Researchers from #UTokyo_IIS, have discovered the importance of the microscopic structural ordering of water in ice nucleation, in which an ice crystal forms and grows near a solid surface. The nucleation pathway depends strongly on surface hydrophilicity, with intermediate values of hydrophilicity corresponding to the highest nucleation rates. These findings demonstrate how surfaces can be used to control crystallization, which could have profound industrial applications.

Researchers from #UTokyo_IIS track and control levels of key flavor compounds in cultured beef.

Researchers from #UTokyo_IIS detail how clusters of cells detach from primary tumors and penetrate blood-vessel walls to enter the bloodstream, enabling them to establish distal metastases.

Researchers at #UTokyo_IIS develop a filter that effectively captures small particles without restricting air flow

The digital world is filled with information being transmitted by individuals and sensors connected to the internet, offering valuable insights into the state of the world at any given moment. This information serves as a mirror of the real world, and within this vast amount of digital data lie valuable clues that make it possible to analyze and visualize social trends and forecast the future. Building on this concept, Professor Masashi Toyoda of the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo is exploring methods to harness the ever-growing volume of data that accumulates daily in digital space. Toyoda has proposed methods using data from social media to estimate various figures, such as the number of positive COVID-19 cases that will arise and the degree of attendance at various types of events, as well as techniques for visualizing the results of data analyses. How are such estimates made possible? And how will visualizing these various forms of data contribute to society? We spoke with Toyoda to find out.

Catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions with a high degree of efficiency are essential in a wide range of fields, from developing raw materials for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals to producing plastic products. However, as many catalysts rely on relatively expensive and rare precious metals, efforts have been underway to develop alternatives, either by creating catalysts that function with significantly reduced amounts of precious metals or by replacing them entirely with substitute materials. Amid these ongoing efforts, Professor Yusuke Sunada at #UTokyo_IIS has drawn significant attention for developing two innovative catalysts: one that functions with a far smaller volume of precious metals than conventional versions, and another that requires none at all. Recently, Sunada has been applying his precious metal-free catalyst technology to develop new methods of hydrogen production/storage and transportation. How were these groundbreaking catalysts developed, and what potential might they hold for the future? We sat down with Sunada to find out.

Aquaculture currently accounts for approximately 60% of the total global fish production. This proportion has been increasing since the 1990s, highlighting the growing importance of aquaculture. In response to this, Professor Daisuke Kitazawa of #UTokyo_IIS who has long been engaged in ocean-related research such as marine structures and marine energy use, is developing new aquaculture technologies aimed at expanding the areas in Japan where aquaculture is possible. Despite being surrounded by sea, Japan has relatively limited areas suitable for aquaculture, and in recent years, climate change has made conditions even harsher. What technologies are now necessary for aquaculture to continue meeting global demand? We spoke with Kitazawa about the current state and future of aquaculture technologies—and what lies beyond for the ocean and for us.

Researchers #UTokyo_IIS have achieved a significant performance increase for cooling technology in high-power electronics, which could be fundamental for future devices.

Here, we present a cross-talk between Associate Professor Kazuyuki Kuroyama and Lecturer Takamasa Tsukamoto, both of whom are from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo. Both researchers also work with nano-materials, but how did they feel about each other's work upon looking into it? In this discussion, they share their candid thoughts, including about their approaches and philosophies as scientists.