The researchers at AIST developed a novel approach toward methanol production from CO₂ using multinuclear catalyst including two iridium atoms in a gas-solid phase, in order to avoid the thermodynamic constraints. This catalysis promoted hydrogenation of CO₂ to methanol even at 30 °C or 0.5 MPa with high selectivity. The achievements in this study will contribute to the zero emission of greenhouse gas in future.

AIST determined the genome and analyzed the biological functions of the symbiotic bacterium found in leaf beetles. This study revealed for the first time that one species of symbiotic bacteria can perform different functions in larvae and adults of the same host insect.

AIST has developed a thermo-projection shaping method that enables easy high-speed 3D shaping without damage to electronic circuits fabricated on a flat resin sheet. The heat applied to the sheet during shaping is partially blocked to create non-deforming areas, thus avoiding damage to the circuits.

In collaboration with Kyushu University, the researchers at AIST have developed a novel analysis method that combines molecular simulation and artificial intelligence to observe the process of the formation of characteristic nanostructures in quenched liquid crystals.

Researchers in AIST developed fabrication process technology to integrate single-crystal memory elements for non-volatile memory MRAM in silicon LSI. Non-volatile memory MRAM consists of recording bits comprised of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), semiconductor transistors (CMOS) used as bit selector, metal interconnects, etc. This memory is fabricated by directly depositing polycrystalline MTJs with magnesium oxide tunnel barriers onto polycrystalline metal wires. However, MRAM is expected to reach its scaling limit with this conventional technology due to increasing performance variations and insufficient material properties of polycrystalline MTJ elements. Therefore, single-crystal MTJs with new materials and integration technology for the single-crystal MTJs are attracting attention as a solution for extend the scalability.

In collaboration with JEOL Ltd. and Marine Works Japan Ltd., the researchers in AIST succeeded in culturing strain RT761, a bacterium that plays an important role in methane production in deep subsurface environments such as natural gas fields.

Researchers at AIST has been developed a compact radiation dosimeter using power-saving wireless technology. It does not require battery replacement for two years or more. The newly developed dosimeter combines the low power consumption technology developed by AIST at the time in response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident with the latest IoT (Internet of Things) technology. This enables to check the radiation dose transition over time directly on the dosimeter unit display or an information terminal such as a smartphone, with almost no concern about battery drain.