NEW
Qdai-mail Tsushin#104
The e-mail magazine "Qdai-mail Tsushin" delivers campus news every month.
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Friday, September 25, 2026
Kyushu U's CONNECT Issue 7: Our annual English university magazine is available from the link below!
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/university/publicity/publications/connect
Kyushu U Connect: Keep up to date on how Kyushu U is engaging with society.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/university/connect/
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**Research
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* Pressure-eyes at night: Researchers find new mechanism that causes increase in
internal eye pressure, and a possible new target for glaucoma treatment
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One of the major risk factors for Glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure Intraocular pressure fluctuates throughout the day and is known to rise at night but the detailed molecular mechanisms on why this happens have not been fully understood. Kyushu University researchers found that norepinephrine raises levels of RHOB in the eye’s drainage system called the trabecular meshwork leading to the eye’s cleaning function weakening and increased intraocular pressure.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/418
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* What happens when a shoreline scavenger consumes microplastics?
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A study investigated how ingesting expanded polystyrene (EPS) affects wharf roaches, a common shoreline scavenger. EPS fed animals showed no significant reduction in lifespan, but their guts displayed altered expression of genes involved in chemical defense, DNA repair, and digestion. Gut microbial communities were largely unchanged, although several rare taxa were detected only in EPS fed specimens. The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how microplastic pollution affects marine ecosystems.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/421
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* Using Japanese Igusa (rush grass) may enhance mood, stress resilience, and task engagement
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The smell of Japanese Igusa (rush grass), the core component of tatami mats, has long been associated with comfort and relaxation. However, there was little scientific evidence behind such claims. To test this, researchers measured the brain activity of volunteers while they sat on Igusa mats and completed simple tasks. The researchers found that when using the Igusa mats the participants’ brain activity suggested they had better focus, cognitive engagement, and stress resilience.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/396
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* Saline Lakes: Overlooked Ecosystems with Global Conservation Value
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Saline lakes, often overlooked in global conservation efforts, play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Researchers at Kyushu University highlight their ecological importance and call for greater international recognition and protection of these unique environments. The study underscores the need to incorporate saline lakes into global conservation strategies to safeguard their environmental and societal value.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/424
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* Under pressure: How a deep-sea protein adapts to an extreme environment
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It was not fully understood how deep-sea microorganisms maintain their structure and function under high-pressure conditions. A research team from Kyushu University conducted an experimental study focusing on PoXeR, a protein from a deep-sea bacterium. As increasing pressure was applied to the protein, the researchers found that it assembled itself into groups of three, called a trimeric structure to stabilize itself. This adaptive strategy revealed how deep-sea proteins remain stable under extreme pressure.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/413
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* Toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI
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Roughly one third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, and researchers at Kyushu University are turning to packaging for a solution. Their review brings together intelligent sensing materials, self-healing films, and AI-driven prediction to expand packaging's role from passive protection to active, real-time sensing. Through a closed loop of recognition, judgment, actuation, and feedback, the team aims to make packaging a trusted, responsive part throughout the food system, from producers to consumers.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/420
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* Japanese Hinoki root essential oil may support better sleep at home
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Essential oil from underused Hinoki (Japanese roots) may help improve sleep quality, according to a pilot study of middle-aged women. In a home-based crossover study, participants showed fewer nighttime awakenings, improved morning feelings, and brain wave patterns suggesting smoother sleep onset. The findings also point to potentially higher-value uses of fores try residues in aroma-based relaxation products.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/422
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**Notice
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* Fall 2026 Commencement
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Fall 2026 Commencement celebrated the achievements of graduating students, marking the culmination of their academic journey and encouraging them to contribute globally as members of the Kyushu University community.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/543
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* Fall 2026 Opening Ceremony
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Fall 2026 Opening Ceremony welcomed new students to Kyushu University, encouraging them to embrace challenges, pursue academic excellence, and engage with a diverse global learning community.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/544
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* Renewable Energy Systems Co-Benefits Assessment Tool (RES-CAT)
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The Renewable Energy Systems Co-Benefits Assessment Tool (RES-CAT) developed by Kyushu University enables policymakers and stakeholders to evaluate the broader social, economic, and environmental impacts of renewable energy systems. By supporting evidence-based decision-making, the tool helps accelerate sustainable energy transitions while maximizing benefits for communities and society.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/546
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* Job Offer Recipients Roundtable for international students
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The Job Offer Recipients Roundtable brought together international students who had secured employment in Japan to share their experiences, insights, and advice. The event will provid practical information on job hunting, career development, and life after graduation, helping current students prepare for successful careers in Japan and beyond.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/548
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* December 2,2026 “Industry and Company Research Fair” for Kyushu University International Student
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Kyushu University will host its “Industry and Company Research Fair” on December 2, 2026, connecting international students with companies and organizations across Japan. The event offers valuable opportunities to explore career paths, learn about recruitment practices, and build professional networks while preparing for future employment in Japan.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/547
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* Job-hunting Seminars for International Students (Second Semester, 2026)
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Kyushu University’s Job-hunting Seminars for International Students provide practical guidance on navigating Japan’s recruitment process. Through a series of workshops and career support sessions, participants can learn about job-search strategies, application preparation, and professional skills to help them build successful careers in Japan.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/549
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**EVENTS
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* I²CNER Seminar "At Interfaces, Delicate Energy and Environment Determine Fates of Molecules and Life"
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2026.11.11 [Wed] 16:00 – 17:00
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I²CNER) will hold the 5th I²CNER Seminars for FY2026, featuring Professor Katsuhiko Ariga from the University of Tokyo / MANA, NIMS. We look forward to your participation..
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events/view/662
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* Q-AOS Brown Bag Seminar Series
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Date: Every Wednesday 12:10 – 12:50
Every Wednesday during lunch, learn about research related to SDGs in Asian and Oceanian regions and expand your research network at the Q-AOS Brown Bag Seminar Series. The webinar is free, available in English and Japanese, and open to everyone!
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events?tag_id=2
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** Introduction to Alumni Platform "Kyudai PAL"(Free registration)
"Kyudai PAL" (abbreviated as KyuPAL) is a closed online platform where alumni and current students can easily connect with friends and the university
In addition to interacting with other members in communities organized by graduation department, industry, and club, members can receive news about the university and information about alumni events, send direct messages, and participate in group chats with other users.
*Registration application, Kyudai PAL details here(Free registration)
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/university/graduate/kyupal
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** Stay Connected
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https://www.facebook.com/KyushuUniv.en/
https://x.com/KyushuUniv_en
https://www.instagram.com/kyushuuniversity/
https://www.youtube.com/user/KyushuUniv
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