[Human Selfishness and Environmental Problems].

Environmental problems are closely related to human activities, especially economic activities. Nevertheless, on a personal level, we do not face these problems and seem to avoid them. Why are environmental problems not taken seriously despite their urgency? As economic activities for self-profit, including money, are the essence of human behavior, we have hypothesized that, "selfishness and endless desire are the essence of human beings' instinct for survival, and as a result, environmental destruction occurs". In this paper, first, we describe through the prism of evolution how the "selfish gene" affects the survival of cells, individuals, and human society. At the same time, we detail how humans have developed the cerebrum, acquired intelligence, and developed science. Second, we describe the mechanism of modern capitalism and the global environmental situation at present. Third, we consider the relationship between human selfishness and environmental problems from three viewpoints: game theory, behavioral economics, and sociology. Finally, we propose countermeasures to environmental problems from three perspectives: social psychology, social system, and new technologies.

[Current Status and Perspective of Behavioral Science in Social Medicine].

The term behavioral science was coined in 1946 by a research group at the University of Chicago led by Miller. It is defined as "science that systematically reveals the rules of human behavior". To elucidate human behavior, they proposed combining biological science and social science. In Japan, achievements in behavioral science research have accumulated and have been applied in health education and health policy. In this paper, we describe the current status and future approaches in social medicine through an overview of behavioral science research in Japan with regard to the following five points: 1) representative theories and techniques in health behavior, 2) differences in health awareness, 3) a new approach of behavioral science based on the dual process theory, behavioral economics, and zero-order prevention, 4) diversity in behavioral changes and 5) experimental research in behavioral science.

Evaluation of electronic money system for remuneration of research participants in epidemiological study.

In a long-term large cohort study, we introduced an electronic money system for remuneration of research participants. In comparison with the delivery of cash vouchers, the operation and mailing cost, and the processing time were significantly reduced. The workers were also able to save the time and effort they spent on the inventory management of cash vouchers. In addition, risk management was improved, as demonstrated by the reduction of complaints and associated problems such as nonarrival or content differences of cash vouchers. This is because only card points as additional money need to be added once the electronic money card has been distributed to the recipients. Furthermore, the psychological stress of workers associated with inventory management and ensuring cash voucher enclosure was also reduced.

[Genetically modified food (food derived from biotechnology): current and future trends in public acceptance and safety assessment].

Current and future trends regarding genetically modified (GM) crops and food stuffs were reviewed, with a particular focus on public acceptance and safety assessment. While GM foods, foods derived from biotechnology, are popular with growers and producers, they are still a matter of some concern among consumers. In fact, our recent surveys showed that Japanese consumers had become uneasy about the potential health risks of genetically modified foods. Many Japanese consumers have only vague ideas about the actual health risks, and they appear to be making decisions simply by rejecting GM food because of non-informed doubts. Although the debate about GM foods has increased in the mass media and scientific journals, few articles concerning direct studies on the potential toxicity or adverse health effects of GM foods have appeared. The roles of relevant international regulatory bodies in ensuring that GM crops and food are safe are therefore have summarized. Finally, the current debate on use of GM crops in agriculture and future trends for development of GM foods with enriched nutrients, better functionality, and medicinal ingredients, which will be of direct benefit to the consumer, are covered.