Development of an Innovative Technology to Dramatically Increase Chicken Meat Production through Male Conversion of Broiler Chickens
In birds, the development of technologies to control the sex ratio of offspring has long been considered impossible. The principal investigator of this study has discovered that administering a specific compound to mother hens results in approximately 80% of the chicks being female, while an alternative treatment produces more than 70% male chicks. Based on […]
Establishment of a Foundational Program for the Development of Classical Swine Fever–Resistant Pigs
In Japan, classical swine fever (CSF) continues to occur, and even vaccination—the most effective countermeasure—has not been sufficient to halt its spread. Outbreaks of CSF cause severe economic losses and lead to instability in pork supply, underscoring the urgent need for more effective solutions. In this proposal, our ultimate goal is to create and commercialize […]
Integrated Agricultural Resource Development Using a Soybean Mutant (Fukuyutaka LJ)
Our team has obtained a soybean mutant in which a gene involved in photoperiod-dependent flowering is disrupted. By delaying flowering, this mutant achieves more than a twofold increase in yield. In this project, we will evaluate the potential to extend the cultivation range and planting season of soybeans carrying this gene disruption, as well as […]
Advancement of Koji Mold Solid-State Cultivation Technology to Address the Global Protein Crisis
Global demand for protein is expected to continue increasing. Corn gluten meal, a by‑product of corn starch production, contains over 60% protein; however, its high sulfur dioxide (SO₂) content has prevented its use as a food ingredient. We have been conducting research on enhancing the functionality of plant-based materials through the enzymatic capabilities of koji […]
Research on the Use of Disulfide‑Rich Peptides to Reduce Production Costs in Cultured Meat
Ant venom contains disulfide‑rich peptides that act on animal growth factor receptors for extended periods. In this project, we aim to leverage stable, highly active disulfide‑rich peptides with growth factor–like activity as cell proliferation supplements for cultured meat production. By applying these peptides during cell expansion, we seek to significantly reduce production costs in cultured […]
Development of a Closed-Loop Land-Based Aquaculture System and Feed to Promote the Utilization of Urchins from Barren Coastal Areas
Closed‑recirculating land‑based aquaculture systems equipped with ozone‑based water purification can process multiple purification steps in an integrated manner. However, when rearing water becomes heavily contaminated, denitrification of harmful ammonia can be inhibited, posing a critical operational challenge. In this study, we utilize sea urchins removed as part of barren‑ground (isoyake) mitigation efforts and pursue two […]
Development of Organelle Genome Editing Technology for Identifying Crop Variety Breeders
High‑value Japanese crop varieties, such as Shine Muscat grapes, have been illicitly propagated overseas, leading to infringement of breeders’ rights. In this proposal, to protect breeders’ rights and to support the competitiveness and sustainable growth of Japan’s agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food industries, we aim to develop a practical breeder identification technology based on genetic […]
Development of Long‑Life Fruit Varieties Using the One‑SHOT Single‑Base Substitution Genome Editing Method
Japanese fruits such as melons and strawberries are highly valued in global markets and are traded at premium prices due to their superior quality. However, their short shelf life makes them unsuitable for large‑scale export by sea, limiting international distribution. To address this challenge, we aim to develop long‑shelf‑life fruits by controlling ethylene signaling, the […]
Next‑Generation Pest Control Strategies Using Multi‑Target RNAi and Nanocapsule Technologies
As a novel mite control strategy to replace conventional chemical pesticides, we will develop a multi‑target RNA interference (RNAi) technology that simultaneously targets multiple genes, together with a nanocapsule delivery system that enables efficient introduction of double‑stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the cells of hard‑to‑control pest arthropods.
Development of Photosynthesis Enhancement Technologies Without the Use of Fossil Fuels
We have confirmed at the laboratory scale that a membrane technology capable of rapidly separating carbon dioxide from ambient air can be applied to CO₂ enrichment for crops. In this research, by utilizing renewable energy sources readily available in hilly and mountainous regions, such as solar power and small‑scale hydropower, we aim to establish a […]
