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Nikon is contributing to the advance of well-being for everyone through its diverse optical technologies and products. The concept of SDGs overlaps this. Get to know about the fields where Nikon's technologies and products are playing a valuable role.
Field Report
Toward the future of assisted reproductive technology
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is anticipated to play a key role in addressing issues such as declining birth rates. The Fujita Medical Innovation Center Tokyo is taking initiatives to advance clinical practice, as well as research and development for ART, with Nikon microscopes performing a valuable role in supporting these efforts.
Studying health conditions through listening to the voices of cells
To keep our bodies healthy, cells in our bodies communicate with each other by sending messages. Live Cell Diagnosis Inc. has developed a technology that allows us to visualize cell-to-cell communication, or in other words, "listen to the voices of the cells," and Nikon's microscopes play an important role in this research.
Tackling trillions of synapses to uncover brain disease
The human brain contains approximately 14 trillion synapses. By studying the proteins inside synapses within the brain, Professor Seth Grant at the University of Edinburgh discovered that each activity stimulates a certain synapse which then corresponds to different electrical responses. Nikon’s microscopes are contributing to this important research.
Transformation toward Automation of Cell Manufacturing for Treatment of Ophthalmic Diseases
Changes in vision, such as difficulty seeing clearly, or distorted shapes, could indicate a possibility of “Age-related Macular Degeneration”, especially in older individuals. Astellas Pharma Inc. is undertaking the challenge of automating the cultivation of cells that can be effective in treating this ophthalmic disease. Nikon's microscopes are supporting the ongoing research and development efforts in this important endeavor.
A curiosity-sparking experience
Exciting new experiences unfold from viewing everyday life from different perspectives. Observing the world through microscopes can be the inspiration that sparks someone’s curiosity about nature. Nikon’s educational microscopes are being utilized at Rikkyo Niiza Junior and Senior High School, in Saitama, Japan.
Raising the next generation of healthcare professionals
Along with advances in medical technology that enhance people’s quality of life, medical technologists who possess specialized knowledge and skills for clinical laboratories are in great demand in order to support physicians. At the School of Medical Technology at Saitama Medical University, Nikon’s microscopes are being used to help students during their clinical laboratory training.
Eye care for Vietnam
The Japan International Eye Hospital (JIEH), located in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi, was established by PARIS MIKI HOLDINGS Inc., that supports the operations of opticians worldwide. The Optos retinal imaging device contributes to the hospital’s efforts, that are committed to providing higher-quality ophthalmic medical care for the local community.
Uncovering the secrets of brain mechanisms
A joint research group at the Laboratory for Haptic Perception and Cognitive Physiology at RIKEN Center for Brain Science developed a microscope that captures large-scale activities with a wide field-of-view, and high-resolution, high-speed imaging. Nikon’s microscope technology contributed to the project.
Building the future of ophthalmic care
Ishizuchi Eye Clinic in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan has introduced a 'direct microscopy examination of eye discharge' for diagnoses of eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, which enables greater speed and accuracy in both diagnosis and treatment. Find out how Nikon biological microscopes are being used in the field of community medicine.
Exploring the origins of life
The Astromaterial Science Research Group (ASRG) of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) manages the Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Center (ESCuC) that conducts the curatorial work of JAXA's return samples and leads planetary science at JAXA. Nikon's microscopes are being utilized to aid in this cutting-edge research.
Uncovering the secrets of cells
Yone Production Co., Ltd. has been implementing time-lapse photography using microscopes for more than half a century – with continued success in capturing images of living cells and bacteria. Recently, they succeeded in filming how the COVID-19 virus destroys cells. Find out how Nikon microscopes are used for these unique filming techniques.
Natural science through studying crabs
Three boys from the Lab. ORCA science experiment class in Hiroshima are working on research crabs. Their research is supported by the Manai Institute of Science and Technology in the form of a subsidy called the Manai Grant. This article introduces the Nikon microscopes that are utilized for the young scientists' everyday research.
Dedicated to "a world without vision loss"
Scotsman Douglas Anderson established a company when his son Leif suddenly lost vision in one of his eyes, developing new technologies that would surpass the scope of retinal imaging devices at the time. The technology is still being refined to this day and continues to save people from vision loss.
Identifying asbestos
There are efforts underway to investigate and analyze asbestos in order to more fully protect the public's health and well-being. Japan Environment Analysis Center Co., Ltd., is taking part in these worthy efforts by using Nikon microscopes to determine whether asbestos is contained within building materials or in the atmosphere.
Revealing the deepest secrets of the skin
There are many mysteries regarding this approximately 2mm-thin layer of tissue and its functions. The latest research facility of Shiseido Co., Ltd., the Shiseido Global Innovation Center, employs Nikon's microscopes to reveal the hidden secrets of our skin.
Securing the Safety of Drinking Water
The Water Analysis Center, Environmental R&D Promotion Department of Maezawa Industries, Inc. utilizes Nikon's microscopes to inspect whether a pathogenic protozoan exists in raw water intended for tap water or its original water including the surface water of rivers or underground water.
Deepening knowledge about the ocean
The Beach Experience Hall stands alongside the Enoshima Aquarium. At this Hall, Nikon's microscopes help enable visitors of all ages to observe marine life.
Handing down historical treasures
Cultural treasures and artworks have been carefully handed down over hundreds and thousands of years. The Kyushu National Museum utilizes Nikon microscopes to maintain and manage a variety of cultural assets.
Waging the fight against malaria
Malaria is one of the world's three major infectious diseases. In the Department of Protozoology at Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nikon microscopes are helping researchers unravel the mechanisms of malaria infection.
Safeguarding the fine taste of nori (seaweed) produced in Ariake
Nori (seaweed) is one of Japan's signature foods. Fukuoka Fisheries and Marine Technology Research Center Ariake Regional Laboratory uses Nikon's fluorescence microscopes to monitor nori growth and the surrounding environment.