On this episode of Science View we bring you news on Shizuku, Japan's state-of-the-art weather satellite. In August 2012, it was announced that Arctic sea ice had shrunk to a new record low. This announcement was based on data provided by Shizuku, an observation satellite developed and launched in May the same year by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). In fact, until early spring, Arctic sea ice had been relatively abundant compared to the previous decade. So scientists were caught off guard when Shizuku started to observe the rapidly diminished sea ice. But what was causing it? Was it global warming?Shizuku actually monitors the microwaves emitted by water molecules. Water, of course, can be solid, liquid or gas and the strength of the microwaves vary depending on which state it is in. These differences can tell us how much rain is falling, how the clouds are moving as well as detailed ice conditions. The microwave sensors on Shizuku can also monitor water conditions on land, seawater temperature and wind speed over the sea more precisely than ever before. The ability to observer water like this around the globe has many applications from tracking environmental changes, disaster response, weather forecasting, as well as assisting farming, fishing and various other activities, too. Professor Taikan Oki of the University of Tokyo, for example, is trying to use Shizuku's data to assist disaster response. Flooding in Thailand in October, 2011 killed more than 800 people. It also damaged factories, causing significant repercussions for the global economy. Professor Oki believes that using data from Shizuku could help prevent flood damage before it occurs. Tune in to find out what kind of data Shizuku is providing and how it's being used. Scientists also hope that data provided by Shizuku will be useful for farming and fishing. Shizuku can predict the best fishing grounds for different types of fish as well as provide data to assist in conservation efforts. The data can also help predict droughts and harvest volumes for farmers.Professor Taikan Oki of Tokyo University, the leader of a scientific team that is analyzing Shizuku's data joins us in the studio as we take a close look at the advanced technologies used in the satellite. He also talks about the latest ways its data is being used.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants obtain energy from sunlight. Scientists have long tried to artificially replicate this process. If they succeed, it could have a major impact on both energy production and our way of life. In fact, in 2011, Japanese scientists made a breakthrough discovery in the field of artificial photosynthesis. They pinpointed the structure of an enzyme that was a mystery for 200 years. The research project began 20 years. It also discovered a surprising feature of the enzyme's structure. Researchers are also using the science behind photosynthesis in an effort to use light energy to extract hydrogen from water. This research makes use of a material with astonishing properties. Can you guess what material they are using? Join us for an in depth look at latest efforts to realize artificial photosynthesis.

At 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is Japan's tallest peak. Its bold, beautiful shape is famous the world over and is often seen depicted in woodblock prints. But Fuji is also an active volcano that has erupted violently many times in the past. Today, volcanologists are growing increasingly concerned that it might erupt again in the near future. On this episode of Science View, we leave the studio and visit a village on the foothills of Mt. Fuji. We'll take a look at both the beautiful and potentially dangerous sides of the famous mountain. We'll also report on the latest research into whether another eruption will occur. This program was shot in December on a beautiful clear day. Science watcher Eiji Mizushima and Reporter Rena Yamada were able to enjoy a clear view of the snow-capped mountain. Too bad it was so cold! Our 2 hosts were practically frozen by the end of the day.