AGU RESEARCH

Technology/Science

※ Video markItems marked with include video content.

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Learning about the dynamic universe through sudden celestial phenomena
  • Professor Takanori Sakamoto
  • In space, violent celestial phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts and supernova explosions occur, but because these phenomena occur suddenly, it is necessary to constantly observe changes in the universe using artificial satellites. Japan is currently planning to build an artificial satellite to monitor gamma-ray bursts, but the preparations will take a lot of time. Therefore, we thought we would use ultra-small satellites, which are easier to manufacture, to demonstrate technologies such as communication systems. Here, we would like to consider the future of space observation while touching on the "Rapid Report Demonstration Satellite ARICA" project. (Published in 2020)

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • The great power of very thin inorganic films
  • Professor Yuuzou Shigesato
  • You probably don't hear the term "inorganic thin film" very often in your daily life. However, inorganic thin films are indispensable for electrical appliances such as smartphones and computers, and are so pervasive in our daily lives that the everyday world looks different when you learn about inorganic thin films. What are inorganic thin films, and what kind of world could we realize by continuing to conduct research in the future? I would like to talk about this using my own research as an example. (Published in 2020)

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Sensor Technology and Possibilities
  • Professor Yoshito Tobe
  • A "sensor" is a device that converts the magnitude of force, distance, brightness, and other factors into signals and data and outputs them. With the spread of smartphones, the technology for these sensors has rapidly developed, making it possible to measure things that were previously impossible to measure. In this column, we explain how sensors are used and the role they play, introduce research examples, and consider the future possibilities of sensor research. (Published in 2016)

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • The Potential of Nanobiotechnology
  • Professor Toshiyuki Mitsui
  • Nanobiotechnology is a new research field born from the fusion of nanotechnology, which allows for free manipulation on the atomic and molecular scale, and biotechnology. In this field, the mechanisms of living organisms are now gradually becoming clearer thanks to the development of scanning probe microscopes, which allow for direct observation of atoms and molecules. When observed at the molecular and atomic level, "the ecological activities of living organisms are perfect, even down to a single cell," without a single error. This column introduces cutting-edge research in nanobiotechnology and explores the mysteries of life and the fascination of unraveling them. (Published in 2015)

  • Faculty of Social and Information Studies
  • Can computers improve your writing?
  • Professor Hiroshige Inazumi
  • With concerns being raised that university students' "ability to understand and compose texts" is declining, many universities now offer courses on "how to write reports and papers." However, due to the personnel burden involved, few universities also offer practical instruction in writing. This led to the launch of the "Japanese Expression Method Development Project," which aims to improve students' ability to express themselves in writing using tools that utilize computer natural language processing technology. Can computers improve writing skills? Utilizing existing research findings and technology, the project aims to tackle the challenge of improving students' ability to express themselves in writing. (Published in 2015)

  • Faculty of Comprehensive Cultural Policy Studies
  • "Ubiquitous time-space information revolution" opens up a new future for humanity
  • Professor Atsuyuki Okabe
  • We can now know the "exact time" anywhere, anytime. And thanks to the development of "spatial information technology," which began with the Global Positioning System (GPS) at the end of the 20th century, we are now on the verge of achieving "accurate spatial awareness." In this column, we look back on the history of the development of "time and spatial information," and consider what kind of future awaits us when we are able to accurately grasp "time" and "space." We consider the innovations that will be brought about by the "spatio-temporal information revolution." (Published in 2014)

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Changing the world! That's the joy of science
  • Professor Miki Hasegawa
  • "Basic research" is not research that aims to produce something immediately useful, but rather research that unravels all kinds of phenomena on Earth and allows us to gain new understanding and proof. However, this research has the potential to dramatically change people's lives and solve problems facing society in the future. In this column, we explain what "basic research" is and talk about its appeal. (Published in 2014)

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Let's make use of "IE" in our daily lives
  • Professor Toshiyuki Matsumoto
  • "IE (Industrial Engineering)" is used in factories and companies all over the world. However, "IE" is originally something that is useful for our daily lives. It is also a tool to make dreams come true. Here, we explain what "IE" is and how to use "IE" in daily life. (Published in 2012)