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Japan is the world’s third largest economy, but for years now it has lagged in science and research compared to smaller economies such as Germany and the United Kingdom. This Index looks at the encouraging signs that Japanese STEM is bouncing back, examining the policies and trends behind this success. Can Japanese science compete with regional rivals such as China and South Korea? What does it need, beyond money, to achieve success?
A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality that is available free online at natureindex.com.
Researchers are monitoring multiple underwater species dynamics for the first time using tiny snippets of shed environmental DNA, while others are tracing the complex routes of mineral pollutants.
Some of the biggest discoveries in history have been made when researchers challenged the status-quo – a lesson two Tokyo-based academics have taken to heart.
Clever use of absorbent materials could help harness the 80% of industrial exhaust heat energy that is currently wasted to power carbon capture technology.
A Japanese pharmaceutical company has set its sights on advancing the field of regenerative medicine, by developing a new liquid medium for growing human stem cells best suited for stem-cell therapy.
COVID-19 sparked intense interest in vaccines. Some Japanese immunologists took up the gauntlet to help slow the spread of the virus, while others have strived to digitally map human biology.
From powering miniature lab-based brains, to helping humans understand quantum mechanics, cross-pollinating AI with other disciplines is creating new and surprising research directions.