OIST Podcasts

In this episode of OIST Hub Radio, we welcome OIST Associate Professor Kazumasa Tanaka to discuss new insights into how memories are stored in the brain. By examining the brains of mice placed into an artificially induced hibernation-like state, the research team uncovered a new mechanism underlying long-term memory. Until now, long-term memories have generally been thought to be maintained through the strengthening of connections between neurons, known as synapses. Using the unique approach of artificial hibernation, this study revealed new insights into the brain structures that support long-term memory. The research findings were published in the scientific journal Science. Press release: https://www.oist.jp/news-center/news/2026/8/13/artificial-hibernation-reveals-secrets-long-term-memory Why do some memories last for a long time? What can artificial hibernation reveal about what happens inside the brain? In this episode, Prof. Tanaka explains the background of the research, the key findings, and what this discovery could mean for our understanding of memory.

Our guest for this episode is Shunichi Kasahara, an OIST Visiting Researcher who leads collaborative research between the Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL) and OIST. Learn more about his work: https://shunichikasahara.com/ As AI becomes increasingly capable of natural conversations, the boundary between humans and technology is becoming closer than ever before. In this episode, we explore the theme: “A new form of humanity emerging through the integration of humans and technology.” Based at OIST’s Cybernetic Humanity Studio, Dr. Kasahara explores a future where humans and technology evolve together. Through cutting-edge research on digital twins, human augmentation, and shared senses, his work raises a fascinating possibility: the future may not be about AI replacing humans, but about technology expanding human potential. Join us for a conversation about what it means to live and thrive together with technology in the age of AI. OIST Hub Radio is a podcast featuring researchers at the forefront of diverse scientific fields and entrepreneurs working with OIST as their base. Beyond research, we explore stories about Okinawa, everyday questions, and the fascinating ideas behind science — all through relaxed and engaging conversations.

The second guest on OIST’s podcast OIST Hub Radio is ecologist Dr. Naoto Shinohara, an OIST BuruBushi Fellow. Do you think plants simply grow wherever they happen to be rooted? In reality, plants are constantly engaged in subtle strategies and interactions: Who should they grow next to? Should they cluster with their own kind or live apart? How do they coexist with stronger competitors? These quiet negotiations shape the lives of plants and the ecosystems they support. Dr. Shinohara seeks to uncover the hidden relationships among plants and the rules that govern ecosystems through a combination of field research, mathematical modeling, and meta-analyses that bring together data from around the world. Since 2025, he has been conducting his research as part of OIST’s early-career researcher support program, the BuruBushi Fellowship. What drew him to the survival strategies of plants? How does a forest appear through the eyes of an ecologist? Join us for a thoughtful exploration of the unseen rules that shape the natural world. You can also hear a more informal conversation recorded after the interview on Dr. Ryuho Kataoka’s program, Earthling Radio. Be sure to check it out as well. Guests Dr. Naoto Shinohara — Ecologist, OIST BuruBushi Fellow Dr. Ryuho Kataoka — Aurora Researcher Hisashi Gakiya — OIST Communications and Public Relations ★★★★★★ About OIST Hub Radio OIST Hub Radio welcomes a diverse range of guests, including researchers working at the forefront of their fields and entrepreneurs based at OIST. Through relaxed and engaging conversations, we explore research, Okinawa, and the everyday questions and stories that spark curiosity.

Introducing the very first episode of the OIST podcast, “OIST Hub Radio” — featuring as our inaugural guest Associate Professor Keiko Kono, a researcher studying cellular aging. “A tiny wound in the cell membrane can trigger cellular aging.” In 2024, Dr. Kono and her team made the world’s first discovery of this phenomenon, attracting international attention in the field of aging research. She is now one of the scientists leading the frontier of this rapidly evolving field. “DNA alone is not life.” Dr. Kono explores aging through the cell membrane — the “boundary of life” that separates the self from the outside world. Her work seeks to uncover the true nature of aging from this fundamental perspective. Using lasers under a microscope to create microscopic injuries in cell membranes — the experiments sound almost like “Star Wars at the microscopic scale.” The conversation also dives into fascinating questions: Do organisms that never age really exist? What is the difference between healthy longevity and immortality? And could humanity one day stop aging altogether? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion exploring the mysteries of life and the future of aging research. 【Guests】 Dr. Keiko Kono — Researcher in Cellular Aging, OIST Membranology Unit Dr. Ryuho Kataoka — Aurora Researcher, OIST Science and Technology Group Hisashi Gakiya — Communications and Public Relations, OIST

Introducing the video podcast series “OIST Hub Radio”, brought to you from OIST in Okinawa. This is our memorable Episode 0 — the very beginning of the show. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, including leading researchers from a wide range of fields and entrepreneurs based at OIST, we’ll explore topics spanning science, life in Okinawa, and even the little curiosities of everyday life — all in a relaxed and enjoyable way. This episode marks the starting point: Episode 0. What is OIST Hub Radio? What kind of conversations can you expect going forward? In this episode, we’ll answer those questions and give you a glimpse of what the show is all about. Your hosts are Dr. Ryuho Kataoka, an aurora researcher, and Hisashi Gakiya from OIST Communications Team. Whether you’re commuting or working, we hope you’ll tune in and enjoy it.