It is no exaggeration to say that modern biology began with measurement. Measurements of distance and intensity related to targets are the basis of structural determination of DNA and proteins by X-ray diffraction. In addition, enzymatic functions have been quantitatively studied by measuring enzyme kinetics. Recent dramatic advances in molecular and cell imaging have enabled the elucidation of numerous molecular and cellular functions through measurement of light intensity, color, and distance. Measurement is now more important than ever in life science. Therefore, we seek to quantitatively understand the structures and functions of cells and life as a whole. Specifically, we will perform 1) high-resolution measurement of molecules, cells, and whole organisms; 2) measurement of various types of quantities; 3) analysis of a large amount of data; and 4) development of new measurement techniques.


Example of molecular research: Behavior of a group of myosin molecules measured at the single-molecule level. We found that its elasticity is non-linear, and that individual myosin molecules undergo about 8 mm of structural changes, resulting in the exertion of force.