Research Fields

Inorganic material science, Multi-functional materials, Thin film processing

Research Subjects

Development of new multi-functional (Tunneling Magneto-Dielectric effect and Tunneling Magneto-Optical effect) materials by metal-ceramic nano-granular films

Message

When metals and ceramics are composited at nanoscale, they exhibit unprecedented　functional properties. We have discovered new multi-functional properties such as the Tunneling Magneto-Dielectric (TMD) effect and the Tunneling Magneto-Optical (TMO) effect. Through interdisciplinary research in magnetic physics, medical engineering, and materials science, we are pioneering a new field of nano-composite thin films with new functions.

E-mail

hiromasu[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Magnetic film deposition, Room temperature bonding of wafers, High-density storage

Research Subjects

Atomic diffusion bonding technique for electric/optical devices, High density MAMR/HAMR recording media

Message

We have proposed an atomic diffusion bonding method for bonding wafers of different materials at room temperature using the rearrangement of crystal lattices at the contact interface of thin films. Using this method, we are developing research on new device formation. We are also working on research on functional thin films used in electronic devices using the thin film deposition technology that is the basis of the bonding technique.

E-mail

shimatsu[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Material Process Engineering, Nanomaterial Science, Chemical Engineering

Research Subjects

Material conversion processes for carbon circulation / Multi-scale structural control of materials based on science of dynamic interfaces / Development and application of hydrothermal electrochemical process

Message

Our laboratory specializes in controlling materials and processes in high-temperature, high-pressure environments, including supercritical fluids. As our commitment to fostering a carbon-circular society, we focus on developing hierarchically structured nanocatalysts and designing highly efficient material conversion processes that fully harness the potential of the nanomaterials.

E-mail

takaaki.tomai.e6 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Non-equilibrium materials, Microstructures of materials, Metal physics

Research Subjects

Structure, transformation and deformation in metallic glasses, Relaxation and rejuvenation phenomena in metallic glasses

Message

Random atomic structured materials such as amorphous or metallic glass have significantly different properties with those of conventional crystalline alloys and are anticipated to have industrial uses in the next generation. We address an important challenge by controlling the relaxation behavior of glasses to improve their mechanical properties and to contribute to their applications.

E-mail

jsaida[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Electrochemistry, Industrial physical chemistry, Material chemistry

Research Subjects

In situ Raman Spectroscopy for battery active materials, Development of Zn-air batteries, Li ion batteries and fuel cells

Message

Analyzing the interfaces between the electrolyte solutions and the electrodes for lithium secondary batteries, fuel cells, next generation batteries and molecular electronic devices is important for developing electrochemical energy conversion devices. Our present study investigates the behavior of molecules at the interface with In situ Raman spectroscopy and focuses on the dynamical changes in the Raman spectra at different battery conditions.

E-mail

itoh[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Cell Biology, Cytoskeleton, Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience

Research Subjects

Molecular mechanisms of the axonal transport, neuronal development and neuronal diseases

Message

We are interested in the relationship between nanomechanics in the cell and cellular morphogenesis. We are analyzing how and why disruption of the cellular nanomachines in our body, such as molecular motor proteins and cytoskeletal proteins, leads to human diseases such as neurodegeneration, infertility, and blindness.

E-mail

shinsuke.niwa.c8[at]tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Theoretical astrophysics

Research Subjects

Extreme phenomena driven by black holes, Polarized light, Dark matter, Objects in the early universe, Collaborative study with observations and numerical simulations

Message

I am a member of the theory team in the Event Horizon Telescope consortium, which captured the first-ever image of a black hole. Every day at FRIS, I am stimulated by chats with colleagues in other research fields. I also have published omnibus books with young researchers from FRIS and DIARE.

E-mail

toma [at] fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Bioelectronics, biomedical engineering, neural interface

Research Subjects

Microelectronic fiber based multimodal bio-interface

Message

Our group works on the development of  the unique microelectronic fibers that are integrated with disparate materials and functions. Such fibers can be used as neural interface to probe brain dynamics across its multimodal signaling mechanisms. In addition, we recently weave such fibers into textile as smart clothes for monitoring multimodal physiological signatures from human body.

E-mail

yyuanguo[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp / yuanyuan.guo.a4[at]tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Structural biology, Protein Science, Biochemistry

Research Subjects

Elucidation of protein quality control mechanism in the endoplasmic reticulum

Message

Protein folding coupled with disulfide bond formation, that is oxidative protein folding, proceeds mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Greater than 20 Protein Disulfide Isomerase family members (PDIs) are conserved in the mammalian ER to catalyze this reaction. However, it remains an important open question how PDIs recognize various substrates and guide their proper folding through disulfide bond formation and isomerization. The goal of this study is to understand how protein homeostasis is maintained in the mammalian ER. To this end, I employ multiple approaches including single-molecule observation by high-speed AFM, NMR/SAXS analyses in solution, X-ray crystal structure analysis, and several biochemical assays. Diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by impairment of the protein quality control systems in cells, and hence this study will provide molecular insights into the mechanism underlying these diseases.

E-mail

okmasaki [at] tohoku.ac.jp  (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Behavioral genetics, memory consolidation, dopamine modulation

Research Subjects

Molecular and neural mechanism of memory processing, Experience-dependent change of preference to addictive drugs

Message

Long-term memory consolidation accompanies de novo protein synthesis in specific neurons. Although this has been known for more than half a century, the identity of proteins that are synthesized upon learning and their functions have been poorly revealed. Memory circuit in Drosophila melanogaster provides the best model system to tackle this problem, due to the genetically tractable neural circuit and accumulating knowledge about the circuit usage. Moreover, the cutting-edge molecular biology and genetic tools enable genome-wide monitoring of protein synthesis and labeling or manipulation of each protein in a cell-type specific manner. Taking advantage, I aim to reveal the molecular mechanisms how the long-term memory is encoded and stabilized in the brain.

E-mail

toshiharu.ichinose.c1 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Natural Product Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry

Research Subjects

Study of potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin; screening of new analogs, evaluation of bioactivity, elucidation of biosynthesis, Screening of novel natural product from microorganisms, Signaling molecules in Actinomycetes

Message

Natural products, chemical compounds produced by secondary metabolism in living organisms, have provided variety of drugs and drug-leads such as antibiotics, anticancer drugs and agricultural chemicals. Microorganism is important source of natural products, however, most of environmental microorganisms (99%) are unculturable in laboratory. This "black box" must contain unprecedent secondary metabolites and metabolism machinery. My research is focused on the unveiling unknown secondary metabolism machinery and the screening of new natural products using chemical and genomic approach.

E-mail

yuta.kudo.d5 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology

Research Subjects

Tyrosine-Specific Bioconjugation, Antibody Chemical Modification, Catalyst-Proximity Protein Chemical Labeling

Message

Bioconjugation methods are techniques that have been extensively studied for covalent bond formation between a specific amino acid residue of a protein and a synthetic small compound. The methods are highly important in making protein-based biomaterials for therapeutic and biotechnology industries. In order to achieve reliable protein bioconjugation, the following requirements should be met: (1) stable covalent bond formation, (2) rapid reaction in aqueous solution, and (3) high conversion under physiological pH and mild temperature. We have developed tyrosine-specific bioconjugation methods with ruthenium photocatalysts, hemin, enzymes and electrochemistry.

E-mail

shinichi.sato.e3 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Biosensor, Energy catalysts, Polymer chemistry, Biomaterials, Bioinspired materials

Research Subjects

Electrochemical devices for imaging communication between cells, Electrochemical catalysts for environmental and energy application, 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration, Bio-inspired materials, Functional polymer

Message

My research interest is electrochemical devices for imaging molecules, such as neurotransmitters and metabolite, released from bio tissues. The electrochemical devices have a large number of electrodes on the substrate, which enable to make movies of electroactive analytes.

Moreover, my research interests are designing the highly active electrochemical catalysts for energy and environmental fields. The catalysts were inspired by nature. For example, I have successfully designed a highly active oxygen reduction catalytic electrode inspired by molecular structures of dopamine and heme, which were made from non-precious metals. And also, I am trying to design three-dimensional scaffolds and various highly functional materials (adhesion, mechanical response, temperature responsive materials, etc.).

E-mail

hiroya.abe.c4 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Space Propulsion engineering, Combustion

Research Subjects

Message

It is necessary to carry out more deep space explorations for the development of solar system science. A space propulsion system (rocket) is required for satellites that perform deep space explorations beyond the moon.

A chemical rocket is required to achieve a mission in a short period, but it is difficult to handle liquid and solid rockets that use dangerous materials. A hybrid rocket uses a propellant that combines solid and liquid phases. Because the hybrid rocket does not use explosives and dangerous substances, its safety management is not expensive. Therefore, the hybrid rocket is one of the solutions for making deep space exploration more active.

I focus on a new innovative hybrid rocket that formed by micro-diffusion flames. In addition, I aim to further improve the performance by investigating the basic combustion phenomena of the innovative hybrid rocket. Through interdisciplinary research, industry-academia/international collaborations, I will conduct a space demonstration of the innovative hybrid rocket and contribute to the development of solar system science.

E-mail

yuji.saito [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics

Research Subjects

Theoretical study of spin-motive force

Message

In 1831, an English scientist Michael Faraday saw electric currents when he slid a bar magnet in and out of a coil of wires. This law of electromagnetic induction serves as a bedrock of modern civilization, offering the fundamental operating principle of many types of electrical generators and motors. Physically, this phenomenon can be understood as the kinetic energy of the moving magnet has been converted to an electromotive force, via classical electromagnetism.

In 2009, a new kind of electromotive force was experimentally reported. Now you don’t need to move a magnet. What is dynamical here is the magnetic nanostructure inside the magnet, which triggers a conversion of the internal energy of the magnet to an electromotive force. This effect is called spin-motive force (SMF). Interestingly, SMF turns out to have a deep connection with Faraday’s electromagnetic induction; from a modern quantum mechanical point of view, both phenomena can be attributed to the time-varying Berry phase of an electron wave function. The electromagnetic induction is observed when the Berry phase is accumulated by the electric charge degree of freedom of the electron. The Berry phase due to spin, another degree of freedom of the electron, on the other hand, leads to SMF, hence its name.

While SMF is still very young, it is as a basic and universal physical effect as the celebrated electromagnetic induction. SMF may provide a key element for next generation technologies.

E-mail

yuta.yamane.e8 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")

Research Fields

Astrophysics, Astroparticle physics

Research Subjects

Message

Our Universe is filled with high-energy charged particle called cosmic rays. The velocity of high-energy cosmic rays reaches 99.9999999999% of the speed of light. The origin and production mechanism of these particles are still unknown. Since cosmic rays are deflected by cosmic magnetic fields, it is difficult to identify their origin by direct observations. Cosmic rays produce neutrinos, neutral subatomic particles, via interaction with ambient particles. Since neutrinos arrive on Earth straightly from the sources, we can identify cosmic-ray sources by neutrino signals. Since this method uses neutrino signals in addition to electromagnetic signals used in traditional astronomy, we call it “multi-messenger astrophysics”.

I am theoretically predicting neutrino signals as well as electromagnetic signals from cosmic-ray source candidates, and compare the theoretical predictions with current observational data to constrain theoretical models. Also, I am performing numerical simulations of cosmic-ray production in extreme environments of astrophysical plasmas, such as the vicinity of black holes. Combining the plasma simulations and predictions of neutrino and electromagnetic signals, together with rich observational data obtained by near-future facilities, I would like to reveal the origin and production mechanism of mysterious high-energy particles from the Universe.

E-mail

shigeo.kimura.b8 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@")