The university’s research magazine series titled “Tackling Global Issues” was first published in March 2018. This magazine series focuses on research contributing to the resolution of global issues such as an aging society, environmental pollution and resource shortages.
We hope the readers of this magazine will gain insight into how Hokkaido University is striving to solve global issues by promoting joint research that transcends the boundaries of nations and academic fields.
This magazine is issued as part of the Hokkaido Universal Campus Initiative (HUCI) which has been selected as one of MEXT’s Top Global University Project.
Vol. 1Soft Matter: Material of the Future
This first issue spotlights the research field of soft matter, an interdisciplinary field attracting attention from chemists, physicists, biologists and engineers. Spearheading soft matter research is a mighty challenge, but scientists are striving for goals and innovation in this field. We introduce 11 researchers mainly based within the university’s Global Station of Soft Matter. It also includes a roundtable talk by globally prominent experts in soft matter science and 2 contributed articles.
Read on the web (TOC) of Vol. 1
Introduction
Chapter 1. Hydrogels as promising materials
The invention of double network (DN) gels has rewritten the conventional concept that hydrogels are mechanically weak materials, opening up a whole new field in materials science. This chapter features four brilliant scientists who work on the extremely tough hydrogels, as well as hydrogels with unique and promising properties.
- Extremely tough double network hydrogels open up numerous potential applications
- Interdisciplinary lab culture leads to DN gel breakthrough
- Tapping the world of polyampholytes to make a self-healing gel
- Inventing multifunctional hydrogel that changes color under stress
Chapter 2. Soft crystals and molecular machines
This chapter introduces the development of unique crystals that change color and other properties in response to external stimuli – research that could lead to the development of super sensitive sensors and smart responsive materials. Also featured is two scientists’ quest to develop molecular machines that bring us closer to creating nano-robots that can be used in medicine and industry.
- Crystals change color in response to vapor stimuli
- Insatiable pursuit of new mechanochromic molecules
- The quest to make a synthetic molecular motor
- DNA computing brings molecular robot a step closer to reality
Chapter 3. Hydrogels in medicine
Hydrogels, which are soft yet tough, share properties similar to living tissues, making them an ideal substitute for cartilage. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that hydrogels can influence cell fates. They can induce the regeneration of cartilage tissue in vivo, which had been regarded impossible, and even reprogram cancer cells into stem cells. This chapter sheds light on the challenges to bring the fruits of hydrogel research into medicine.
- Hydrogels as inducer of cartilage regeneration
- A breakthrough in the potential application of hydrogels as a cartilage substitute
- DN gels – a potential weapon to fight cancer
Roundtable Talk Columns
- Soft matter: Past, present and future
Columns
- My memories of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes
- From nonlinear physics to ethology in active soft matter
Vol.2New Era of Radiation Therapy to Fight Cancer
This issue highlights Hokkaido University’s proton beam therapy system that has enabled high-precision cancer treatment and other on-going research to fight cancer. The issue also showcases a variety of research activities, from anthropology to material science, taking place at the university.
Read on the web (TOC) of Vol. 2
Introduction
New era of radiation therapy to fight cancer
Research in Focus
- Spearheading global fight against cancer with proton therapy
- Endless pursuit of improved four-dimensional tumor-tracking system
- Forecasting biological damage caused by proton therapy
- Fighting cancer radioresistance and invasiveness
- Radiomics: A quantitative approach for high precision diagnostic imaging
Fostering Experts in Medical Physics
Voices from Stanford
Vol.3Fighting the Menace of Zoonoses
This magazine features Hokkaido University’s efforts to help control zoonotic and other emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, and showcase various research activities in areas ranging from agriculture, medicine, materials science to astronomy.
Read on the web (TOC) of Vol. 3
Introduction
Research in Focus
- Influenza expert with unbending faith in research
研究第一主義を貫くインフルエンザ専門家 (Japanese translation) - Working toward eradication of avian influenza
鳥インフルエンザ撲滅に向けて (Japanese translation) - Industry-academia collaboration to fight flu and emerging infections
産学連携でインフルエンザや新興感染症と闘う (Japanese translation) - A mission to conquer tuberculosis and sleeping sickness in developing nations
使命は発展途上国から結核と睡眠病をなくすこと (Japanese translation) - Working in the wild to help protect animals and humans from zoonoses
ヒトと動物を感染症から守るため、アフリカの大地で奮闘 (Japanese translation)