Kyoto University

Japan's biopharma industry, once a global leader, declined significantly post-1990s due to economic stagnation, reduced R&D investment, and regulatory hurdles. Recent government initiatives aim to revitalize the sector, including easing drug approval processes and supporting startups, signaling potential for an upswing.

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a mechanism where atomic jumps and collective motion in glass reduce internal stress, making it more resistant to breakage, with implications for various industries. Published in 'Acta Materialia' on December 2, 2024.

The IAS Frontiers Conference on Genome Engineering, held at NTU, explored CRISPR's impact and emerging technologies, featuring 3 keynotes, 30 invited speakers, and 58 posters. The event highlighted research in biotechnology, biomedical science, and genome editing applications, fostering collaboration and innovation among attendees.

Kobe University bioengineers engineered yeast to produce artepillin C, a plant-derived compound with health benefits, at unprecedented concentrations, paving the way for microbial production of other plant-derived compounds.

Japanese researchers are developing an experimental drug to regenerate human teeth, set to begin human trials in September. The drug targets USAG-1, an antibody that inhibits tooth growth, and aims to benefit those with tooth loss. Initial trials will focus on 30 men aged 30-64, with potential expansion to child patients. The treatment could revolutionize dental health by offering a natural, long-lasting solution to tooth loss, reducing reliance on implants and prosthetics.

An international team led by the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna found no maternal mortality in Japanese macaques linked to childbirth, despite similar pelvis-to-fetal head ratios to humans. The study, published in PNAS, suggests macaques' pelvic flexibility and birthing positions may reduce risks.

A multidisciplinary team reversed type 1 diabetes in a 25-year-old Chinese patient using reprogrammed stem cell transplant, with the patient achieving insulin independence 75 days post-transplant. This marks a milestone in diabetes treatment, with similar success seen in a type 2 diabetic patient. The procedure, based on a modified stem cell reprogramming technique, aims to avoid immune-suppressing drugs, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.

A woman in China with type 1 diabetes has been cured using a novel treatment that retools her own cells into personalized stem cells, which were then used to grow fresh 'islets' in her pancreas, allowing her to produce insulin naturally for over a year.

Kyoto University's team developed a human iPS cell-derived kidney organoid-based proximal tubule-on-chip (OPTECs-on-Chip) that closely mimics in vivo renal physiology, enhancing expression and polarity of essential renal transporters like OAT1/3 and OCT2, making it a powerful tool for assessing drug transport and nephrotoxicity.

Algae, tiny photosynthetic eukaryotes, could be key to sustainable solutions for agriculture, pollution, and conservation. Researchers explore algal abilities like nitrogen fixation, lipid production, and nutrient recovery from wastewater, aiming to engineer algae for biofuels, food, bioplastics, and more. Despite initial hype, algal biofuels proved impractical due to high nutrient demands and energy costs. However, algae's unique biological capabilities offer potential in food production, crop improvement, water treatment, and sustainable product creation, addressing humanity's environmental impact.