Koji Noshita Koji Noshita

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University *Profile is at the time of the award.

2026HagukumuBiology & Life sciences(hagukumu)

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Research topics: Revealing morphological diversity of leaf vein networks

Keyword

Summary: Leaf venation is a network structure that contributes to the transport of water and photosynthetic products in plants, and its morphology has diversified under trade-offs between functional demands and developmental constraints. In this study, we apply image analysis based on deep neural network models, along with quantification methods using network features, to leaf venation image databases worldwide, aiming to elucidate the diversity and constraints of venation network structures in angiosperms on a global scale. We also develop a method for acquiring leaf venation image data. Furthermore, through association analysis with climate data, we attempt to identify environmental factors that affect the morphological diversity of leaf venation.

Message

My research aims to quantitatively understand morphological evolution from both ultimate and proximate perspectives. In this study, I focus on leaf venation, which is physiologically, mechanically, and developmentally important, yet has traditionally been evaluated using relatively simple measurement methods. I attempt to elucidate its global diversity and constraints._x000D_
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Beyond leaf venation, morphological properties are important characteristics across various fields, yet they have rarely been evaluated quantitatively. I am developing theories and techniques to realize phenome analysis of morphological properties, which encompasses comprehensive modeling, quantification, and feature extraction, aiming to enable quantitative and reproducible understanding and decision-making. Using these theories and techniques, I hope to unravel why such a remarkable diversity of organisms exists in the world, and conversely, why there do not appear to be even more "strange" organisms.