Abstract
Fatigue is a very important biological alarm that signals the need for rest. For many years, we have studied the molecular and neural mechanisms of fatigue. In parallel with these studies, we have developed quantification methods, treatments for fatigue, and even proposals for citizens. Motivation is correlated with creativity, new planning, concentration, excitation, positive thinking, curiosity, and interest. Additionally, motivation is associated with academic successes. Therefore, we are working on the development of quantification methods for motivation and fatigue. Specialists in the fields of neuroscience, neuroimaging, genetics, childhood type chronic fatigue syndrome (CCFS), and education, are participating in the cohort study on school-age children's learning motivation with functional neuroimaging toward the goal of developing an efficient method for learning. Therefore, we had started our studies to develop methods to evaluate motivation in tasks; to perform follow-up studies on development of learning in elementary and junior high school students; to perform follow-up studies on CCFS; to examine the correlation between the imaging data and the results from the cognitive function battery, personality tests, gene expression related to the functional development of the brain, and environmental factors. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S40]
