Toray's all-carbon CO2 separation membrane successfully demonstrated at an Osaka sewage treatment plant. The technology reduces dehumidification costs by approximately 70% compared to conventional methods, dramatically improving biogas power generation economics and potentially transforming sewage plants nationwide into small-scale power stations.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed an AI system that automatically detects whip sounds in horse racing. Using 192kHz high-fidelity audio and deep learning, the technology achieves 70% accuracy with potential for real-time detection, advancing race fairness and animal welfare.
Japan is at the front of smart contact lens development: holographic display technology from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, SEED's open-source platform, and Waseda's electromagnetic shielding. One industry forecast puts the global market at about $13.4 billion by 2030. Discover how Japanese universities and companies are shaping the future of wearable tech.
Australian researchers have developed "thermoradiative diodes" that convert infrared radiation emitted from Earth into space at night into electricity. This reverse solar panel technology shows promise for satellite power and deep space missions. Explore the potential and challenges of this renewable energy breakthrough.
Japan's H3 rocket No. 8 failed on December 22, 2025. JAXA's investigation traced it to a fairing separation anomaly, and flights resumed in June 2026.
SETI researchers propose revolutionary communication protocols using AI and large language models for extraterrestrial contact. Learn how humanity's first interstellar conversation could happen through AI ambassadors carrying our knowledge across the cosmos.
SFTS is a tick-borne disease with a 10-30% fatality rate. A treatment was approved in 2024, which made early diagnosis the bottleneck. Japanese institutions including Osaka University are developing a 15-minute test on the model of flu antigen kits. 2025 brought a record 183 cases and Hokkaido's first infection.
Researchers at Juntendo and Hiroshima Universities have found that soluble ST2 (sST2), naturally maintained at high levels in the body, suppresses food allergies by blocking IL-33 signaling. The study identifies fibroblasts as the key sST2-producing cells and points toward new allergy prevention and treatment strategies.
Sotetsu Bus and NTT Docomo Business launch an autonomous bus trial in Yokohama using local 5G and road-vehicle coordination technology. The project aims to achieve stable operation even on narrow roads and in congested areas, with commercial deployment targeted for 2027.
The Duolingo English Test introduces "Ear Scan" technology that uses machine learning to detect hidden wireless earbuds and audio devices, helping keep online testing fair for university admissions worldwide.
Kyoto University spinoff FLOSFIA completed verification of its 4-inch gallium oxide (α-Ga2O3) wafer process in December 2025. Substrate costs run up to 50 times below SiC, and the company puts its Baliga figure of merit at roughly 7,000 times silicon. Where next-generation power semiconductors actually stand.