This study proposes a facile method for preparing microfluidic devices applicable to middle and high school lab class. Instead of using elastomers such as PDMS, we propose to use edible materials such as gelatin to alleviate safety concerns, reduce cost, and shorten fabrication time. The device molds were produced using a 3D printer, which is affordable for educational institutions. The observation of laminar flow using the fabricated device was demonstrated to be feasible not only with a lab-level optical microscope but also with a smartphone. The proposed method has the potential to enhance the understanding of fluid dynamics such as laminar flow in class.

Fluorinated solvents have been studied as materials for supplying oxygen to cells due to their high oxygen solubility. In recent years, there has been widespread concern about the toxicity of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), and research has mainly focused on the toxicity, bioaccumulation, and effects on living organisms of PFAS dissolved in water, but the effects on direct exposure to cells have not been examined. In this article, we propose a method for assessing the effects of direct exposure of PRAS to mammalian cells. We report the effects of direct cell exposure of two PFAS, dodecafluoroheptanol and perfluorodecalin, which have oxygen supplying ability.

To enhance drug permeation efficiency in drug delivery systems (DDS) for skin disease treatment, particulate microneedles, such as spicules, have gained attention. However, conventional materials face challenges, including potential adverse skin reactions and inconsistent needle shapes. This study aimed to fabricate an artificial spicule using magnesium (Mg), a biocompatible material that supports skin health maintenance. Electroplating was employed to precisely control the shape and dimensions of the Mg deposited within the predefined resist patterns. Consequently, Mg successfully deposited uniformly. Further research will focus on improving the fabrication stability to optimize the production of Mg artificial spicules for drug delivery.

Every year, cardiovascular diseases cause millions of deaths worldwide. These diseases involve complex mechanisms that are difficult to study in-vivo. To remedy this problem, we propose to develop an in-vitro heart-brain platform capable of reproducing the mechanisms involved for the control of heartbeat. The platform is based on an FPGA and is designed to operate in real-time. A biomimetic pacemaker model is implemented in the FPGA to mimic the behavior of the cells responsible for the rhythm in the heart. The FPGA is then connected to a cardiomyocyte cell culture that contracts following the stimulation of the artificial pacemaker. A microscope and optical data processing were developed to ease the experiments.

In 2007, Japan pledged support for the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH), initiating a collaborative project involving Japanese universities and companies. The University of Tokyo led the architectural design of six key campus buildings, integrating sustainability, local culture, and modern technology. These designs emphasized energy efficiency, traditional aesthetics, and environmental considerations, aligning with India’s GRIHA standards. Completed in 2024 and recognized by leaders from both nations, the IITH project symbolizes Japan-India academic cooperation, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning. It stands as a testament to strengthened bilateral ties and serves as a model for future international collaborations in architecture and education.

As a strategy to expand the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM), we propose “UnBIM,” the modeling framework for the unbuilt, an architecture that was designed but never realized. Along with ExBIM, which refers to the modeling and management of existing building information, UnBIM plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of digitized architecture. Specifically, it contributes to improving accessibility and informational aggregation of cultural heritage while enriching archives that prioritize secondary use. Here, we modeled the unbuilt by Kiyoshi Ikebe’s Houses No. 80 and 84 as case studies, detailing the handling of paradata necessary for the design understanding and interpretation.