UK Science & Innovation newsletter September 2011

Summary of Science and Innovation news from the British Embassy, Tokyo. Topics include supercomputer, regenerative medicine, smart grid, energy storage and more.

In this edition of the British Embassy Tokyo Science & Innovation Section Newsletter, the primary focus is on the 4th Basic Plan for Science and Technology, which sets the Japanese government’s strategic priorities in science and technology research for the next five years.

The other focus is the 8th Science and Technology in Society Forum, starting from the 2nd to the 4th October. This is where Science ministers, Nobel laureates, university vice chancellors, presidents of national academies discuss the impact of scientific and technological developments on society, the opportunities they offer and the risks they represent.

The following is the summary of science and innovation news:

Science and Innovation Policy
- Test drilling site for methane hydrate decided offshore from Aichi prefecture
- Nuclear Safety Agency will be established next spring
- MEXT to undertake R&D on measurement procedures for nuclear substances
- Quasi-zenith satellites recommended as top priority for space development

IT and Communications
- Quasi-zenith satellites recommended as top priority for space development
- Success in world’s fastest wireless communication

Life Sciences
- Susceptibility genetic variants for adult asthma identified in Japanese population
- Kyoto University researchers create mice from iPS-derived sperm
- Function to protect brain from drug penetration develops with age
- Red fluorescent pigment to mark living cells
- Real-time monitoring of protein synthesis
- EPO granted patent for cancer antigen peptide

Energy and Environment
- TIT and Toyota find a solid-state material for lithium ion to improve conductivity
- Sumitomo develops efficient filtering membrane for seawater desalination
- MoE to issue guidelines on environmental assessment of CO2 storage under the seabed
- J-Power to conduct demonstration for offshore wind power generation

Engineering
- 3D processing using advanced laser technology
- New composite material for fuel cells
- Power generation by sound waves
- Limb recovery assisted by wearable robot

For further details, please use the links provided below.