探索全球顶尖大学的研究室——研究领域与主要论文一览无余。
Professor Yoshinori Kadono's research lab specializes in cerebrovascular and neurological disorders, with a focus on stroke mechanisms, spinal vascular malformations, and endovascular interventions. The lab investigates the pathophysiology of central poststroke pain and the neuroplastic changes underlying it, while also advancing minimally invasive treatments such as rTMS and embolization techniques for complex vascular lesions like dural arteriovenous fistulas and chronic subdural hematomas. Their work bridges clinical neurology, interventional neuroradiology, and functional neurosurgery, emphasizing innovative, image-guided therapies for challenging neurological conditions.
Professor Yutaka Majima's research lab specializes in nanoscale characterization and device fabrication, focusing on single-particle and single-molecule electronics using advanced techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS). The lab investigates the electrical, optical, and dynamic properties of nanoparticles, monolayers at interfaces, and molecular junctions, with particular emphasis on Coulomb blockade, resonant tunneling, and molecular conductance. Innovative nanofabrication methods—such as electron beam lithography combined with electroless gold plating—are employed to create robust, precisely controlled nanogap electrodes for reliable single-molecule measurements.
Professor Mao Fukuyama's research lab specializes in microfluidic systems and droplet-based technologies for biomedical applications, focusing on the manipulation and analysis of biomolecules at the micro- and nanoscale. Key research directions include the development of spontaneous emulsification for selective concentration and separation of biomolecules in microdroplets, innovative immunoassay platforms using VHH antibodies for point-of-care diagnostics, and surface engineering to prevent protein adsorption while enabling stable aqueous droplet formation. The lab also investigates fundamental processes in protein aggregation and liquid-liquid phase separation, particularly the nucleation of amyloid fibrils, using advanced imaging and microdroplet array techniques for quantitative analysis. These efforts converge toward creating efficient, miniaturized analytical systems for diagnostics and life science research.
Professor Motoaki Sugiura's research lab specializes in cognitive neuroscience, focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying memory and belief systems. The lab investigates how the brain processes personally familiar objects and places, with particular emphasis on the posterior cingulate cortex and its role in spatial and nonspatial memory retrieval. Another key direction involves understanding the psychophysical and neurocognitive processes of belief formation, integrating cognitive, emotional, and evaluative components in belief representation. Using neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI, the lab explores the functional organization of the brain in relation to self-referential cognition and social perception.
Professor Keijiro Ohshimo's research lab specializes in the structural and dynamic characterization of gas-phase clusters, with a focus on transition metal oxides, alkali metal-ligand complexes, and proton-transfer systems. Using advanced techniques such as ion mobility mass spectrometry, UV photodissociation spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations, the lab investigates the geometrical structures, isomeric forms, and reactivity of nanoscale clusters. Key research directions include the formation of stable ring, sheet, and three-dimensional architectures in metal oxide clusters, intracluster reactions such as cyclization and elimination, and the mechanistic pathways of long-range proton transfer in isolated molecules.
Professor Aiko Sakurai's research lab specializes in community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR), with a strong focus on integrating education into sustainable disaster preparedness and school safety initiatives. The lab investigates context-specific disaster risk assessment, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Indonesia, Japan, Yemen, and Laos, emphasizing localized school contingency planning and the long-term sustainability of disaster education programs. Research directions include enhancing community ownership of disaster preparedness, improving school safety through geographic risk analysis, and promoting inclusive, locally driven resilience strategies.
Professor Sho Tano's research lab specializes in maternal and perinatal health, with a focus on interpregnancy care and the prevention of obstetric complications. The lab investigates the impact of weight management—particularly annual BMI changes—on the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preterm birth (PTB). Using large-scale retrospective cohort data from multiple medical facilities, the lab develops predictive models and identifies actionable clinical targets, such as optimal BMI gain trajectories, to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. Their work bridges clinical practice and public health by translating epidemiological findings into practical counseling strategies.
Professor Kei Kawai's research lab specializes in atmospheric aerosol science, with a focus on the role of mineral dust in cloud formation and climate forcing. The lab investigates the microphysical and radiative impacts of dust particles—particularly Asian and Arctic dust—on mixed-phase clouds and the Earth's radiative balance. Using advanced observational networks, such as lidar and ceilometer systems, combined with global aerosol-climate modeling, the lab explores dust emission mechanisms, long-range transport, and ice nucleation properties under varying environmental conditions. Their work emphasizes improving model representations of dust emissions through observation-based parameterizations, especially the threshold friction velocity and ice nucleation efficiency.
Professor Hideyuki Azegami's research lab specializes in the mathematical and numerical analysis of shape and topology optimization for partial differential equations, with a focus on elliptic boundary value problems in engineering and biomechanics. The lab develops advanced computational methods—such as the traction method and shape gradient-based optimization—for solving complex domain optimization problems in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetic fields. A key emphasis is placed on overcoming irregularity in optimization solutions through rigorous theoretical formulations and efficient numerical algorithms. The lab also applies these methods to real-world biomedical problems, such as modeling spinal deformations in idiopathic scoliosis.
Professor Hisao Yamamura's research lab focuses on ion channel biology, with a central emphasis on the molecular mechanisms and physiological roles of various ion channels, including Syk tyrosine kinase, TRPM8, ENaC subunits, and BK channels. The lab investigates how these channels regulate cellular signaling pathways related to calcium homeostasis, cell proliferation, and membrane excitability, particularly in immune cells, cancer cells, and vascular smooth muscle. A key direction involves exploring the functional diversity and pharmacological modulation of novel channel subunits, such as ENaCdelta and TRPM8, to uncover potential therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer and pulmonary hypertension. The lab also employs advanced imaging techniques, such as TIRF microscopy, to study the dynamic behavior of ion channels at the single-molecule level.
Professor Shaojie Gu's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanisms of electric current-induced microstructural and mechanical modifications in advanced materials, with a focus on conductive thin films, metals, and superalloys. Key research directions include the separation and characterization of athermal (non-thermal) effects from Joule heating during electric current treatments, high-frequency alternating current (AC) effects on electrical and adhesive properties, and the use of pulsed electric current for microcrack healing in structural materials. The lab also develops advanced modeling and sensing techniques, such as finite element modeling and phase-sensitive optical fiber sensing, to support experimental findings and enable real-time monitoring of material responses.
Professor Atsushi Takano's research lab specializes in the synthesis and characterization of complex polymer architectures, with a focus on block copolymers, star-shaped polymers, and cyclic polymers. The lab investigates their self-assembly behavior at the mesoscale, particularly in microphase-separated structures such as honeycomb and Archimedean tiling patterns, using advanced techniques like TEM, SANS, and HPLC. A key research direction involves understanding the conformational effects—such as loop and bridge formation—on the phase behavior and physical properties of polymers.
Professor Yoh Iwasa's research lab specializes in theoretical and mathematical biology, focusing on evolutionary dynamics, population genetics, and cancer evolution. The lab investigates fundamental mechanisms underlying sexual selection, including the handicap principle and the evolution of multiple sexual traits, as well as stochastic processes in evolutionary and ecological systems. A central theme is the application of quantitative models to understand how genetic variation, mutation bias, and fitness trade-offs shape evolutionary outcomes in natural and medical contexts. The lab also explores the dynamics of tumor evolution and drug resistance, providing theoretical foundations for cancer therapy and evolutionary medicine.
Professor Mark Fenwick's research lab focuses on the intersection of digital platforms, corporate governance, and regulatory innovation in the context of rapid technological change. The lab explores how platform economies reshape traditional business models and governance structures, with a particular emphasis on the role of digital technologies in transforming industries such as finance, healthcare, and public policy. It also investigates the societal and political implications of digital disruption, including the dynamics of public trust, misinformation, and criminal justice reform in the digital age. The lab’s work is deeply interdisciplinary, combining law, political science, and technology studies to address pressing challenges in governance and regulation.
Professor Masaki Tanaka's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanics and microstructural behavior of advanced metallic materials, with a focus on fracture toughness, ductile-to-brittle transition, and plastic deformation mechanisms. The lab investigates how microstructure—such as grain refinement, dislocation mobility, and phase distribution—affects mechanical properties in steels and other alloys under various conditions. Using advanced characterization techniques like electron microscopy, nanoindentation, and molecular dynamics simulations, the lab explores the relationship between material structure and performance at the micro- and nanoscale. Their work also extends to understanding surface plasmon effects in nanostructured metal arrays, particularly in the terahertz frequency range.
Professor Takanari Kitazono's research lab specializes in cerebrovascular physiology and pharmacology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral vasodilatation and vascular tone regulation. The lab investigates ion channels—particularly ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels—and their modulation by vasoactive peptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). A central theme is understanding how cyclic AMP signaling pathways contribute to cerebrovascular relaxation, with implications for cerebral ischemia and vasospasm. The lab employs in vivo imaging techniques in animal models to study dynamic vascular responses in real time.
Professor Yukio Akasaki's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on transcription factors such as FOXO proteins and their roles in chondrocyte survival, oxidative stress resistance, and chondrogenic differentiation. The lab investigates signaling pathways involving TGFβ1, NF-κB, and GRK5 in regulating cartilage integrity and joint degeneration. It also explores novel pathological contributors to OA, such as transthyretin (TTR) amyloid deposition, and evaluates surgical outcomes in knee osteoarthritis, including implant design and long-term joint replacement outcomes. The lab integrates molecular biology, animal models, and clinical data to identify therapeutic targets for OA prevention and treatment.
Professor Hidetaka Yamamoto's research lab specializes in molecular and pathological oncology, with a focus on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying rare and aggressive sarcomas and gastrointestinal neoplasms. The lab investigates oncogenic drivers such as c-kit, PDGFRA, ALK, ROS1, ETV6, and NTRK3 mutations in tumors like extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGIST), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT), and sarcomas with EWS translocations. They also explore the role of tumor suppressor proteins like SMARCB1/INI1 and the pathogenesis of serrated neoplasms in colorectal carcinogenesis, particularly in the context of microsatellite instability and key oncogenes (BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA). Their work bridges histopathology with molecular diagnostics to identify prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets.
Professor Dai Sugimoto's research lab specializes in sports injury prevention, with a primary focus on reducing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young female athletes. The lab investigates the efficacy and optimization of neuromuscular training interventions, examining factors such as exercise dosage, compliance, exercise variation, and feedback mechanisms. Research also explores biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors—particularly hip abductor strength differences between sexes—that contribute to higher ACL injury rates in females. The lab aims to translate evidence-based training protocols into practical, effective prevention strategies for clinical and athletic settings.
Professor Kengo Harato's research lab specializes in clinical and biomechanical aspects of knee joint disorders, with a focus on osteoarthritis, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and patellar tendon reconstruction. The lab investigates lower limb biomechanics during dynamic tasks such as gait, jump-landing, and drop vertical jumps, particularly under dual-task conditions, to assess injury risk and performance degradation. Using advanced motion analysis and wearable sensors like inertial measurement units (IMUs), the lab aims to develop practical, low-cost methods for clinical assessment of knee joint loading and kinematics. The research also emphasizes surgical techniques and outcomes in knee reconstruction, including arthroscopic repair and graft selection for chronic tendon injuries.
