Paper by Professors Koike, Takamura, and Colleagues Receives “Best Paper Award 2024” from the Japanese Environmental Mutagen and Genome Society
A research paper authored by Professor Ayumi Koike, Professor Takeki Takamura, and Lecturer Hiromi Yoda of the Biomedical Research Center at Kanagawa Institute of Technology (Atsugi, Kanagawa), has been awarded the “Best Paper Award 2024” by the Japanese Environmental Mutagen and Genome Society.
The paper was published in the Society’s official journal, Genes and Environment.
It should also be noted that the late Professor Emeritus Hideya Takeo, formerly of the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, is included among the authors of this paper.
About the Award
The “Best Paper Award” is presented to outstanding research articles published in Genes and Environment, recognizing significant scientific contributions in the field.
Research Highlights
The awarded study was highly evaluated for developing a cell analysis system that integrates:
- AI-driven image recognition technology, and
- Experimental methods in biology and chemistry
This system enables:
- Automated detection of abnormal nuclei, including micronuclei
- Rapid and efficient assessment of DNA damage
The innovation significantly improves the speed, accuracy, and objectivity of genotoxicity evaluation, and is expected to contribute to advancements in environmental safety research.
Awarded Paper
Title: Application of image-recognition techniques to automated micronucleus detection in the in vitro micronucleus assay
Journal:
Genes and Environment, Volume 46, Article 11 (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41021-024-00305-9
Award Ceremony
The award ceremony was held on November 22, 2025, at the annual meeting of the Japanese Environmental Mutagen and Genome Society, hosted at the University of Shizuoka.
Comment from the Award Recipient
Professor Takeki Takamura commented:
“We are deeply honored to receive the Best Paper Award from this prestigious journal. This achievement reflects the successful integration of information science and life science—disciplines that traditionally have been separate. We will continue to advance this system and contribute to the development of environmental safety research.”
Related Links
- List of Best Paper Award recipients:
https://www.j-ems.org/BestPaperAward_202511.pdf - G&E Best Paper Award collection:
https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/BPA - Press release article (University Press Center):
https://www.u-presscenter.jp/article/post-53564.html
Contact Information
Research Promotion Organization, Research Public Relations Division
Kanagawa Institute of Technology
Address: 1030 Shimo-Ogino, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0292, Japan
Tel: +81-46-291-3218
Email: ken-koho@mlst.kanagawa-it.ac.jp