VOL   19
OCT 2011

Connecting Fukuoka to the globe.

MILSTONE NEWS

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., passed away on October 6. He was a pioneering presence who helped establish our concept of personal computing and promote use of a mouse-driven interface. Apple products such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad have transformed consumption of digital content. Jobs once said, "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."

GAME CHANGERS

»Perka : This service replaces physical membership cards with online stamps received as a reward for visiting local merchants like retail shops and restaurants. Both the business and customer have the application, allowing the business to recognize high-loyalty customers.

»SYNC : In an effort to prevent accidents while texting, Ford Motor Company is equipping its new models with technology that will read incoming text messages aloud.

»Omni Touch : Microsoft has unveiled technology that utilizes a projector and depth-sensing camera to turn any surface—the palm of your hand, a notebook or wall—into a touch screen.

FUKUOKA HIGHLIGHTS

Kurume University Fights Cancer by Strengthening Immunity

Kurume University has developed a peptide-based cancer vaccine. The vaccine suppresses the progression of cancer by increasing immune cells in the patient. Immunity is strengthened through the injection of peptides similar to those found in cancerous cells extracted from the patient. Clinical trials are to begin in 2012 in cooperation with Fujifilm. » More

Shin-Idemitsu Begins Low-CO2 Hydrogen Production

Shin-Idemitsu Co., Ltd. has finished building the world’s first commercial plant to use construction debris as raw material to produce hydrogen from woody biomass. The site, located in Omuta Ecotown, produces 7,200 m3 of hydrogen per day. The process results in a 75% decrease in CO2 emissions compared with the production of hydrogen from liquefied natural gas. » More

Kyushu University Begins Organic Electroluminescence Research

A facility at Kyushu University has opened for research into cutting-edge organic electroluminescence. Research will be conducted by 50 resident researchers from 11 companies including Panasonic, Toshiba, and Ricoh. The facility has been recognized as one of the 30 leading research facilities in Japan. » More

Muromachi Chemicals Offers Drip-dry Car Wash

Muromachi Chemicals Inc. has introduced a car wash that uses reverse osmosis water purification. The system removes minerals from water so it does not leave spots or streaks on vehicles. Cars can then dry naturally without being towel-dried. Such water purification systems are also ideal for pharmaceutical and semiconductor production. » More

TOTO’s Toilet Bike Traverses Japan

TOTO’s Toilet Bike Neo has grabbed headlines by making the 1,000-km journey from the company’s headquarters in Kitakyushu to Tokyo. The bike, which is for promotional use, has a seat that looks like a toilet. Despite its appearance, however, it does not run on the rider’s own bodily waste, but rather on biogas fuel made from livestock waste and household water. » More

"Good design is good business." - Thomas J. Watson Jr.

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