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GOALS

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[Goal 3]Good Health and Well-Being

Recreating the functions of human cells in test tubes and investigating the causes of illnesses

Graduate School of Engineering

Associate Professor Kodai Machida

By refining the individual biomolecules that make up human cells and combining only the necessary ones, we have successfully reproduced part of the functions of human cells in test tubes. This simple system will be useful for explaining the mechanisms that cause viruses to proliferate and explain the causes of illnesses caused by protein abnormalities. In this manner, we are advancing research that contributes to healthy living of humans, through the development of technological foundations for preventing various diseases and discovering treatment methods.


Development of water-based pesticides as a substitute of chemical pesticides

Graduate School of Engineering

Associate Professor Yoshihiro Oka

I am developing a water-based pesticide that uses only water as an ingredient and which is safe and worry-free for both humans and the environment.

In recent years, there have been problems such as the emergence of pesticide tolerance disease and effects of chemical pesticides on human health, so there has been a demand for the development of new pesticides.

Cavitation plasma technologies can be used to create disinfectant water that is highly effective against plant pathogens.
I believe that cavitation plasma disinfectant water can greatly contribute to the realization of sustainable farming that is not dependent on chemical pesticides.


Understanding the general principles of how various membrane protein molecules are formed

Graduate School of Science

Professor Masao Sakaguchi

Our lives are sustained by the actions of proteins that are created in the cells that make up our bodies.

Proteins, as shown in the genetic design chart, are connected by amino acids. They are located in the working part of the cell, known as the “organelle”, and proteins carry out functions once they have been arranged in a three-dimensional structure.

Through an understanding of these mechanisms, we aim to contribute to understanding the causes of diseases related to the formation of proteins and to develop treatment methods.


Research concerning life insurance and donations/research about life insurance businesses

Institute for Policy Analysis and Social Innovation

Takashi Tanaka Professor and Head of Institute for Policy Analysis and Social Innovation

I have been conducting research centered mainly on the area of insurance phenomena related to life insurance.

In our daily lives in a capitalistic society, life security from life insurance plays an extremely important role.

Also, there is major potential in initiatives based on an approach that includes the concept of “donations (pure donations)” for ”negative externalities” that have been a broad background issue in SDGs and “negative externalities” that are an area of promotion in SDGs.


System of stem cells as learned from planarians, and a mechanism for maintaining homeostasis

Graduate School of Science

Professor Yoshihiko Umesono

Planarians are widely known as animals that have an advanced ability to regenerate parts of their bodies through ingenious use of multipotent stem cells.

In human beings, organ stem cell systems are indispensable for maintaining homeostasis, and failure of this system can lead to various diseases, such as cancer.

We aim to gain a deep understanding of the planarian stem cell system in order to contribute to maintaining human health into the 100s. No stem cells, No life!


Research on the effects that relationships with plants and green environments have on human health

Graduate School of Landscape Design and Management

Lecturer Takuya Kenmochi

I am doing research on how psychological health, physical health, and social health of people are affected by growing plants and spending time in an environment surrounded by plants.

I did research on the effects that green spaces created in medical and welfare facilities have on users, employees, and regional citizens, and on their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attention has been directed at how interactions with green spaces and plants during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected human health, and I will be investigating how to utilize green spaces, including for preventing health problems.


Saving the planet through photosynthesis of diatom

Graduate School of Science

Associate Professor Yasuhiro Kashino

Diatoms use solar light to convert CO2 into oil that can be used for high-added-value materials or for biofuel, and they are extremely valuable as animal feed.

The goal is to establish technologies for molecular breeding of diatoms and low-cost, stable, high-concentration, high-volume cultivation of wild strains to achieve social implementation with expansion to application as useful materials in health and cosmetic products, biofuel, and for animal feed.


Strengthening of health systems for disaster and health crises, and education of healthcare personnel

Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community

Sonoe Mashino, Professor and Head of Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community

In order to reduce the impact disasters have on human life and healthy living, I am tackling research on strengthening healthcare systems, creating disaster-resilient communities, and education of healthcare personnel in cooperation with researchers in other fields, both inside and outside the university, and with research organizations involved in disaster prevention.

In this academic year, I am conducting research on a healthcare worker support program, as a special research project, in order to improve the healthcare crisis response capabilities in Mongolia.


Other goal initiatives can be found in the list here.