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A research group headed by Dr. Takeshi Izawa developed a system for predicting the changes in gene expression during cultivation that allows for accurate assessment of plant growth in the field. The results were published in the December 7, 2012 issue of the scientific journal Cell and were also reported by several news organizations. In this study, the atmospheric data such as climate and temperature in the field, and developmental stage of the rice plant were used as variables in creating a model that could accurately associate the changes in the expression of the genes with various environmental conditions. This modeling system could therefore be used to predict the expression of genes such as those related to high temperature based on previously obtained atmospheric data.
Several researchers and administrators from institutions overseas visited NIAS to explore research collaborations. A delegation from Nigeria headed by Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, director of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) visited the institute on February 13, 2013. Then on March 4, 2013, a delegation from Mexico also visited the NIAS Genebank facilities. Furthermore, in conjunction with the workshop on importation of GMO as stipulated in the Cartagena Protocol which was held in Tokyo, a total of 16 participants from seven nations including India, Philippines, Malaysia, and France visited NIAS on February 22, 2013 and were given an overview of transgenic research and facilities of NIAS.
Dr. Toshiaki Takezawa (Animal Immune and Cell Biology Research Unit) received the Outstanding Paper Award from the Japanese Society for Alternative to Animal Experiments for his paper entitled “Development of an alternative test for skin sensitization using a three-dimensional human skin model consisting of dendritic cells, keratinocytes and fibroblasts” published in AATEX Journal in 2011.
In recognition of the contribution of NIAS researchers and personnel, the NIAS President, Dr. Teruo Ishige presented the “Young Investigator Award” to Dr. Shunichi Suzuki (Transgenic Pig Research Unit), and the “Innovative Ideas Award” to Mr. Kaoru Nakamura (Technical Support Section), Mr. Kouji Hashimoto (Technical Support Section) and Mr. Fukuhiro Yamazaki (Genetic Resources Conservation and Information Research Unit).
The following scientific meetings were organized and co-sponsored by NIAS: (1) Symposium in conjunction with the 25th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments on December 7-9, 2012 at Keio University; (2) The 7th NIAS Symposium with the theme “Utilization of silk fibroin and selisin” on February 21, 2013 at Akihabara Convention Hall, Tokyo; (3) Joint Symposium of NIAS and the NARO National Institute of Livestock Science with the theme “Current status and future prospects of research on animal reproductive technologies” on February 26, 2013 at Epochal Tsukuba; and (4) Joint Symposium of NIAS and the Japanese Society of Sericultural Science on March 18, 2013 at Tsukuba Norin Hall.
The Science Academy of Tsukuba (SAT) Technology Showcase 2013 was held at the Tsukuba International Congress Center (EPOCHAL TSUKUBA) on Jan. 22‚ 2013. The NIAS participated in this event with other organizations and research institutions in Tsukuba and Ibaraki Prefecture. As part of the NIAS Science Communications, Science Café events were organized at the Tokyo Technology College (TTC) on February 1, 2013 and at Tsukuba Science Information Center on February 19, 2013. Dr. Satoshi Mikawa (Animal Genome Research Unit) talked about pig genome research at the TTC Biocafe and Dr. Fumio Takaiwa (Functional Transgenic Crops Research Unit) talked about the rice-based vaccine against cedar pollen allergy at the Tsukuba Biocafe.
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