AGU RESEARCH

Columns that explain the world
- Getting up close and personal with the researchers -

  • ​Video interview article from College of Science and Engineering Department of Chemistry and Biological Science
  • "Photochromism" that supports our daily lives
  • Professor Jirou Abe

High-speed photochromic molecules are innovative optical functional materials that instantly change color when exposed to light and instantly lose their color when blocked. Research is being conducted on their application in various fields related to our daily lives, such as cataract treatment requiring intraocular lenses and authenticity verification of banknotes by utilizing complex color changes.
Professor Jirou Abe has succeeded in developing the world's first photochromic molecule that exhibits new properties. In this video, Professor Abe himself gives an explanation and talks about the future potential of his research.
(Released in March 2018)

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences
  • Professor Jirou Abe
  • We have succeeded in developing a new organic compound (high-speed photochromic compound) that changes color from colorless to blue only when irradiated with ultraviolet light. This is the world's first photochromic compound that exhibits a high-speed decolorization reaction, and has been reported in many media outlets both in Japan and overseas.

Related Content

  • Faculty of Business Administration
  • The economics of happiness
  • Professor Akiko Kamesaka
  • Economics has developed by focusing discussion on "material and monetary wealth" up until now. However, due to growing discussion that "mental and subjective factors" cannot be ignored when measuring an individual's wealth and happiness, economics has rapidly begun to address the concept of "happiness" in recent years. In this column, we explain why economics has begun to address "happiness," provide examples of analysis on "happiness," and explore the significance and future possibilities of the "economics of happiness." (Published in 2016)

Related Content

  • Faculty of Business Administration
  • The economics of happiness
  • Professor Akiko Kamesaka
↑