Paper is something we use every day without much thought. White, flat—just an ordinary material. But when you zoom in with an electron microscope, a whole different world appears: a tangled network of plant fibers. Notebook paper is made of fibers of various lengths, tightly intertwined, with additives mixed in. Washi has long fibers and large open gaps, while carbonless paper is packed with tiny mechanisms that make copying text possible. Paper is designed for its purpose— by choosing the type and length of fibers, and the additives mixed into it.

Fipo is taking a break between investigations. ... ...Can Fipo take just a little longer break? ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

Have you looked up at the sky recently? By the way, clouds are made up of tiny water droplets and ice particles. Even just looking up at the sky, there is actually a whole “tiny world” to discover. Fipo is investigating the sky today ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

Today, Fipo is taking a walk around Earth. Fipo found three interesting things 🔍 A walk for a member of the investigation team is a busy one ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

A fascinating experiment you can make with just potato starch and water. When touched gently, the mixture flows like a liquid. But when you squeeze or hit it firmly, it becomes solid for just a moment. This phenomenon is known as dilatancy. Potato starch does not dissolve in water. Instead, tiny starch particles remain suspended in the water. Under normal conditions, water can move between the particles, allowing the mixture to flow like a liquid. However, when a sudden force is applied, the particles press against each other, preventing the water from moving freely. As a result, the mixture temporarily feels solid. This time, we put the mixture inside a balloon to make the experiment easy and fun to try at home. Even with everyday materials, you can experience fascinating science all around you.

It is morning. Fipo is awake. ... Fipo wants to sleep just a little longer ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

We see traffic lights every day. But have you ever wondered, “Why red, yellow and green?” In fact, each colour has been chosen for safety reasons. ◼︎Red It is easy to spot from a distance, making it suitable for communicating “Stop”. ◼︎Yellow It stands out against the surrounding scenery and is used to signal “Caution”. ◼︎Green It is easy to distinguish from red and is used to indicate that it is safe to proceed. Even the traffic lights we see without giving them much thought are designed with careful consideration of how colours are perceived and recognised, helping people stay safe. Did you already know why traffic lights use these colours?

How can you turn a glass upside down without spilling the water? The glass is upside down on a sieve, yet the water stays put. The secret lies in air pressure and surface tension. First, air has weight, and we're constantly being pushed by it. This force is called air pressure, and it acts not only from above, but from the sides and below as well. Water also has a property called surface tension. Water molecules pull towards each other, creating a thin film across the surface that tries to seal the tiny gaps in the mesh. As a result, the upward push from the air pressure and the inward pull from the surface tension work together. Because these forces are stronger than gravity pulling the water down, the water stays inside the upside-down glass. Pretty amazing what invisible air can do! 【Safety first】 • Try this experiment with an adult. • Do it somewhere it's okay if a little water spills.

At the change of seasons, temperatures can fluctuate more significantly. Fipo may need to investigate what to wear, too ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

We can communicate using “light” instead of electricity!? A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is a technology that uses light to transmit data. As the amount of data handled on the internet continues to grow, technologies like this will help support the communications of the future ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃ nitter.siddz.com/Hitachi_ht_en/status/2…

Fipo has one thing Fipo is curious about. Why do chestnuts have such a spiky outer covering? Actually, it is thought to be one of the ways plants protect their precious seeds. There is a reason behind the shapes we see in nature, isn't there? ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

Let’s make fluffy, stretchy slime! 【Materials】 ・Lightweight clay containing PVA ・Water (about 100 mL) ・Baking soda spray 【How to make it】 ① Add water to the lightweight clay little by little and mix until smooth. ② Gradually spray in the baking soda spray while mixing. ③ Knead the mixture by hand, and your fluffy, stretchy slime is ready! Why does it change? When baking soda spray is added, the ingredients in the clay cause the texture to become softer. As a result, the slime develops its unique soft, bouncy texture. 【Please note】 After playing with the slime, store it in an airtight container. Do not eat it or put it in your mouth. If young children are playing with it, please make sure they do so with an adult. Even with everyday materials, you can experience fascinating science. If you’re curious, why not give it a try?

Fipo likes sweet things 🍨 They are Fipo's reward after an investigation. ...If Fipo investigates every day, does that mean a reward every day? ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

Can you guess what kind of creature this is? With a face that looks like a panda and markings resembling a skeleton, this mysterious creature is known as the “skeleton panda sea squirt”. In fact, this creature was first discovered on Kumejima Island in Okinawa, Japan, in 2012. However, for many years, researchers did not know exactly what it was. Researchers closely examined its physical structure and analysed its DNA. As a result, it was officially confirmed as a new species in 2024. Discovering a new species doesn’t end with simply finding it. Techniques for closely examining its physical features Techniques for analysing DNA and other biological information With the help of these scientific techniques, the identities of previously unknown organisms can gradually be uncovered. Hitachi High-Tech supports research in a wide range of fields, including life sciences, healthcare and the environment, through observation and analytical technologies. Even behind its cute appearance, cutting-edge science may be hiding. What did you think this creature was at first?

Fipo's investigation notes 📝 When Fipo finds something interesting, Fipo writes it down straight away. Today's “interesting thing” is... Still a secret ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

Have you ever noticed your smartphone getting hot while watching videos or playing games? Inside your smartphone, numerous electronic components, including semiconductors, are constantly processing information. Semiconductors support a wide range of functions, from video playback and gaming to communications and AI features. The more these functions are used, the more electricity is consumed, and some of that energy is released as heat. That’s why your smartphone is more likely to get hot when: ・Watching high-resolution videos ・Playing games ・Using AI features ・Using your smartphone while it is charging Making smartphones more powerful while keeping heat generation under control is one of the important challenges in semiconductor development. The smartphones we use every day without giving them much thought are supported by layers of advanced technologies. Have you ever experienced your smartphone getting hot?

Fipo is investigating again today 🔍 When Fipo finds something interesting, Fipo gets closer to it first ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

What... is happening here!? 🌈 When coloured water is added to milk, and a “certain everyday kitchen item” is added, the colours start spreading out one after another. Fipo cannot stop wondering what is causing this movement ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃

Fipo likes spending time investigating things. Finding out something Fipo did not know makes Fipo a little happy ˂( ╹ ‿ ╹ )˃