Conducting Basic Research Basic research in bioscience is carried out by five research departments. Research activities of the Molecular Oncology Department aim at elucidating the mechanisms by which oncogene products generate signals that lead to the transformation of cells into cancer. The Molecular Biology Department, analyzes cell adhesion to elucidate the basic mechanism behind the construction and maintenance of cells, a characteristic of multicellular organisms. These two departments are exploring knowledge that can lead to the prevention and treatment of cancer. The Molecular Behavioral Biology Department studies the mechanism of sleep-wake regulation, sleep-wake being the basic phenomenon observed in all organisms with the aim of helping overcome sleep disorders and develop sleep regulators without adverse reactions. For the Neuroscience Department, efforts are made to explore issues pertaining to mental diseases and the mind, with the theme "molecular basis for brain functions," using gene engineering approaches. The primary goal of the research activities for the Developmental Biology Department is to elucidate the mechanism of retinal development to compile basic data that may lead to the treatment of blindness. These two departments are seeking advances in human welfare through bioscience.