Japan's traditional papercraft, origami, has come to be used in engineering, as researchers observe insects and other specimens to develop "crease patterns" that can be utilized in diverse fields.

From regulating the body's internal clock, to possibly curing Parkinson's disease, mushrooms have been revealing one amazing ability after another!

Robotics engineer HARUNA Masaki is intent on making life better in developing countries. He's designing remote-controlled robotic avatars so that more people can do various work from home.

Part plant and part animal, microscopic euglena algae have been used as foods and bio-fuels. Now they're helping produce an adhesive that could be used in car manufacturing.

An all-new approach to treat heart failure. With eight clinical trial surgeries completed, we explore Osaka University's groundbreaking approach using iPS cell-derived heart muscle cell transplant.

This episode looks at the "point clouds" for 3D data visuals used in architecture, archaeology, and autonomous driving. Plus, robots learn new moves.

This episode looks at leaf-cutter ants that grow food, and shake their bodies to communicate through vibrations. Plus, humans might grow spare teeth.

What if we could breathe with our intestines? Prof. Takanori TAKEBE proved it in pigs and is working toward human trials. A new hope for newborn babies and people with respiratory failure!

Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.

Japan turns to seawater to tackle global issues with desalination technology and hydrogen generation. Plus, a robot that enhances pianists' abilities.

Cutting-edge research has shown that parasites add to the complexity and diversity of the ecosystem. In Japan, discoveries have linked coexistence with parasites to autoimmune disease treatment.

Bleaching is destroying coral reefs around the world. But a Japanese marine biologist is now using genetic analysis technology to protect corals.

A Japanese marine research team looks for plastics on the Pacific Ocean floor, 6,000 meters down. Plus, monitoring neutrinos to better understand the Earth's long-term future.

A survey expedition field tests new equipment to automate the mapping of marine plastics. Plus, using robots, AI, and VR to study how humans learn to think.

There's hardly a greater paradise than Japan for cat lovers. Researchers there explore subjects such as the evolutionary reason for cuteness, and how cat DNA may help treat kidney disease.

Explore Japan’s advanced technology developed from building tunnels in complex geological conditions. Plus, innovative ways to keep fruit fresh.

Discover how Japan's complex geology led to the advancement of bridge construction technology. Plus, research on how nature benefits your wellbeing.

Researchers pursue the technology of threads from a microscopic world, from durable synthetic spider silk to the growth of tiny metal strands, which may have a huge application in high-tech devices.

There is a doctor who is working to develop drugs to treat myotonic dystrophy, an incurable disease. We take a closer look at Professor Masayuki NAKAMORI of Yamaguchi University and his challenge.

Quantum computers are poised to play a vital role in addressing societal issues. In this episode, we meet two researchers whose work helped lead toward quantum computers becoming a reality.