Assoc.Prof. SASAI Noriaki
Developmental Biomedical Science
Please tell us about your own research and what you find interesting about it.
Our research focuses on developmental biology and cell biology to understand how organs are formed and how their functions are maintained. In particular, we’re analyzing signal molecules and genes involved in brain development and the process of ocular diseases. The appealing point of this research is that we can reveal phenomena and changes occurring in cells that are invisible.
Please tell us about the difficulties and joys of the research field.
To carry out research, it is necessary to accumulate specialist knowledge and to become proficient in experimental techniques. To achieve this, daily efforts, patients and commitment are essential. However, we feel really happy when we find something surprising after repeating trials and errors.
Please tell us about the expected results and social significance of the project.
Although our research outcome doesn’t immediately lead to the development of medical applications, it contributes to the development of basic biology, especially developmental and cell biology, and adds insights to textbooks.
A message of support for students who are about to take the exam
I believe, the students going up to the graduate school want to be professionals on research and development in the future. I’d like such people to acquire the necessary knowledge at graduate school. The most important thing is to have the interest and enthusiasm to try. We’re looking forward to welcoming such motivated people to our team.
What websites, books, review articles, and so on, do you recommend for studying in order to apply for the lab ?
As for expertise, you can learn through daily experiments and discussions in the laboratory after you enter graduate school. For now, please learn the basic knowledge of biology with general textbooks of cell and molecular biology.
What do you do to keep yourself fresh?
Nara Prefecture has a lot of beautiful scenery, so I go on drives or for walks on my days off.