We work on elucidating the pathological mechanism of methylmercury toxicity by an all-encompassing approach from molecular levels (genes, proteins), cellular levels (cultured cells), individual levels (laboratory animals) and human body levels (pathological tissues) so as to yield applications in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of methylmercury poisoning.

Details of research done
by the Pathomechanism Group
[Japanese]

Our aim is to establish an objective method to assess clinical conditions of Minamata disease patients in the chronic phase by using magnetoencephalography, MRI and magnetic stimulation testing. We also provide state-of-the-art healthcare services, including rehabilitation care and magnetic stimulation therapy, so as to improve activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) of Minamata disease patients. Furthermore, we operate care-prevention programs, etc. as a means to delivering better welfare in the geographical regions affected by Minamata disease and sort out and disseminate information required to encourage regional reconciliation and revitalization and to perform history-based scrutiny of Minamata disease. Meanwhile, we are working to develop a system for digitizing pathological tissue specimens and other materials from autopsies of Minamata disease patients so that they should be preserved permanently and be used effectively, in view of their extremely valuable nature due to their differences from other diseases, etc.

Details of research done
by the Medical Practice/Welfare/Society Group
[Japanese]

We conduct comprehensive research on assessment of human exposures to mercury as a result of environmental pollution and health impacts that it entails. With particular focus placed on groups that experienced exposures to high-concentration methylmercury and groups consisting of fetuses, children and highly vulnerable people with health conditions, we work in elucidating methylmercury exposures and risk assessment and resulting health impacts from angles of both epidemiological research and experimental research, with a series of confounding factors, including selenium, taken into account.

Details of research done
by the Risk Assessment Group
[Japanese]

In pursuit of comprehending the dynamics of mercury, such as circulation, chemical changes of mercury in the environment, and then elucidating them, we conduct comprehensive research involving field surveys, observations, indoor experiments and a variety of analyses. We study atmospheric air, water, soil, bottom sediments and living organisms, for which geographic coverage is mainly Minamata Bay as well as the Yatsushiro Sea and the whole East Asian region, while we have the entire world in perspective in our activities relating to areas polluted with mercury, working hand in hand with international monitoring networks, etc.

Details of research done
by the Nature Environment Group
[Japanese]

We facilitate exchanges of information and mutual research-related collaboration with overseas researchers by means of international communication through the NIMD Forum and other means. On top of that, we proactively deliver a range of knowledge, techniques and experience that the National Institute for Minamata Disease has to offer by hosting and training overseas researchers according to the needs of developing countries, etc. that are faced with mercury issues. We also drive extensive international cooperation and disseminate new research outcomes and other latest information, including, above all, development of simple mercury measurement techniques that could be used in developing countries, etc.

Details of research done
by the International Contribution/
Information Group
[Japanese]