JTW Digest, April 8

Author

Eldar Syzdykov
April 08, 2024

Japan Launches First Over-the-Counter Fat-Reducing Drug

On April 8th, 2023, Japan's first drug aimed at reducing fat went on sale. The drug, called "Alli" is expected to reduce visceral fat and waist circumference when taken before obesity develops. It can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription, under the guidance of a pharmacist.

- Approximately 25% of the fat you ingest is excreted through the drug.

- Conditions for purchase include a waist circumference of 85 cm or more for men and 90 cm or more for women.

- Buyers must also improve their lifestyle through exercise and diet for at least 3 months before purchasing, or record their lifestyle for 1 month.

- Pharmacists believe the drug could be useful as part of the treatment for people suffering from obesity before they seek medical attention.

Tokyo Tech Develops Safe Manufacturing Process for High-Performance Silicon Solar Cells

Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have announced a breakthrough in the manufacturing process for silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, which are expected to be the next generation of high-performance solar cells.

Key points:

- SHJ solar cells use hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) as a passivation layer to suppress carrier recombination on the silicon wafer surface, improving efficiency.

- However, the conventional a-Si:H deposition process using SiH4 (monosilane) gas is highly explosive and toxic, increasing manufacturing costs.

- The Tokyo Tech researchers have developed a safe, SiH4-free manufacturing process using the facing target sputtering (FTS) method to deposit the a-Si:H layer.

- Their experiments showed that the FTS method can achieve a high deposition rate of 31 nm/min without compromising the carrier recombination suppression effect, as evidenced by high effective carrier lifetime and open-circuit voltage (Voc) values.

- This safe, SiH4-free manufacturing process could lead to lower costs for SHJ solar cells and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, which use SHJ solar cells as a component.

- The researchers also suggest the potential for applying this technology to other a-Si:H applications beyond solar cells.

Sony Develops Innovative Energy Harvesting Technology to Power IoT from Electromagnetic Noise

Sony Semiconductor Solutions has unveiled a groundbreaking new energy harvesting (EH) technology that can generate power for IoT devices from electromagnetic noise emitted by AC-powered equipment. 

Key points:

- EH technologies have typically focused on harvesting energy from outdoor sources like sunlight, vibrations, and heat. However, this new approach targets the "wasted" electromagnetic noise generated indoors by electronics and appliances.

- The technology uses a simple dipole antenna structure to capture the electromagnetic waves, converting them into usable DC power. This avoids the hassle and cost of replacing batteries in IoT sensors and devices.

- The power generation module is compact (7mm square) and inexpensive, making it well-suited for integration into "power supply boxes" that can be installed between AC equipment and ground.

- In addition to providing power, the technology can also help reduce the electromagnetic noise emitted by the equipment, benefiting the surrounding area. It can also be used to monitor the operating status of noise sources.

- This innovative approach to energy harvesting could significantly support the spread of IoT by enabling continuous, self-powered operation of sensors and devices in smart homes, factories, and other indoor environments.

Fujifilm Introduces New Wide-Bore 1.5T MRI System with AI-Powered Patient Monitoring and Image Quality Enhancements

Fujifilm Healthcare has launched the latest version of its wide-bore 1.5 Tesla superconducting MRI system, the "ECHELON Synergy," which incorporates several advanced features and technologies:

1. Synergy Vision: A patient monitoring system that utilizes AI technology to detect patient movements during the scan. It can notify medical staff, remove motion artifacts, and even reconstruct images from data acquired before an interruption, helping to reduce the need for repeat scans.

2. Expanded Slice Line Setting Support: The automated slice positioning and angle setting function now supports imaging of the chest and hip joints, in addition to the head, spine, knee, and shoulder.

3. AI-Powered Image Quality Enhancements: New image processing algorithms leveraging AI technology reduce truncation artifacts and improve image sharpness, while also allowing for shorter scan times.

4. Improved Breast Imaging Coil: The new 17-element breast coil design enhances image quality and workflow by making it easier to properly position the patient.

These advancements in the ECHELON Synergy MRI system are aimed at improving efficiency, reducing patient burden, and delivering higher-quality diagnostic imaging results, supporting Fujifilm's goal of enhancing healthcare delivery.

Shin-Etsu Chemical Invests $80 Billion to Build New Semiconductor Materials Factory in Gunma, Japan

Shin-Etsu Chemical, a major Japanese chemical company, has announced plans to build a new factory in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture to produce semiconductor materials, particularly photoresist. The investment for this project is estimated to be around 80 billion yen (approximately $580 million).

Key points:

- This will be Shin-Etsu Chemical's first new domestic production facility in 56 years, since the completion of the Kashima Plant in 1970.

- The new factory is aimed at strengthening the supply chain for Japan's semiconductor industry, as photoresist is a critical material used in semiconductor circuit formation.

- Shin-Etsu Chemical currently produces photoresist at its plants in Taiwan and Naoetsu, Niigara Prefecture, both of which were recently expanded in 2021 and 2022.

- The Isesaki City facility will be positioned as a strategic base for semiconductor materials production and will also engage in research and development activities.

- The project is scheduled to be completed by 2026, demonstrating Shin-Etsu Chemical's commitment to supporting the growth of Japan's domestic semiconductor industry.