NEW
Qdai-mail Tsushin #100
The e-mail magazine "Qdai-mail Tsushin" delivers campus news every month.
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Friday, May 22, 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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**Topics
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* Kyushu University faculty and researchers gather for the 'Cross-Cultural Exchange Event' at Chikushi Campus
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On April 10, 2026, Kyushu University held its first intercultural exchange event at the Chikushi Campus. Organized by the Strategic International Advisory Group (SIAG), the event aimed to promote interaction among faculty and researchers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Through open and informal discussions, participants were able to share perspectives, generate new ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged active communication and mutual understanding. The event is expected to strengthen the foundation for future international education and research partnerships, and there are high expectations for it to continue in the future.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/705
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**Research
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* Researchers identify the 'organizer' cells that build bone marrow
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Utilizing mice, researchers have identified the "organizer cells" responsible for building bone during fetal development. The study reveals a two-phase program led by RANKL-producing "organizer cells": early-stage septoclasts clear cartilage to create space, followed by LepR+ bone marrow stromal cells that sustain the marrow environment. This developmental blueprint is reactivated during fracture healing, offering a novel therapeutic target for bone diseases like osteoporosis by focusing on niche cells rather than the bone-destroying cells themselves.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/394
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* Zinc-Redox crosstalk: a new key to cellular protein quality control
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Researchers revealed how zinc levels control the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the cell’s primary protein factory and how it fundamentally regulates cellular proteostasis. Using fluorescent probes, they found that the transporter ZIP7 keeps zinc levels in the ER low.When ZIP7 is disrupted , zinc level surges, inhibiting the enzyme Ero1 and disrupting the cell’s redox balance. This prevents proteins from folding correctly, leading to a n array of pathologies including cancer.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/397
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* Understanding how oxygen is delivered to tissues at the microscopic level
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Oxygen transport, a vital process for sustaining life, is carried out by red blood cells that deliver oxygen to tissues through microscopic capillary networks. Now, researchers from Kyushu University and Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a computational model that simulates this process by combining blood flow, chemical reactions, and oxygen consumption within one system. These simulations reveal that RBCs can adjust the amount of oxygen released based on surrounding oxygen levels, thereby maintaining a stable oxygen concentration across tissues.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/390
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* Research shows medieval images can create immersive experiences beyond sight
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A study from Kyushu University argues that early medieval images were never truly silent.Focusing on a 12th–13th century English scroll, the research draws on predictive processing and the concept of “sound milieu” to show how visual imagery could activate imagined soundscapes in viewers' minds. The findings show that sonic details in the imagery engaged audiences through the full range of sensory experience, inviting a broader reconsideration of how medieval people encountered their world.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/376
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* Organic luminescent radicals enable bright circularly polarized light in the near-infrared region
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Circularly polarized luminescent materials emitting red to near-infrared light are of interest for technologies such as 3D displays and bioimaging. However, achieving high emission efficiency, stability, and durability simultaneously has remained a challenge. In a recent study, researchers at Kyushu University developed a new series of small luminescent radicals with exceptional photoluminescence efficiency and photostability. Their work demonstrates
how a favorable electronic structure, chirality, and light emission can be achieved in a single molecular system.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/382
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* Why emus can't fly: A 'time switch' in bird embryos holds the answer
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A bird’s flying ability depends on the keel, a breastbone structure that anchors the muscles needed for flight. Researchers at Kyushu University found that a signaling pathway called TGF-β determines whether the keel forms. In flying birds, the signal stays active long enough to build it; in flightless birds, it turns off earlier. The study shows how small shifts in developmental timing can drive major evolutionary differences and may inform research on human chest deformities.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/388
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* Study proves the existence and solves the mystery of the rotating Kaleidocycles
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Kaleidocycles rotating rings made from hinged tetrahedra, are of interest for origami engineering, controllable linkage systems, and mathematics education. However, proving their existence for an arbitrary number of units has remained a challenge. In a recent study,researchers at Kyushu University developed explicit mathematical formula e showing that Kaleidocycles can be successfully constructed from six or more connected tetrahedra, uniting origami mechanisms and geometry in one exact mathematical framework.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/392
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* Using atomic clocks to reveal the quantum properties of time
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In quantum physics time can exist in a superposition where the different flows of time exist at the same moment. However, this has never been observed experimentally. Now, researchers have developed a theoretical model that shows that this quantum superposition of times can be observed using state of the art atomic clocks . T h e results open a new frontier in fundamental physics and may lead to more precise next generation clocks.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/391
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**Discover the research
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* Giving voice to silent artifacts for future generations: The Yayoi Period and World War II
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Professor Tajiri at Kyushu University studies archaeological evidence from the Yayoi period, focusing on bronze production and wartime remains to better understand historical social changes. As firsthand witnesses to the past decrease, he emphasizes the importance of preserving and interpreting physical artifacts alongside digital technologies to reconstruct historical realities accurately. His work highlights how archaeology can connect past events with present understanding, ensuring that important lessons are not lost over time. In addition to research, he is committed to education, encouraging students to engage directly with excavation sites and materials. Through hands-on learning, he aims to cultivate critical thinking and a deeper appreciation of history, preparing future generations to continue investigating and preserving cultural heritage.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/research/information/discover-research/014_tajiri
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* Exploring fish reproductive biology and implications for future food
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Professor Kohei Ohta at Kyushu University studies fish reproductive biology, exploring how fish reproduce and pass on genetic information. His research highlights the diversity of fish reproductive systems, including environmental sex determination and even sex change. By combining fundamental biology with applied science, he develops aquaculture technologies to improve breeding efficiency, such as genome editing, reproductive stem cell culture, and preservation methods.
Ohta also works closely with fisheries and local communities, aiming to translate scientific findings into practical benefits for sustainable food production. His experiences in the field have shaped his perspective, emphasizing research that contributes to society.
In education, he encourages students to pursue curiosity-driven research and think independently. Looking ahead, he seeks to advance both basic and applied research to support the future of fisheries and a stable food supply, particularly in response to environmental challenges.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/research/information/discover-research/013_ohta
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**EVENTS
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* FY2026 the 2nd I²CNER Seminar
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Date:2026.05.26 [Tue] 14:00 – 15:00
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I²CNER) will hold the 2nd I²CNER Seminars for FY2026, featuring Assistant Professor Prashun Gorai from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. We look forward to your participation.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events/view/634
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* Kyushu University Global Peace Symposium 2026
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Date:2026.05.30 [Sat] 13:00 – 17:00
A very rare opportunity to hear a survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki share her experience will be held at the time and place below.
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity, and we look forward to your participation.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events/view/636
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* Briefing of Joint Graduate School of Mathematics for Innovation
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Date:2026.06.13 [Sat] 14:00 – 16:00
Briefing Session of Joint Graduate School of Mathematics for Innovation
<<Target Audience>>
-Students who are expected to be enrolled, as of April 1, 2027, in one of the following graduate schools at Kyushu University:
Graduate School of Mathematics, Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, or Graduate School of Economics (Department of Economic Engineering).
-Anyone interested in the “Mathematics for Innovation” Joint Graduate School Program.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events/view/637
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* 4th ISEE Asia: International Symposium on Entrepreneurship Education in Asia
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Date:2026.10.10 [Sat] 10:00 – 2026.10.11 [Sun] 16:00
Briefing Session of Joint Graduate School of Mathematics for Innovation
Our symposium will also serve as a platform to discuss major challenges and advances in entrepreneurship education. In the symposium, we will explore innovative methodologies, best practices, and novel ways of teaching entrepreneurship. The symposium aims to discuss the current state of entrepreneurship education, especially in Asia, how it has evolved, and to identify the critical challenges for the future.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events/view/635
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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.instagram.com/kyushuuniversity/
https://www.youtube.com/user/KyushuUniv
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