Dear Members of the Zoological Society of Japan
We received 173,049 yen in donations from 24 people for the crowdfunding campaign to implement the zoology experience program that we recently informed you about.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us and cooperated by sharing on social media.
In addition, the application period for the Biotechnology Experience Course for High School Students (Zoology Experience Program) has been extended until Monday, July 13.
The details are as follows.
If anyone nearby is interested, we would appreciate your continued cooperation in sharing and spreading this information.
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Zoological Society of Japan
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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: Monday, July 13, 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 uses Daphnia as a subject, an organism whose morphology changes drastically due to environmental differences, such as sex being determined by day length (the length of day and night), or changing into a defensive form in the presence of predators.
And then, through microscope observation and DNA analysis experiments, students learn about the function of genes in the formation of biological shapes.
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&dl=0
