Japanese Top>Publication>NIAS news>No. 50
[Research Topic] [Visit • Research Collaboations] [Awards & Recognition]
[Meeting Report]
[Events]
Discovery and isolation of the gene that promotes a deeper root system in rice.
The group of Yusaku Uga of the Rice Applied Genomics Research Unit has succeeded in map-based cloning of the DRO1, a gene that controls deep rooting in rice allowing the roots to grow downward and reach water held deeper in the soil. The results were published in Nature Genetics and reported by major Japanese and international news organizations. Expectations are high that utilization of this gene in breeding of rice as well as other crops will lead to the development of cultivars with strong resistance against drought stress.
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi visited several research institutes in Tsukuba including NIAS on September 3-4, 2013. At NIAS, Minister Hayashi was given an overview of various research projects such as the development of transgenic silkworm and maintenance of genetic resources at the Genebank facilities.
The Peruvian Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Elard Escala, visited the institute on September 20, 2013 and met with NIAS President, Dr. Hirohiko Hirochika. He was also briefed on various research activities by the respective directors of the Genetic Resources Center and GMO Research Center.
The Japanese Society for Culture Collections Award for 2013 was given to Toyozo Sato (Classification and Evaluation Research Unit). The NIAS Young Investigator Award was given to Yutaka Sato (Genome Resource Unit), Takumi Kayukawa (Insect Growth Regulation Research Unit), and Yoshihiro Wakabayashi (Animal Physiology Research Unit). The NIAS Award for Innovative Idea was given to Junji Inoue, Ryoji Yazawa, Shinya Hirashima, Eiji Izumi, Mitsunori Akiba, Toshikatsu Izumi and Hideo Nakazawa, Oshihiro Ito of the Technical Support Section, and Sakae Toshima of the Genebank Project Promotion Section.
The NIAS co-sponsored the 63rd Symposium of the Japanese Electrophoresis Society held on June 21, 2013 at Nittobo Building in Tokyo. The symposium focused on analysis of microorganisms by electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
The 52nd Annual Gamma Field Symposium was held on July 17, 2013 at the Sannomaru Hotel in Mito, Ibaraki focusing on the potential of next generation breeding to develop strategies for solving problems associated with the environment, food and energy.
Summer Science Camp.
This annual event sponsored by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JSTA) aims to enhance the enthusiasm of high school students in science and technology. Ten senior high school students from around Japan joined the program on August 5-7, 2013.
Tsukuba PhD Kids.
Also known as the Chibikko Hakushi sponsored by the Tsukuba Board of Education, this event allows elementary and junior high school students to visit and experience various research programs in the institute. It was held on August 21- 22, 2013.
Transgenic Field Tour.
To increase awareness on transgenic research among the public, organized tour to exhibition field was arranged on July 27, 2013 that included communication with NIAS researchers conducting transgenic research.
Other events.
Several events were also organized for students, families and the general public including the 2013 Okaya Silk Fair on April 29; exhibition of products from fluorescent silkworm at the Iwate Prefectural Museum on June 29~August 18; NIAS Hokuto Campus Open House on July 28; and Science Casting on August 9-10. The NIAS Café featuring NIAS researchers was conducted in the format of a Scientist Talk on April 20, TTC BioCafe on May 24, and the Science Club of Toshiba Science Museum on July 24. Upcoming events include the Tsukuba Science Festival and Science Agora, both of which will be held on November 9-10, 2013.
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