[Okinawa Churashima Foundation] Initiates Joint Research with aiwell Inc. and Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido to 'Visualize' the Health of Whale Sharks, Aiming to Visualize the Health Status of Cartilaginous Fish
Okinawa Churashima Foundation, aiwell, and Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido have started a joint research project to establish objective health metrics for whale sharks and manta rays using AI-based protein biomarker analysis tech.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 4, 2026 at 02:19
- 🔍 Collected: April 4, 2026 at 05:30 (3h 11m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 02:53 (405h 22m after Collected)
The Okinawa Churashima Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Okinawa Churashima Foundation) concluded a joint research agreement on February 25, 2026, with Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Sapporo, President and CEO: Hideki Kanaoka, hereinafter "Sumitomo Corp Hokkaido") and aiwell Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Hiroyuki Mabuchi, hereinafter "aiwell"), an Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology) approved venture that provides "aiwell IPA," a rapid protein biomarker discovery technology using AI. The aim is to scientifically understand the health status of cartilaginous fish such as whale sharks and reef manta rays. Full-scale joint research will commence in April.
## Why is this research needed now?
Cartilaginous fish, including whale sharks and reef manta rays, have different physiological characteristics from mammals and common teleost fish. At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, basic health assessments based on unique blood tests have been continuously conducted for these species, and breeding management based on scientific evidence has been implemented.
In this research, we aim to realize a more detailed and objective evaluation by introducing proteomics analysis based on existing health evaluations and comprehensively analyzing changes in blood proteins. Cases that combine long-term, regular accumulated blood samples with breeding and health records from the same individual are limited. This research is a new attempt to improve the quality of health management and further enhance animal welfare by utilizing this long-term data foundation.
## Content of the Research
In this research, we will conduct comprehensive protein analysis (proteomics analysis) using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry on the plasma (blood component) of cartilaginous fish.
The main initiatives are as follows:
- Acquisition of comprehensive plasma protein data and construction of an analysis platform
- Identification of proteins that correlate with changes in health status
- Examination of its utilization as a future diagnostic indicator and its social implementation
## Expected Results
In preliminary studies so far, fluctuations in multiple proteins involved in the immune system and inflammation, as well as proteins related to nutritional status and cellular homeostasis, have been confirmed. Through this research, we aim to establish these as objective "health indicators."
In the future, this is expected to contribute to the advancement of health management systems in aquariums and research institutions, as well as the development of long-term breeding and conservation technologies for rare species.
## Role of Each Company
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation: Specimen collection, integrated analysis with breeding data, and physiological evaluation
- aiwell Inc.: Comprehensive protein analysis and biomarker discovery
- Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido: Market research and drafting of social implementation strategies
## Why is this research needed now?
Cartilaginous fish, including whale sharks and reef manta rays, have different physiological characteristics from mammals and common teleost fish. At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, basic health assessments based on unique blood tests have been continuously conducted for these species, and breeding management based on scientific evidence has been implemented.
In this research, we aim to realize a more detailed and objective evaluation by introducing proteomics analysis based on existing health evaluations and comprehensively analyzing changes in blood proteins. Cases that combine long-term, regular accumulated blood samples with breeding and health records from the same individual are limited. This research is a new attempt to improve the quality of health management and further enhance animal welfare by utilizing this long-term data foundation.
## Content of the Research
In this research, we will conduct comprehensive protein analysis (proteomics analysis) using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry on the plasma (blood component) of cartilaginous fish.
The main initiatives are as follows:
- Acquisition of comprehensive plasma protein data and construction of an analysis platform
- Identification of proteins that correlate with changes in health status
- Examination of its utilization as a future diagnostic indicator and its social implementation
## Expected Results
In preliminary studies so far, fluctuations in multiple proteins involved in the immune system and inflammation, as well as proteins related to nutritional status and cellular homeostasis, have been confirmed. Through this research, we aim to establish these as objective "health indicators."
In the future, this is expected to contribute to the advancement of health management systems in aquariums and research institutions, as well as the development of long-term breeding and conservation technologies for rare species.
## Role of Each Company
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation: Specimen collection, integrated analysis with breeding data, and physiological evaluation
- aiwell Inc.: Comprehensive protein analysis and biomarker discovery
- Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido: Market research and drafting of social implementation strategies