Science View
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Jan 10, 2013
At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak. Its bold, beautiful shape is famous the world over and is often seen depicted in woodblock prints. But Fuji is also an active volcano that has erupted violently many times in the past. Today, volcanologists are growing increasingly concerned that it might erupt again in the near future. On this edition of Science View, we leave the studio and visit a village on the foothills of Mount Fuji. We'll take a look at both the beautiful and potentially dangerous sides of the famous mountain. We'll also report on the latest research into whether another eruption will occur. This program was recorded in December on a beautiful clear day. Science watcher Eiji Mizushima and Reporter Rena Yamada were able to enjoy a clear view of the snow-capped mountain. Too bad it was so cold! Our two hosts were practically frozen by the end of the day.
Jan 17, 2013
On today's The Leading Edge, we focus on yellow dust: huge dust clouds that travel to Japan from East Asia's dry interior. Yellow dust is a phenomenon that occurs in Japan every spring, brining with it a fair amount of trouble. In Tokyo yellow dust causes a haze that disrupts economic activity and affects people's health. But up until now, there were many things scientists did not understand about yellow dust. Now, research has revealed some surprising facts. This is not your average dust! In fact, some scientists are now referring to it as a microbial ark or an airborne chemical plant. Scientists also believe studying yellow dust could help us learn more about the global environment and maybe even help us prevent global warming. Join us as we take a detailed look at yellow dust!
Jan 24, 2013
A huge number of toxins exist all around the world. And believe it or not, the nine deadliest toxins come from living things! Tetrodotoxin, found in the organs of blowfish, is particularly notorious. When blowfish is prepared for consumption in Japan, it must be prepared by a licensed chef who is trained to cut the toxic organs out. It is possible, however, under special conditions, to raise blowfish that are not toxic at all. In fact, blowfish aren't even born with the poison at all. So, where does it come from? Scientists are looking for ways to use biotoxins for medicinal purposes. For example, conotoxin, which paralyzes nerves, could be a thousand times more effective than a certain drug you may have heard of. Can you guess what it is? Join us as we step into the deep and amazing world of biotoxins.
Jan 31, 2013
No overview available for this episode.
Feb 7, 2013
The National Museum of Nature and Science has a proud history of over 130 years. Besides its valuable exhibits in the fields of natural history and the history of science & technology, it also engages in frontier research. The new Natural History Collection Wing, which houses almost all of more than 4 million items in the natural history collection, was completed in April, 2012. In this two-part series, Science View steps out of the studio to visit this new Natural History Collection Wing of the National Museum of Nature and Science Tsukuba Research Departments in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. We view materials not normally displayed to consider the natural world of Japan, how the Japanese people interact with it and also Japan's growth as a technological power.
Feb 28, 2013
Our body clock makes us feel hungry or sleepy at set times. You probably know the feeling. The latest studies have found as many as 300 substances in the human body that vary in amount according to a 24-hour cycle to generate the body's rhythm. We also now know there are body-clock genes which govern these processes. While experience tells us that we are likely to get sick if our body clock is disrupted, and more likely to fall ill at particular times of day, science is now tackling these issues, too. Mice with disrupted body clocks, for example, catch a sickness that people often get. What do you think it is? A gene has also been discovered which generates a rhythm and then controls embryonic growth. What hidden links are there between life and time? Don't miss this fascinating report!
Mar 7, 2013
How Gut Microbes Influence Immunity This week's The Leading Edge is all about gut microbes. With a name like gut microbes, you might think that these tiny organisms are bad for you, but in fact, they play a key role in keeping your gut healthy. Recent studies have even shown that gut microbes enhance our immune system. We go over all the details of how they manage to make our immune system stronger. Research has also revealed a species of microbe that helps keep the gut healthy and functioning properly. It took scientists 40 years to identify it. Can you guess what it is? Tune in to find out all about the essential, microscopic work of gut microbes and how they affect our immune system.
Mar 14, 2013
Mystical Lake Mashu in Hokkaido is swathed in mist for more than 100 days of the year. Hemmed in by steep mountains and with no river flowing into it, it is known for its exceptionally clear water. This lake, however, is in crisis. Its water clarity, once the highest in the world at 41.6m, has dropped year by year. Trees in the surrounding mountains have started to wither. What is going on at Lake Mashu? A survey team set out to discover the cause of the lake's deterioration. Could it be mudslides? Or the soaring deer population? Various possibilities were considered but... Science View hunts down the real culprit. Tune in for the must-see conclusion!
Apr 2, 2013
Security cameras have become a common sight even in Japan now. But we can't be complacent about these cameras and their random images of people in the crowd. The technology exists to have them reveal sensitive personal information, and it is closer to reality than you might think! Called facial recognition software, this technology can identify individuals from their facial characteristics. Already employed in criminal investigations, and evolving apace, Japan is a world leader in the field. Our special guest is an expert in the field, and together we look at how far techniques have advanced, explore whether the privacy issues can be solved and discuss the benefits and problems this new science raises for us all. You might regret it if you miss this Leading Edge!
Apr 9, 2013
Apr 16, 2013
Apr 23, 2013
May 7, 2013
May 14, 2013
May 21, 2013
Jun 4, 2013
The Leading Edge: All About Osteoporosis Science News Watch: Launching the World's Biggest Radio Telescope J-Innovators: Innovative New Ingredient in Traditional Tatami
Jun 11, 2013
The Leading Edge: Caught on Film - The Life and Death of Cells Science News Watch: Seabed Riches - First Methane Hydrate Extraction J-Innovators: Revolutionizing Auto Interiors with Metal Molds
Jun 18, 2013
The Leading Edge: Glaciers in Japan - Not a Fantasy Science News Watch: Japan's First Cooperina Fossil J-Innovators: Supercritical Fluids - Not Solid, Not Liquid, So What are They?
Jul 2, 2013
The Leading Edge: Labyrinth of the Senses: Sight Science News Watch: We Can Read Your Dreams J-Innovators: Ultraviolet LED - Invisible Light Shines Bright
Jul 9, 2013
Jul 16, 2013
The Leading Edge: Space Debris - Orbiting Junk Science News Watch: Living Organisms under the Microscope J-Innovators: The Sheerest Silk in the World
Jul 23, 2013
The Leading Edge: Calm Before the Tornado - Giant Whirlwinds Science News Watch: Slow Slip and the Latest in Earthquake Prediction J-Innovators: Nanoparticle Technology Making a Difference
Aug 6, 2013
The Leading Edge: Biomimetics - Mimicking Biological Marvels Science News Watch: Crested Ibises Out of the Nest J-Innovators: Noise Suppression Sheets
Aug 13, 2013
A treatment to recover lost vision using iPS cells is on the horizon. Dr. Masayo Takahashi will lead the world's first human clinical research, and the world is watching! Dr. Takahashi joins us to explain all about this groundbreaking project, and what inspired her to take on the retinal regenerative therapy challenge. And don't miss 2012 Nobel prizewinner Professor Shinya Yamanaka revealing the promise Dr. Takahashi made to him 6 years ago. Come explore the cutting edge of regenerative medicine.
Aug 20, 2013
The Leading Edge: Shirasu - Super Soil Sensation! Science News Watch: First LO Maglev Test Run J-Innovators: Nambu Tekki - Innovation in Ironware
Sep 3, 2013
The Leading Edge: Deep-seated Landslides Science News Watch: Off-road Wheelchairs J-Innovators: New Material Recycles Mystery Ingredient
Sep 10, 2013
The Leading Edge: Magic Microwaves Science News Watch: Mouse Cloned from 1 Drop of Blood J-Innovators: Eco-friendly Firework Shell Casings
Sep 17, 2013
The Leading Edge: High-Performance Hearing Science News Watch: Butterfly Migration - 1500km to Tokyo J-Innovators: Precision Machining with Ultrasound!
Oct 1, 2013
The Leading Edge: Beating Cancer - With Blood Vessels! Science News Watch: Cancer Study - New Gene Mutation Patterns J-Innovators:Waste Timber Blocks Build Houses
Oct 8, 2013
The Leading Edge: The Pleasures and Paradoxes of Taste Science News Watch: Apples Sweeter with Warming J-Innovators: Air Conditioning with Far Infrared Rays
Oct 19, 2013
Nov 5, 2013
The Leading Edge: Marine Power - The New Wave in Renewable Energy! Science News Watch: Japanese Satellite Blasts Off J-Innovators: A Microwave Breakthrough with Traditional Porcelain
Nov 12, 2013
Dec 3, 2013
Dec 10, 2013
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