Blue Phalaenopsis

A groundbreaking blue Phalaenopsis orchid was developed through a collaborative effort between Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd., a chemical manufacturer, and the Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology at Chiba University's Graduate School of Horticulture.
While Phalaenopsis orchids are commonly found in shades of white, pink, and yellow, a true-blue variety had never existed until this innovation.

By introducing a blue-color gene isolated by Ishihara Sangyo, the Chiba University lab successfully enabled Phalaenopsis, which naturally lacks the ability to produce the blue pigment (delphinidin-type anthocyanin), to bloom in vibrant blue after four years of dedicated research.

UNIFLAME KOLME: a Versatile Steam Cooker

The UNIFLAME steam cooker for camping was developed through a collaboration between the outdoor brand UNIFLAME by Shin'etsu Works Co., Ltd., and the Department of Design at Chiba University's Faculty of Engineering.

Cooking multiple dishes simultaneously over a single heat source has long been a challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. By combining Shin'etsu Works' technical expertise with Chiba University's design innovation, specifically tailored to meet diverse and sophisticated needs, we created an energy-efficient cooker. This unique device enables three cooking methods, steaming, warming in hot water, and boiling all at once, making efficient and eco-friendly outdoor cooking a reality.

Insect-repellent Netting for Greenhouses

In an innovative collaboration, the Chiba University Graduate School of Horticulture, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), and Innovex Co., Ltd. have developed an advanced insect protection net for horticultural greenhouses. This novel netting is infused with chemical agents directly within its fibers.
The unique design ensures insects are repelled upon contact, meaning they avoid landing on the net and quickly disperse. This results in fewer insect remnants adhering to the net, keeping the surface clean and preserving optimal airflow for the greenhouses. This enhanced cleanliness and ventilation represents a significant step forward in greenhouse management.

Bed Sensor System Eases Workload for Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals

A collaboration between Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine and Minebea Mitsumi Inc. has led to the creation of a state-of-the-art bed sensor system designed to ease the workload of healthcare and caregiving professionals. High-precision sensors, discreetly fitted to bed legs, detect body movements and when a person leaves out of bed, entirely non-contact and non-invasive.
This breakthrough system minimizes the need for frequent nighttime patrols in care facilities. The successful commercialization of this product represents a significant step forward in smart caregiving solutions.

MIRFY: Japan-made Hip Implant for Smaller Frames

MIRFY represents a trailblazing achievement in Japanese industry-academia collaboration, addressing critical needs directly from the perspective of surgeons working with patients in the operating room.
Specifically designed for the unique anatomy of Japanese women, MIRFY, is a fully Japan-made implant that aligns seamlessly with the femoral structure of smaller frames. Traditional hip implants were primarily developed for European and American patients, whose larger bone structure often left Japanese patients underserved. Through this problem partnership, MIRFY was developed and brought to market, now serving as a key surgical tool that enhances precision and safety in the operating room for patients.

Backboard Tree: A Cutting-edge Solution for Safe and Efficient Patient Transport

Invented by an emergency physician at the Graduate School of Medicine and commercialized by SISM Co., Ltd., the Backboard Tree, is a revolutionary attachment for emergency patient transport backboards, enabling the safe and streamlined transport of patients.

Designed to hold essential equipment such as ventilators, vital signs monitors, infusions, chest drain bags, syringe pumps, rapid blood transfusion warmers, and urinary catheter bags, the Backboard Tree allows medical teams to securely transport patients without the hassle of managing complex cabling. This all-in-one transport solution significantly reduces the risks associated with prolonged stays outside the ER or ICU.

Recently, the Backboard Tree has become essential not only for transporting severely injured patients but also for ECMO patients, whose numbers surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to view the Backboard Tree in action during a training session.