This review shows synthesis and application of catechol-containing random and block copolymers. We successfully synthesized amphiphilic random copolymers containing catechol moieties as side chains by free radical copolymerization of dopamine methacrylic amide and hydrophobic monomers including styrene. The synthesized amphiphilic copolymers firmly adhered onto inorganic materials and change surface properties from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The polymer-immobilized inorganic nanoparticles can be dispersed in hydrophobic organic solvents and form porous hierarchic films after casting under humid conditions followed by calcination. Block copolymers containing catechol moieties have also been synthesized reversible addition-fragmentation transfer（RAFT）polymerization of 3,4-dihydroxy styrene and styrene followed by deprotection of methoxy groups. Metal ions can be reduced by using the synthesized block copolymers as templates and reductants, metal nanoparticles consequently formed by simple addition of metal ions into solution or film of catechol-containing block copolymers.

Light deflection method is introduced in the ultrasonic measurement system to detect and identify the position of the crack. Glass sample having opening and closed crack is used to demonstrate the usefulness of the method. Fundamental and second harmonic component including in the ultrasonic wave were analyzed by the deflected laser light via the APD sensor and signal analyzer. Second harmonic component increases at the tip of the crack and propagates around the tip of the crack is revealed. Possibility of quantitative evaluation of the sound pressure by the light deflection method is also demonstrated.

A novel activated carbon was made from pruned apple branches through H₂O-activation.Its pore property and ability of methylene blue adsorption was measured by water purification, in comparison with commercial activated carbon. The results show that as the processing time for the novel activated carbon gets longer, the pore property, such as specific surface area and mesopore volume, is improved. In terms of performance of water purification, the novel activated carbon, which is processed for 120 minutes, is similar to commercial activated carbon. In addition, the ability of methylene blue adsorption is related to external specific surface area and mesopore volume of the prepared activated carbon.

We have investigated anti-cancer properties of Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with bacillus subtilis. The protein related ingredient was partially purified from Natto using an ammonium sulphate fractionation and added to HeLa cells. As a result, all cancer cells perished the next day. On the other hand, if only a protein related extract from boiled beans and fermented soybean bacterium was added, there were no changes in cell growth. We purified and investigated amino acid sequence of anti-cancer peptide from Natto using Butyl Sepharose column chromatography of 5-kDa peptide. The peptide appeared to be a new antibacterial peptide.

Visualization of 1-MHz burst, sinusoidal, ultrasonic-wave propagation in an acrylic plate sample with a slit is achieved using a stroboscopic photo-elastic system to gain insight into how sound fields respond to residual stress. In the acrylic plate, a slit was introduced to allow the residual stress to be distributed. A C-MOS camera was used to obtain the images, which were then processed to enhance the contrast. The distribution and location of the residual stress were identified using a commercial strain detector. The ultrasonic wave around the slit in the sample was clearly visualized and was found to be affected by the birefringence of the residual stress. Visualization of both the dynamic stress of sound propagation and the static residual stress were successfully achieved.