Visualizing the Health of Whale Sharks: Joint Research Started to Establish Health Indicators for Cartilaginous Fish
aiwell Inc., a Tokyo Institute of Technology-certified venture, has begun a joint research project with the Okinawa Churasima Foundation (Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium) and Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido to visualize the health of whale sharks and manta rays using advanced protein analysis technology.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 18:00
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aiwell Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroyuki Mabuchi), a certified venture from Tokyo Tech (now Institute of Science Tokyo), has signed a joint research agreement in February this year with the Okinawa Churasima Foundation, which manages Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Co., Ltd. The objective is to scientifically understand the health status of cartilaginous fish such as whale sharks and reef manta rays. Full-scale joint research will begin in April.
In this research, the parties aim to establish methods for objectively evaluating health status based on changes in blood proteins by utilizing 'aiwell IPA,' a proprietary protein biomarker rapid discovery platform developed by aiwell. By identifying subtle physiological changes in animals at an early stage, the project aims to enhance science-based animal husbandry and improve animal welfare. Looking ahead, the partners also envision expanding this application to various animal species in aquariums.
### Why this research is needed now
Cartilaginous fish, including whale sharks and reef manta rays, have physiological characteristics different from mammals and common bony fish. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has continuously conducted basic health assessments based on its own blood tests for these species to perform science-based husbandry.
This research introduces proteomics analysis to existing health assessments, aiming for more detailed and objective evaluations by comprehensively analyzing changes in blood proteins. Instances of having both long-term, periodic blood samples and comprehensive breeding/health records from the same individuals are limited. This study is a new attempt to improve the quality of health management and further enrich animal welfare using such a long-term data foundation.
### Research Content
The study involves comprehensive protein analysis (proteomics analysis) using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry on the plasma (blood component) of cartilaginous fish.
Main activities include:
1. Acquisition of comprehensive plasma protein data and construction of an analytical foundation.
2. Identification of proteins correlated with changes in health status.
3. Consideration of utilizing these as diagnostic indicators and for future social implementation.
### Expected Results
Preliminary studies have confirmed fluctuations in proteins related to the immune system, inflammation, nutritional status, and cellular homeostasis. This research aims to establish these as objective 'health indicators.'
In the future, it is expected to contribute to the sophistication of health management systems in aquariums and research institutions, and to the development of long-term breeding and conservation technologies for rare species.
### Roles of Each Party
- **Okinawa Churasima Foundation**: Sample collection, integrated analysis with breeding data, and physiological evaluation.
- **aiwell Inc.**: Comprehensive protein analysis and biomarker discovery.
- **Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido**: Market research and planning for social implementation strategy.
### Future Outlook
This research aims not only to modernize animal medical and husbandry techniques in aquariums but also to address social challenges such as the conservation of marine organisms.
In this research, the parties aim to establish methods for objectively evaluating health status based on changes in blood proteins by utilizing 'aiwell IPA,' a proprietary protein biomarker rapid discovery platform developed by aiwell. By identifying subtle physiological changes in animals at an early stage, the project aims to enhance science-based animal husbandry and improve animal welfare. Looking ahead, the partners also envision expanding this application to various animal species in aquariums.
### Why this research is needed now
Cartilaginous fish, including whale sharks and reef manta rays, have physiological characteristics different from mammals and common bony fish. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has continuously conducted basic health assessments based on its own blood tests for these species to perform science-based husbandry.
This research introduces proteomics analysis to existing health assessments, aiming for more detailed and objective evaluations by comprehensively analyzing changes in blood proteins. Instances of having both long-term, periodic blood samples and comprehensive breeding/health records from the same individuals are limited. This study is a new attempt to improve the quality of health management and further enrich animal welfare using such a long-term data foundation.
### Research Content
The study involves comprehensive protein analysis (proteomics analysis) using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry on the plasma (blood component) of cartilaginous fish.
Main activities include:
1. Acquisition of comprehensive plasma protein data and construction of an analytical foundation.
2. Identification of proteins correlated with changes in health status.
3. Consideration of utilizing these as diagnostic indicators and for future social implementation.
### Expected Results
Preliminary studies have confirmed fluctuations in proteins related to the immune system, inflammation, nutritional status, and cellular homeostasis. This research aims to establish these as objective 'health indicators.'
In the future, it is expected to contribute to the sophistication of health management systems in aquariums and research institutions, and to the development of long-term breeding and conservation technologies for rare species.
### Roles of Each Party
- **Okinawa Churasima Foundation**: Sample collection, integrated analysis with breeding data, and physiological evaluation.
- **aiwell Inc.**: Comprehensive protein analysis and biomarker discovery.
- **Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido**: Market research and planning for social implementation strategy.
### Future Outlook
This research aims not only to modernize animal medical and husbandry techniques in aquariums but also to address social challenges such as the conservation of marine organisms.