Recently, technology of regenerative medicine which utilizes cells after their proliferation and differentiation process has drawn attention. In order to utilize the technology for clinical application, safety issue of the process as well as usefulness of the cells should be confirmed. We analyzed the issues and succeeded in utilizing the cells after proliferation / differentiation process for the purpose of therapeutic applications.

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Clean transportation fuels, particularly with significantly reduced sulfur content, are effective in reducing tailpipe emissions and lead to the development of novel high-performance exhaust treatment devices. We have developed a hydrodesulfurization catalyst for sulfur-free diesel with a sulfur content below 10 ppm as well as a catalyst preparation method, and succeeded in commercializing it as a novel desulfurization catalyst through joint research with a catalyst manufacturer.

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Organic nanotubes are hollow fibers formed through the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules in a solvent. Because nanoparticles and proteins can be included within their hollow interiors, such nanotubes can be applied to a wide range of fields. To promote the practical use of organic nanotube, we have developed a strategic scenario that fulfills several conditions, including mass synthesis (by integrating molecular design, synthesis, and self-assembly technologies), practical use, low cost, and safety.

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We have worked on the development of the flexible-printable device processing technology as a processing technology of information terminal device that can make the best use of user's individuality. We have succeeded in the development of several low-temperature printing technologies for flexible active devices such as flexible displays and circuits. In this research, we have paid attention especially to the social requirements for the technology, and positions of respective technologies in the total set-up concept. We believe that it would contribute to the expansion of information technology in the world.

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Water is conventionally and widely used as a reference standard to measure physical quantities such as the density, volume, internal volume, and concentration. Water is also used as a standard for other physical properties such as the specific heat and surface tension. However, water density is influenced depending on its isotopic composition and content of dissolved gases. Researches on density measurement using solid material with stable density such as silicon single-crystals were therefore started in the 1970s. Demands have been raised from industry for densimetric technology to improve reliability of product and to maintain traceability of measurement. With this background, AIST established a new density standard using silicon single-crystals. Shifting the density standard from liquid to solid will not only improve the accuracy but also promotes development of new material evaluation technology for thin films as well as metrological standard technology for next generation.

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In order to increase manufacture efficiency and lower environmental impact, it is necessary to know the processes of consumption and emission of resource and energy, as the processes span out widely after originating from one process. In this paper, analysis and comparison of exergy were conducted in case when heater tube used in the molten aluminum was made of steel and ceramics. Exergy analysis was done for complete operation of aluminum casting. We then created a guideline for rationalization of casting process for efficient use of resource and energy.

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This paper presents the discussion with Japanese researchers of computer science at the University of Illinois concerning the launch of journal Synthesiology and the underlying philosophy of AIST. Based on questions and comments that were raised in the discussion, we indicate current problems and issues that must be considered in the future for the journal.

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