Dear Members of the Zoological Society of Japan

There is one week left until the application deadline for the zoology experience program that we informed you about the other day.
There is still capacity available, so we kindly ask for your continued cooperation in sharing and circulating this information with the relevant parties.

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Zoological Society of Japan

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We are currently recruiting participants for the following zoology experience program.
This time, we have planned a course to learn about the function of genes in biological morphogenesis by conducting microscope observations and DNA analysis experiments using water fleas as the subject.
We kindly ask for your cooperation in sharing and circulating this information with relevant parties, such as high school teachers you may know.

Biotechnology Experience Course for High School Students
Learning Morphogenesis with Water Fleas ~Shapes Determined by Genes and Shapes Not Determined by Genes~

Date: July 30 and 31, 2026 (Two days) 10:00 - 16:30 (Registration starts at 9:30)
Location: Utsunomiya University Center for Bioscience Education and Research (350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya City)
Capacity: 40 people
Admission: Free
Application deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026

How are the shapes of living organisms determined? Even with the exact same genes (DNA), the shapes of living organisms change significantly under the influence of the environment in which they grow.
This program focuses on *Daphnia*, an organism whose form changes dramatically depending on environmental differences, such as sex being determined by day length (the length of day and night), or transforming into defensive morphs in the presence of predators. Through microscope observations and DNA testing experiments, participants learn about the role of genes in biological morphogenesis.
Also, through a recombinant DNA experiment to create glowing E. coli, we will learn the mechanism (genetic expression switches) that works within the body when such environment-dependent changes occur.
Through these experiments, we will deepen the understanding of technologies currently used in society, such as genome editing and genetic modification, while also introducing the joy of using these tools to unravel the mechanisms of living organisms.

See below for application and details.
https://c-bio.mine.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp/2026-bio-technology-course.html

Flyer is here
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vdmtmllknfgutgofcgqqz/.jpg?rlkey=8nam1scf4se48c801dllwu2a5&st=b8do7rnr&e=1&dl=0