Video streaming service, "GU Research" by Gifu University faculty members was launched. In "GU Research," Gifu University professors introduce their research activities in 15-20 minute video to showcase the real attractions of studying and researching at Gifu University.

In "GU Research: Part 1," three professors give a summary of their research. They are: Professor Emiko Yanase from the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences (Title: Close in on dynamic transformation of polyphenols in the tea processing), Professor Hiroyuki Koyama, also from the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences (Title: Breeding of acid soil tolerant varieties), and Professor Sakae Mitsui from the School of Social System Management (Title: Measures to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Mt. Norikura- Insights from the evaluation of social experiments and the effective utilization of survey data). Please feel free to access our "GU Research" site.

Professor Emiko Yanase from the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences

"Close in on dynamic transformation of polyphenols in the tea processing"
It is well known that properties of polyphenols significantly change in the tea processing for black tea, oolong tea, etc. My research objective is to close in on the mystery of this phenomenal transformation of polyphenols on the molecular level.

Professor Hiroyuki Koyama from the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences

"Breeding of acid soil tolerant varieties"
Acid soil syndrome is one of the most serious environmental stress factors that limits agriculture production in Southeast Asia and Africa. The syndrome includes root growth inhibition, and therefore it often associates with severe drought disaster. Transgenic breeding of acid-stress tolerant varieties would solve such problems. This approach would also suppress CO2 emission of agriculture by reducing application of the fertilizer/amendments, which is usually essential for agriculture in acid soils.

Professor Sakae Mitsui from the School of Social System Management

"Measures to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Mt. Norikura- Insights from the evaluation of social experiments and the effective utilization of survey data"
Norikura Skyline, known as the "highest roadway in Japan" leading to the summit of Mt. Norikura (Gifu Prefecture) was opened to vehicular traffic in 1973. However in 2003, private cars were excluded from the Skyline in order to protect the natural environment. Since then, the number of visitors to the mountain has dropped and the local economy which depends on tourism has suffered a great loss. On the other hand, thanks to the rise in popularity of "cycle-hill-climbers" nationwide, the number of bicycle hill climbers to the mountain has increased. To promote local economic viability and spending among bicycle hill climbers, our research team made an attempt at a social experiment with the idea of using a popular Japanese capsule toy called "gacha." The gacha named "Norikura dake Gacha" were set up at the entrance of Norikura Skyline and on the mountain top. Each dispensed capsule contains a tin badge, a meal voucher, a road rules for bicycle hill climbers and a local area map to encourage visitors to further explore neighboring towns.