Material Science

Cancer cells play dead to dodge attacks by immune cells, a scientist here discovered, and tumor tissue moves like a slug to fuse with other tumors, revelations that could trigger a breakthrough in the development of carcinoma treatment. The phenomena were uncovered using a special glass slide that promotes the growth of cancer cells for in-depth observation developed by Yukiko Miyatake, 47, an assistant professor of experimental pathology at the Faculty of Medicine of Hokkaido University.

Japanese, for decades famous for wearing masks either to filter out springtime pollen or to keep cold and flu season at bay, are now demanding the things in ever greater variations as they extend their habit into a new season, summer.

A new study is brightening the outlook for a prospective chemical engineering process that could one day lead to greener energy alternatives than fossil fuels by harnessing sunlight to produce mass quantities of hydrogen.

Japan's materials makers are pouring money into development and output of cutting-edge products essential to the expanded use of 5G -- the next generation mobile communication standard -- including substances that cut signal loss and devices to facilitate data transmission in high-frequency bands.

A pair of Japanese companies have developed a novel way to be stylish and antiseptic at the same time: a clothing fabric that kills microbes with tiny electric shocks generated by the wearer's movements.

A researcher in Osaka Prefecture has developed a wearable material that generates electricity from excess human body heat using tiny sensors that can be stuck on the skin like a small bandage.

Researchers here developed a face mask that can be washed repeatedly and is touted as being able to render viruses inactive.

Zetta, a spinout from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, also known as Tokyo Tech, has developed a nonwoven nanofiber material that can be washed repeatedly without losing its ability to protect the wearer from viruses. The startup, based in the western Japanese city of Matsuyama, plans to get into the business of making masks from the high-tech fabric.

Five companies from Singapore and two from Japan have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore hydrogen as a low-carbon alternative to power Singapore’s energy future, the companies said in a statement on Monday.

Demand for using fireproof wood designs to build large structures, including the new National Stadium, is heating up in Japan. The material, called Moen-Wood, makes it possible to erect large buildings made of timber.