Projects
in detail
1. Commercialization of intellectual property: Utilization of 12 patent applications
Production of valuable molecules such as biologics and cosmetic components by application of the "light-switch" method to plants (Research; Column)
As published in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2010
Creation of drought-tolerant grasses by genetic modification to green building roofs and road slope faces, using the application of the genes responsible for salt tolerant callus (stc) and photoautotrophic salt tolerance (pst)
As published in two papers in PLOS ONE, 2015 and in one paper in Plant Cell, 1999, respectively
Creation of productivity-enhanced plants by genome editing* of genes for suppressed greening (sug), contributing to efficient production of nutraceuticals and biofuel in plants (Research; Column)
*genome editing: Targeted alterations to DNA caused by gene editing are equivalent to that occurring in nature such as complete knockout (KO) of a gene, and foods made by KO can now be sold in Japan after reporting to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW).
Adaptation of knockout (KO) by genome editing, a safety technology, to tea plants intractable in biotechnology (Research, Column)
Biofortification of pharmaceutics and nutraceuticals in plants by light-emitted diode (LED) irradiation
2. Education for the public
Lectures and on-demand delivery of the subject "Japanology" as an interesting and unique way to introduce the geography, society, culture, science, and industry of Japan to foreign audiences (Column)
Launch of the YouTube channel “Science Stars Japan” and
publication of the online journal “Science Stars Journal” as part of the Initiative for Inspiring Young Minds Through Science
