A sensor is a device that converts the magnitude of force, distance or luminance into signals and data as outputs. Thanks to the spread of smartphones, the development of sensor technologies has been rapidly progressing and has enabled us to measure objects once deemed impossible to measure. This column describes how sensors are used and what roles they are playing. While showing some study cases, it explores the future possibilities of sensor research.
(This column is as of 2016.)
Nanobiotechnology is a new research field that has emerged as a fusion of nanotechnology, a technology used to manipulate matter as desired at the scale of atoms and molecules, and biotechnology. In this field, thanks to the development of the scanning probe microscope, which enables direct observation of molecules and atoms, the mechanism of living organisms is gradually being elucidated. When observed at the molecular and atomic level, biological systems of living organisms, including the structure of a cell, are found to be perfect, without any errors. This column introduces the latest trend in research in the field of nanobiotechnology while also talking about the mysteriousness of life and the fun of clarifying that mystery.
(This column is as of 2015.)
As the decline in university students’ ability to comprehend reading materials and communicate in writing is often pointed out, many universities provide their students with a lecture on how to write reports and papers. However, universities that provide practical writing training are few in number due to a shortage of instructors. Given this situation, Aoyama Gakuin University is implementing a project named “Promoting academic Writing education through e-Leaning (PaWeL)” to help its students improve their writing skills by utilizing computer science technology called natural language processing technology. Can computers improve students’ writing skills?—The project makes full use of research results and technologies currently available to meet this challenge.
(This column is as of 2015.)
Basic research is focused, not on something that can be useful immediately, but on elucidating all phenomena on the earth and obtaining new understanding and proofs. Although it may not be immediately practical, basic research has the potential to change people’s lives dramatically or solve social issues. This column explores what basic research is and discusses how much fun it can be.
(This column is as of 2014.)
Industrial engineering (IE) is applied in many factories and companies worldwide. Also, IE is essentially intended to help improve our daily lives and to serve as a tool to make our dreams come true. This column describes what IE is and how we can apply it in our daily lives.
(This column is as of 2012.)
