Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
Tohoku University

A team of researchers from Tohoku University and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) has achieved significant advancement in the field of microfluidics, allowing for precise and efficient manipulation of fluids in three-dimensional microscale environments. This work opens up new possibilities for bioanalytical applications, such as cell separations in the realm of medical diagnostics.   Details of their breakthrough were published in the journal Microsystems and Nanoengineering on January 22, 2024.     Conceptional diagram: Twisted Fiber Microfluidics. (Credit: Kato et al.) Microfluidic devices are designed to handle minuscule fluid volumes, allowing researchers to perform analyses and processes with remarkable precision and efficiency. In recent years, microfluidic technology has rapidly advanced across various fields, including medicine, biology, and chemistry. Among them, three-dimensional spiral microfluidic devices stand out as game-changers. Their intricate corkscrew-like design allows for precise fluid control, efficient particle separation, and reagent mixing. However, their potential to revolutionize bioanalytical applications is hindered by the current challenges in fabrication. The process is time-consuming and costly, and existing manufacturing techniques limit material options and structural configurations.   To overcome these limitations, an interdisciplinary team from Tohoku University and OIST has introduced a miniaturized rotational thermal drawing process (mini-rTDP), drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese candy-making techniques – the fabrication of Kintaro-ame.   Their innovative approach involves rotating the materials during thermal stretching to create intricate three-dimensional structures within fibers. This process is highly versatile, accommodating a wide range of materials that can deform when heated, unlocking endless possibilities for combining diverse materials.   “Mini-rTDP facilitates rapid-prototyping of three-dimensional microfluidic systems, ideal for precise biofluid manipulation,” points out Yuanyuan Guo, an associate professor at Tohoku University's Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS).   "Mini-rTDP involves creating a molded polymer preform containing channels, which are subsequently stretched and heated to generate microfluidic channels within a fiber. These channels can then be further rotated to shape three-dimensional spiral configurations”, explained Shunsuke Kato, a junior researcher at FRIS and the first author of the paper.   In collaboration with Amy Shen, leader of the Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit at OIST, the interdisciplinary Tohoku-OIST team conducted both simulations and experiments to visualize fluid flows within the spiral structures. Daniel Carlson from Shen's group remarked, “We have confirmed the presence of Dean vortices, a type of rotational flow occurring in curved channels, in our devices, thus affirming their potential for significantly enhancing cell and particle separation efficiency." "The rapid prototyping of three-dimensional spiral microfluidics using mini-rTDP represents a remarkable advancement in the field of microfluidics. This technology offers unparalleled versatility, precision, and the potential to catalyze transformative changes across various industries," highlights Shen.   "Furthermore, we are actively pursuing the integration of microfluidic channels with functionalities such as electrodes, biosensors, and actuators directly into fibers. This endeavor has the potential to revolutionize Lab-on-Chip bioanalytical technologies," elaborates Guo.   This research is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the OIST SHIKA program and the matching funds provided by Tohoku University, highlighting the strong partnership and synergy between these two institutions.   Publication Details Title: Twisted Fiber Microfluidics: A Cutting-Edge Approach to 3D Spiral Devices Authors: Shunsuke Kato, Daniel W. Carlson*, Amy Q.Shen*, Yuanyuan Guo* (*corresponding author) Journal: Microsystems and Nanoengineering DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00642-9 URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-023-00642-9 Press Release: Tohoku University https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/press/new_rapid_prototyping_method_for_microscale_spiral_devices.html Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University https://www.eng.tohoku.ac.jp/english/news/detail-,-id,2765.html

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration, in which Prof. Kenji Toma from Tohoku University's Frontier Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences participates, has released new images of M87*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy Messier 87, using data from observations taken in April 2018.  With the participation of the newly commissioned Greenland Telescope and a dramatically improved recording rate across the array, the 2018 observations give us a view of the source independent from the first observations in 2017.  A recent paper published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics presents new images from the 2018 data that reveal a familiar ring the same size as the one observed in 2017.  This bright ring surrounds a deep central depression, “the shadow of the black hole,” as predicted by general relativity.  Excitingly, the brightness peak of the ring has shifted by about 30º compared to the images from 2017, which is consistent with our theoretical understanding of variability from turbulent material around black holes.   The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration has released new images of M87* from observations taken in April 2018, one year after the first observations in April 2017. The new observations in 2018, which feature the first participation of the Greenland Telescope, reveal a familiar, bright ring of emission of the same size as we found in 2017.  This bright ring surrounds a dark central shadow, and the brightest part of the ring in 2018 has shifted by about 30º relative from 2017 to now lie in the 5 o’clock position. Credit: EHT Collaboration   Please see the press release from EHT-Japan for details.   Publication Details Title: The persistent shadow of the supermassive black hole of M87. I. Observations, calibration, imaging, and analysis Authors: Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration et al. Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202347932 URL: https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202347932 Press Release: EHT https://eventhorizontelescope.org/M87-one-year-later-proof-of-a-persistent-black-hole-shadow EHT-Japan https://www.miz.nao.ac.jp/eht-j/c/pr/pr20240118/en.html

FRIS has established the Nanomaterials Process Data Science Endowed Research Division with contributions from Morimatsu T&S Co.,Ltd.. This research division is led by Prof. Takaaki Tomai of the Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Division and will conduct an interdisciplinary foundational research to develop a new academic field, "materials processing data science," that combines data science and materials process engineering. Specifically, the division will create a materials process database that links process data and material structure data for particle synthesis, targeting the nanoparticle synthesis process. Next, the process characteristic factors that determine specific material structures and even material functions are extracted from the database using data science. Ultimately, the division will construct "materials process informatics" to rapidly guide the design of synthesis processes for new high-performance nanomaterials and contribute to creating new industries.     Nanomaterials Process Data Science Endowed Research Division https://tomai.fris.tohoku.ac.jp/寄付講座ナノ材料プロセスデータ科学

On-site Event   FRIS URO Student Exchange Meeting will be held.   Participants: Undergrad students interested in FRIS URO, FRIS faculties Poster presenters: FRIS URO student staffs, Recruiting FRIS faculties Registration is required for all participants and presenters. To register for the event, please click here ⇒ https://forms.gle/vxjmHVfDoGe5nHte6     FRIS URO is where FRIS faculties recruit TU undergraduate students who are interested in research as Administrative Assistants (AA) without interfering with their schoolwork. We started FRIS URO not only for FRIS faculty’s research progress, but also aiming to provide students with opportunities to experience working in frontier researches. Host：Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences Contact FRIS URO WG @   ◆FRIS URO Website

Assistant Professor Linda Zhang of the Creative Interdisciplinary Research Division has been awarded the Best Poster Award at the 7th Symposium for the Core Research Clusters for Materials Science and Spintronics and the 6th Symposium on International Joint Graduate Program in Materials Science and Spintronics.   The title of the winning poster: Tailoring Nanoporous Materials for Hydrogen Isotope Separation   This award was presented to 10 researchers who gave excellent poster presentations among 91 posters at the Symposium.     Best Poster Award Winners, The 7th Symposium for the CRCMS https://www.crc-ms.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/2023/11/Symposium2023_Bestposter_index.html

Hybrid event Language: English   Due to due to unforeseen circumstances of the lecturer, this course has been postponed. The new date has not yet been determined and will be announced as soon as details are finalized.   The TI-FRIS Academic Impact Course is designed to help early career researchers acquire the skills necessary to generate world-class academic impact, including publication in top journals.   The talk “Publishing in Nature journals” will be delivered by Dr. Olga Bubnova, the Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering, and is intended to cover the essential aspects of scientific writing and publishing in Nature Research and Nature Reviews journals with a strong emphasis on Nature journal standards and best practices. During this lecture, the participants will learn about the Nature family of journals, their hierarchy and editorial criteria. We will touch upon the editorial and peer-review process, publishing policies, cover letters and rebuttals. Finally, the key strategies for writing a Nature review article will be presented and the differences between the publication process in Nature Reviews and Nature Research journals will be discussed.   All members of Tohoku University and TI-FRIS participating universities are welcome to attend.     Date and Time: Monday, December 11, 2023, 13:30 to 14:30   Event Style/Venue: A hybrid of and onsite (at FRIS, Tohoku University, maximum number of on-site participants: 70) and online (via Zoom) participations.   Lecturer: Olga Bubnova, PhD (Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering)   Lecture Title: Publishing in Nature journals   Topic: The talk “Publishing in Nature journals” will be delivered by Dr. Olga Bubnova, the Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering, and is intended to cover the essential aspects of scientific writing and publishing in Nature Research and Nature Reviews journals with a strong emphasis on Nature journal standards and best practices. During this lecture, the participants will learn about the Nature family of journals, their hierarchy and editorial criteria. We will touch upon the editorial and peer-review process, publishing policies, cover letters and rebuttals. Finally, the key strategies for writing a Nature review article will be presented and the differences between the publication process in Nature Reviews and Nature Research journals will be discussed.   Lecturer Profile: Olga Bubnova received her master's degree in mechanical engineering in 2005 from Samara State Aerospace University in Russia. After graduation, she spent three years working as a system engineer in the electronics and automotive industries. In 2008, she began her studies on organic thermoelectrics at Linköping University in Sweden, where she went on to obtain her PhD. Later she worked at the University of Cambridge as a postdoctoral researcher, focusing on organic photovoltaics. Olga joined Nature Research in October 2015 and worked at Nature Nanotechnology first as Associate then as Senior Editor. She became Chief Editor at Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering in 2023 and is currently based in Tokyo.   Language: English   Host: Tohoku Initiative for Fostering Global Researchers for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TI-FRIS) Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University   Eligible Participants: Faculty and staff members and students belonging to TI-FRIS participating universities (Hirosaki University, Iwate University, Tohoku University, Akita University, Yamagata University, Fukushima University, Miyagi University of Education)   Registration: Please register using the participation application form the registration form. Registration Form   Registration Deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023 (for on-site participation; Will be closed as soon as the number of participants reaches the limit.) Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (for online participation)   Contact: TI-FRIS Secretariat ti-fris*fris.tohoku.ac.jp (replace * with @)    

Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to process and store information in a way that is different from classical computers. While classical computers rely on bits like tiny switches that can be either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits). Qubits are unique because they can be in a mixture of 0 and 1 simultaneously - a state referred to as superposition. This unique property enables quantum computers to solve specific problems significantly faster than classical ones.   In a recent publication in EPJ Quantum Technology, Le Bin Ho from Tohoku University's Frontier Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences has developed a technique called "Time-dependent Stochastic Parameter Shift" in the realm of quantum computing and quantum machine learning. This breakthrough method revolutionizes the estimation of gradients or derivatives of functions, a crucial step in many computational tasks.   Typically, computing derivatives requires dissecting the function and calculating the rate of change over a small interval. But even classical computers cannot keep dividing indefinitely. In contrast, quantum computers can accomplish this task without having to discrete the function. This feature is achievable because quantum computers operate in a realm known as "quantum space," characterized by periodicity, and no need for endless subdivisions.   One way to illustrate this concept is by comparing the sizes of two elementary schools on a map. To do this, one might print out maps of the schools and then cut them into smaller pieces. After cutting, these pieces can be arranged into a line, with their total length compared (see Figure 1a). However, the pieces may not form a perfect rectangle, leading to inaccuracies. An infinite subdivision would be required to minimize these errors, an impractical solution, even for classical computers.   A more straightforward method involves weighing the paper pieces representing the two schools and comparing their weights (see Figure 1b). This method yields accurate results when the paper sizes are large enough to detect the mass difference. This bears resemblance to the parameter shift concept, though operating in different spaces that do not necessitate infinite intervals (as shown in Figure 1c).   Figure 1: Comparing sizes of two elementary schools on the map: (a) Cutting paper pieces into small sections, arranging them in a line, and comparing. This method is less accurate. (b) Shifting the measurement focus from area to weight, providing an exact comparison. (c) Drawing a similar representation of quantum computing, where physical properties are represented in quantum space, forming periodic functions. ©Tohoku University "Our time-dependent stochastic method is applicable to the broader applications for higher-order derivatives and can be employed to compute the quantum Fisher information matrix (QFIM), a pivotal concept in quantum information theory and quantum metrology," states Le.   "QFIM is intricately linked to various disciplines, including quantum metrology, phase transitions, entanglement witness, Fubini-Study metric, and quantum speed limits, making it a fundamental quantity with various applications. Therefore, calculating QFIM on quantum computers can open doors to utilizing quantum computers across diverse fields such as cryptography, optimization, drug discovery, materials science, and beyond."   Le also showed how this method can be used in various applications, including quantum metrology with single and multiple magnetic fields and Hamiltonian tomography applied to intricate many-body systems. He also meticulously compared the new approach to the exact theoretical method and another approximation model called the Suzuki-Trotter. Although the method aligned closely with the theoretical approach, the Suzuki-Trotter approximation deviated from the true value. Enhancing the results of the Suzuki-Trotter approximation would necessitate an infinite subdivision of the Suzuki-Trotter steps.   Figure 2: Comparison of quantum Fisher information calculated from three methods: theory (exact), Suzuki-Trotter approximation, and stochastic parameter shift. The stochastic method matches very well with the theory, while the Suzuki-Trotter approximation deviates from the true value and requires an infinite subdivision of the Suzuki-Trotter step to improve the accuracy. ©Tohoku University Publication Details Title: A stochastic evaluation of quantum Fisher information matrix with generic Hamiltonians Authors: Le Bin Ho Journal: EPJ Quantum Technology DOI: 10.1140/epjqt/s40507-023-00195-w Press Release: Tohoku University https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/press/exploring_parameter_shift_for_quantum_fisher_information.html

Dr. Le Bin Ho of the Creative Interdisciplinary Research Division has been awarded "IOP Trusted Reviewer status" by IOP Publishing. The status acknowledges that he has demonstrated a high level of peer review competence, with the ability to critique scientific literature to an excellent standard.  

A group of researchers from Tohoku University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Rice University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have proposed a new mechanism to enhance short-wavelength light (100-300 nm) by second harmonic generation (SHG) in a two-dimensional, thin material composed entirely of commonplace elements.   Since UV light with SHG plays an important role in semiconductor lithography equipment and medical application that does not use fluorescent materials, this discovery has important implications for existing industries and all optical applications.   Details of the research were published in the journal ACS Nano on August 29, 2023. The study was selected as the cover issue.   Second-harmonic generation of 2D Janus MoSSe/MoS2 hetero-bilayers is optimized by stacking order and strain. (Credit: Nguyen Tuan Hung et al.) Janus Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a specific class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, typically composed of a transition metal (such as molybdenum or tungsten) sandwiched between two chalcogen elements (such as sulfur, selenium, or tellurium). Named after the Roman god Janus, who had two faces looking in opposite directions, Janus TMDs do not have inversion symmetry between two surfaces of thin material. This built-in asymmetry makes Janus-TMD materials suitable for SHG, particularly when the two TMDs are hetero-stacked.   SHG is a nonlinear optical process in which two photons with the same frequency (ω) interact nonlinearly with the material, and as a result, a single photon with twice the frequency (2ω) (or half wavelength) is generated. Basically, it is a phenomenon where incoming light is converted into light with double the frequency or half wavelength.   SHG is important in various applications, including laser technology, microscopy, medical science and the solid state physics. SHG is used to generate light with shorter wavelengths, which can be valuable in fields like semiconductor lithography equipment and medical application as imaging technique that does not use fluorescent materials.   “Our team of researchers studied the optimized conditions of SHG in heterobilayers of the 2D Janus-TMD materials,” points out Nguyen Tan Hung, assistant professor of Frontier Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (FRIS), Tohoku University. “Specifically, we found that AA stacking, in which atoms in top layer directly overlap atoms in the bottom layer, and AB stacking, in which atoms in top layer do not directly overlap atoms in the bottom layer, resulted in a threefold enhancement of the former in the nonlinear optical response of the SHG.” This theoretical prediction agreed with the fact that the SHG peak intensity is four times larger for AA stacking than for AB stacking in the experiment.   “Thus, we have suggested that SHG intensity is also a useful way to determine how the layers of 2D materials are stacked,” said Nguyen. In addition, the researchers suggest that adding lateral strain (up to 20%) to these materials can further increase the light intensity significantly."   “Our research introduces a new category of materials that produce SHG, and we can make them in a flexible way using 2D materials,” adds Nguyen.   In addition to Nguyen, other participants include Professor Emeritus Riichiro Saito of Tohoku University, Professor Shengxi Huang and her group at Rice University in the United States, and Professor Jing Kong and her group at MIT. Publication Details Title: Nonlinear Optical Responses of Janus MoSSe/MoS2 Heterobilayers Optimized by Stacking Order and Strain     Authors: Nguyen Tuan Hung, Kunyan Zhang, Vuong Van Thanh, Yunfan Guo, Alexander A. Puretzky, David B. Geohegan, Jing Kong, Shengxi Huang, and Riichiro Saito Journal: ACS Nano DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c04436     Press Release: Tohoku University https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/press/stacking_order_strain_boosts_second_harmonic_generation.html Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University https://www.sci.tohoku.ac.jp/english/news/20230926-12879.html

Researchers have unveiled an intriguing phenomenon of cellular reprogramming in mature adult organs, shedding light on a novel mechanism of adaptive growth. The study, which was conducted on fruit flies (Drosophila), provides further insights into dedifferentiation - where specialized cells that have specific functions transform into less specialized, undifferentiated cells like stem cells.   Until now, dedifferentiation has primarily been associated with severe injuries or stressful conditions, observed during tissue regeneration and diseases like tumorigenesis. However, the researchers have unearthed a previously unknown facet: enteroendocrine cells (EEs) within the intestinal epithelium undergo dedifferentiation into intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in response to nutritional changes, such as recovery from starvation.     Figure: Representative image of a dedifferentiating EE which is brightly shining like a star in the planet. (Credit: Hiroki Nagai et al.) “Through meticulous experimentation, we identified a subset of enteroendocrine cells residing in the adult midgut of Drosophila, which exhibit dedifferentiation into ISCs when nutrient levels fluctuate,” states Hiroki Nagai, first author of the study and a postdoc who was previously based at Tohoku University’s Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS). “By utilizing in vivo lineage tracing of EEs and single-cell RNA sequencing, we pinpointed the dedifferentiating EE subpopulation and developed a genetic system for selectively removing ISCs derived from dedifferentiation, a process known as ablation.”   Remarkably, the ablation experiments demonstrated that dedifferentiation is vital for ISC expansion and subsequent intestinal growth following food intake. Previous studies using mice relied on massive stem cell ablation to induce dedifferentiation. Yet, in the current research, stem cells were not lost but instead increased in response to nutritional stimuli. This crucial distinction demonstrates that dedifferentiation is not limited to regenerative contexts but significantly contributes to organ remodeling during environmental adaptations.   Furthermore, the team unraveled the molecular mechanism driving nutrient-dependent dedifferentiation: a deficiency in dietary glucose and amino acids activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in EEs, facilitating the conversion of EEs into ISCs during post-starvation recovery. When combined with findings from other studies, this implies that the nutrient-dependent dedifferentiation could be an evolutionary conserved mechanism across species.   Yuichiro Nakajima, also formerly based at FRIS and corresponding author of the paper, states that this could lead to being able to control artificial cellular reprogramming in vivo. “If we figure out specific nutrients and the detailed signaling that induce dedifferentiation, we could control cell fate plasticity by nutritional intervention and/or pharmacological treatments”   Looking ahead, they hope to focus on examining cell fate plasticity under physiological conditions beyond nutrition, such as reproduction, temperature, light, and exercise. Doing so may uncover novel mechanisms underlying environmental adaptations. Publication Details Title: Nutrient-driven dedifferentiation of enteroendocrine cells promotes adaptive intestinal growth in Drosophila Authors: Hiroki Nagai*, Luis Augusto Eijy Nagai, Sohei Tasaki, Ryuichiro Nakato, Daiki Umetsu, Erina Kuranaga, Masayuki Miura, and Yu-ichiro Nakajima* (*corresponding author) Journal: Developmental Cell DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.022 Press Release: Tohoku University https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/press/nutrients_drive_cellular_reprogramming_in_the_intestine.html