research Field
Bioengineering, Electrical engineering
- Keyword(s)
Biological Information, Measurement, Analysis, Virtual Reality, Robot
- Research theme
-
- Development of remote control robot using body motion
- Development of human action recognition software using security camera images
- Development of sports training software using virtual reality
- Development of biological information measurement system for animals
Outline of research activitiesThe theme of our laboratory is to measure biological information obtained from humans and animals. Measured biological information is used in the development of various sensors, equipment, and software.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Downsizing of system
- Development of application software
- Development of telecommunications technology
-
Faculty of Life Science, Department of Bioscience
- Professor
- Ken-ichiro HAYASHI
- Research Field
Agrochemistry, Plant Science, Chemical Biology
- Keyword(s)
Plant hormone, auxin, Plant growth regulator
- Research theme
-
- Metabolic pathway of plant hormone auxin.
- Design and synthesis of auxin derivatives
- Development of plant growth regulator
Outline of research activitiesWe have been working on the mechanism of inactivation of the plant hormone auxin. In one of our research projects, we have discovered potent plant growth regulator, designated as KAKEIMIDE, which is a potent inhibitor of the GH3 enzyme that inactivate auxin. Auxin degradation inhibitor in plants can regulate auxin levels in various plant species, including crops, and thus promote rooting of cuttings and fruit set and enlargement of fruits.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Synthesis and evaluation of plant growth regulator
-
Faculty of Life Science, Department of Bioscience
- Professor
- Kohji ISHIHARA
- Research Field
Biocatalysis Chemistry, Enzyme Chemistry
- Keyword(s)
Enzyme, Fermention, Asymmetric Synthesis, Biomass
- Research theme
-
- Search for Novel Biocatalysts and its Application to Medicine and pharmacology
- Molecular Biological Analysis of Useful Microbial Enzymes
- Development of Bio-refinery Technology with Biological Function
Outline of research activities- Desired cooperation
-
- Screening for Useful Microorganisms
- Microbial Fermentation
- Enzyme Application Technology
- Development of Bio-refinery Technology
-
Faculty of Life Science, Department of Bioscience
- Professor
- Ryoji MITSUI
- Research Field
Applied Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Applied Enzymology, Microbial Ecology
- Keyword(s)
Symbiotic microorganisms, Enterobacterial metabolites, Fermented foods, Functional food materials
- Research theme
-
- Analysis of the plant growth-promoting effects of bacteria symbiotically associated with plant Leaves.
- Metabolism of food components by enterobacteria and its applications
- Research to extend the shelf life of food by controlling microbial growth
- Development of industrially applicable microorganisms and microbial enzymes for the production of fine chemicals
Outline of research activitiesIn our laboratory, we explore the untapped potential of microorganisms that play important roles in agriculture, food processing, and human health, both inside and outside our bodies. Our goal is to discover useful microorganisms with novel abilities and develop technologies to enrich our lives sustainably.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Screening of useful microorganisms and their utilization.
-
Faculty of Life Science, Department of Bioscience
- Associate professor
- Takahiro HAMADA
- Research Field
Plant Physiology, Cell Biology
- Keyword(s)
Cytoskeleton, microtubule, RNA granule
- Research theme
-
- Mechanism of microtubule regulation in plants
- Mechanism of environmental responses in plants
- Mechanism of small RNA in plants
Outline of research activitiesThrough advanced imaging techniques, biochemistry, and gene expression analyses, I work to understand the mechanisms of how plants adapt to changes in the environment.
(1) Mechanisms of Plant Motion and Growth Many people believe that plants do not move. However, the reality is that plants respond by sensing changes in light intensity, color, and temperature and moving. I focus on the behavior of microtubules in plant cells, which may be playing a key role in regulating plant motion and growth. This project tries to answer this classic, unanswered question in plant physiology, one that had been a focus of Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882), the Father of Evolution.
(2) Mechanisms of Plant Environmental Responses To adapt to environmental change, plants must survive and reproduce through seed production because they cannot physically leave the place where their seeds germinate. In particular, my focus is on how plants adapt to higher temperatures. As we face the challenge of climate change and global warming, understanding mechanisms of biological adaptation to higher temperatures is critical.
(3) Functions of Small RNAs on Plant Embryogenesis and Development Small RNAs play important roles to regulate plant embryogenesis and developments. I discovered a novel gene expression mechanism involving small RNAs. This project tries to further develop this new field in plant physiology.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Advanced Agriculture
- Studies for plant monitoring and cultivation technologies
-
Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Professor
- Hiroyuki IKETANI
- Research Field
Taxonomy of cultivated plants, Horticulture
- Keyword(s)
Tree, Population Genetics, Cultivar
- Research theme
-
- Hybridization between wild and cultivated plants
- Population genetics of wild plants escaped from cultivation
- Genotyping of cultivars
- Nomenclature of cultivated plants
Outline of research activitiesI study hybridization and introgression of wild and cultivated plants using molecular markers. Especially I analyze those the distinction of which from native plants are now difficult due to their naturalizaion in pre-modern times. I also study the distinction and origin of cultivars using molecular genotying. In addition, I study the problems in denomination and nomenclature of cultivated plants as a member of the Internationl Commission for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants.
Infrorescence of a tree cultivated as ‘Somei-yoshino’ at the Koshikawa Botanical Gardens, University of Tokyo. I demonstrated that this individual has different genotype from true ‘Somei-yoshino’, the clonallity of the latter cultivar is verified by molecular markers.- Desired cooperation
-
- Collection and investigation of crops and cultivated plants
- Conservation and management of wild genetic resources
- Development and utilization of traditional and/or novel crops and cultivated plants
-
Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Professor
- Keiji NAKAMURA
- Research Field
Biology
- Keyword(s)
Insect, Life history, Seasonal adaptations
- Research theme
-
- Experimental analysis of insect life-cycle adaptations
- Analysis of environmental factors affecting animal life cycles
- Studies of of environmental effects on amphibian growth and development
Outline of research activitiesInsects adapt to various terrestrial environments. In temperate regions, to survive cold temperatures in winter is essential for insects. Thus, many insects predict the arrival of period which is not suitable for development and reproduction, and change their physiological state. I am studying how insects regulate the life cycles in response to environmental signals, by field observations and rearing experiments.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Preservation of ecosystems
- Experimental analysis of pest's life cycle
- Effects of environmental changes on animal ecology
-
Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Associate professor
- Mototaka SANEYOSHI
- Research Field
Geology, Sedimentology, Paleontology
- Keyword(s)
Paleoenvironments, Geological survey, Fossil Taphonomy
- Research theme
-
- Stratigraphy of Upper Cretaceous of Gobi desert, Mongolia
- Late Cretaceous of Dinosaur fossils from Gobi desert, Mongolia and Late Miocene Mammalian fossils from Great Rift Valley in Kenya
- Sedimentation processes of modern River systems
- Paleoenvironments of Miocene sediments in Nagi, Okayama Prefecture
Outline of research activitiesI am actively involved in paleontological excavations spanning Mongolia, Kenya, and northern Okayama Prefecture, while simultaneously conducting meticulous paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on robust geological investigations. Moreover, my endeavors extend to the comprehensive reconstruction of the entire ecological framework of the relevant time periods, encompassing small vertebrates, insects, and invertebrates, achieved through the discernment of the intricate interconnections between fossils and their corresponding stratigraphic contexts. Furthermore, our team enthusiastically engages in lifelong learning endeavors, exemplified by organizing exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that showcase esteemed fossil specimens.
- Desired cooperation
-
-
Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Associate professor
- Shoji HAYASHI
- Research Field
Vertebrate Paleontology, Bone Histology, Evolutionary Biology
- Keyword(s)
Dinosaur, Mammal, Bone Histology, Aquatic Adaptation, Ontogeny
- Research theme
-
- Dinosaur Paleobiology
- Secondary adaptation of tetrapods to life in water
- Gigantism and dwarfism of vertebrates
Outline of research activitiesBone histology is the study of bone function and growth by sectioning bones into thin slices to visualize internal tissues. This technique has proven instrumental in uncovering the physiology and ecology of extinct animals, providing insights into their growth rate, age, metabolism, and degree of aquatic adaptation — factors that were previously challenging to reconstruct. My research focuses on employing bone histology to explore the life and adaptive processes of large vertebrates, such as dinosaurs and mammals. Specifically, I aim to uncover what factors influenced these creatures to evolve into giants or diminutive forms and how terrestrial vertebrates altered their physiology and bone structure to successfully readapt to aquatic environments.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Researches on living vertebrates (e.g., ecology, anatomy, and pathology)
- Paleoenvironment researches based on geology
- Vertebrate paleontological researches