YCAM InterLab Camp vol. 3 was a three-day intensive workshop to help participants learn the basic concepts and potential applications of biotechnology. It was held from March 1st through the 3rd, 2019. This article is a report on the third day of the event. Click here to read the article for the first day, or see the home page for an overview of the event.
After two days of DNA extraction and analysis, we had finally made it to the last day of the workshop. Drawing on what we had learned, the focus of that day was for each group to explore the possible applications of personal biotechnology.
9:30 AM. After all of the participants had arrived, we warmed up with contact Gonzo’s exercises, which by now had become our daily routine. Similar to what we had done the previous day, we walked around in random directions and bumped into each other, while trying not to utter any sounds or make any facial expressions. That day, things got more chaotic, with people lying on the ground or rolling around. Repeating these unpredictable movements made me feel less in control, and it became more uncertain as to where I was heading and what I was going to do next.
Even when someone suddenly rolled on the ground, participants kept their blank expressions and continued moving about.
Next, we used tree branches to connect to the people surrounding us. We had tried this exercise on day 1, however, this time we were given instructions to connect in more complex forms within each group. We chose points on our bodies and on other people, and inserted branches between the points. Though the process was simple, it proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
One group built a dome-like structure around one of its members lying on the floor, while another courageous participant took a branch to the face.
The biggest insight I gained from this exercise was experiencing the “slight fluctuations inherent in life” within myself. Even if I thought I was perfectly still, slightly breathing or shifting my gaze caused the branches to relentlessly fall. Each time a branch wobbled, in attempt to maintain the stable state, all of the participants would slightly adjust their bodies to keep the balance. This reminded me of the way DNA and proteins fluctuate while maintaining vital activity. It was a valuable opportunity to have a simulated experience of the behavior of cells in biological systems.
After the exercises, we moved on to group work that explored the possible applications of biotechnology. The participants separated into the groups which were formed at the end of day 2, and discussed ideas for implementing biotechnology in society. At the end, each group had to give a five-minute presentation. For the first half of the session, the discussions proceeded for an hour and a half as the groups prepared for their interim presentations.
The members of my group consisted of Masato Takemura, who manages FabLab Hamamatsu/TAKE-SPACE, Takahiro Shinjo, who works at a sake brewery in Kagoshima Prefecture, and Kosho Asaga, a high school student (at the time of the event) at the Tennoji High School attached to Osaka Kyoiku University.
From the left: Asaga, Takemura, and Shinjo
We decided to each propose an idea, and then choose an overarching theme for our group. The first idea was proposed by Shinjo, who is in charge of research and development of Japanese alcoholic drinks like shochu at a sake brewery. His idea was to develop sake that could be enjoyed with your pets. As the genes that are associated with alcohol sensitivity (ADH1B and ALDH2) have already been identified, the idea was to examine the genomes of dogs and cats to determine their alcohol sensitivity. Then, the adequate alcohol content and flavor of the beverage will be tested so that the owners can communicate with their pets through drinks.
However, as the group began to consider this idea, we learned that dogs and cats do not have the necessary genes in the first place. Without the genes which encode enzymes that break down alcohol, enjoying a drink with dogs or cats was out of the question. The group then discussed the possibility of using genome editing techniques to modify the genes in a dog's liver cells to enable them to produce the enzymes.
Takemura proposed to create an educational system for integrated learning of biotechnology, rather than an application for biotechnology. Takemura explained, "Given that biotechnology will become indispensable to society going forward, implementing a comprehensive educational program about it within the context of public education would enhance the value and attraction of the city." His proposal was based on his unique insights gained from organizing educational programs at FabLab Hamamatsu.
My proposal for a biotechnological solution for society was "Fair Hair Trade." This idea was inspired by women's wigs, which are growing in demand as Japan's population ages. Senior women struggling with thinning hair tend to prefer wigs made of human hair, which has a more natural look. The majority of these wigs are made from hair imported from China, due to its similarity to Japanese hair. This hair is procured from women living in poor mountain villages in inland China and then sold in the market.
It is common for the hair to be obtained for the price of a few thousand yen, and then be sold as wigs in Japan for a hundred times the original price (several hundred thousand yen). By contrast, the market for hair removal in Japan continues to grow. If we could extract proteins from the large quantities of removed hair that is being disposed of every day to synthesize long strands of hair, it would simultaneously resolve the problems associated with buying human hair and hair loss.
Asaga, a high school student at the time of the event, proposed one way of implementing this idea. (He considered the feasibility of this idea soon after the group was formed.) His idea was to collect hair waste produced in homes and hair salons, hydrolyze it, and use the extracted amino acids to synthesize proteins (hair). He believed that synthesizing circular DNA which included genes related to hair and also adding enzymes and ribosomes would theoretically allow for mass production of proteins outside the cell.
Other members of the group gave various feedback. Shinjo pointed out the issues of cost and quality of the synthesized hair, while Takemura suggested that culturing hair from scratch would likely be faster. These remarks were quite right. It has to be said that there is a wide gap between coming up with an idea and actually implementing it as a new product or service.
Ito of YCAM, who had been listening in on our discussion, gave us a useful piece of advice. According to Ito, researchers at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research are currently developing techniques to regenerate hair follicles in mice. The team succeeded in creating a cluster of cells (a primordium) from stem cells extracted from the hair follicles of a mouse, and transplanting them to the back of another nude mouse to grow hair. Apparently, RIKEN is currently pursuing research and development towards clinical research on human subjects.
Takemura stated, "In that case, you might be able to use stem cells from your own hair follicles to become something like a surrogate mother -- surrogate hair grower." Asaga added, "If you could transplant stem cells, you wouldn’t need a wig and could grow your own hair." However, considering this method of personal hair growth would make us significantly deviate from our original concept which was to synthesize strands of hair from excess hair to solve the issue of unfair hair trade. Therefore, we decided to focus on the theme of ethical wig production.
With no more time remaining for the morning session, each group began giving their interim presentations.
Our group summarized the three ideas we were considering. For the Fair Hair Trade proposal, there was a decent reaction from the crowd, with Hideo Iwasaki (professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Waseda University), who had given a talk on day 2, taking a particular interest, by which we were very delighted.
Ideas proposed by other groups included a service combining biotechnology with Indian medicine, a tool used to exchange the lactic acid bacteria in our bodies, a project that compares DNA extraction to the ideologies of the traditional arts of Japan, and many other intriguing proposals.
Each group used Post-Its and paper to organize their ideas
After the interim presentations, Philipp Boeing (developer of Bento Lab), who gave a talk on day 1, came over to our table and gave us some advice. Taking chocolate as an example, he said, "There are foods that are harmless to humans, but harmful to dogs. Similarly, alcohol is a harmful substance that dogs can’t digest. If we could sit at the bar with man's best friend and enjoy a drink, it'd make for a wonderful experience. But realizing this may be quite difficult."
At Boeing's suggestion, we decided to reconsider the three ideas that afternoon, including the ethical aspects of those issues.
The Genome Bentos served on the last day were provided as hors d'oeuvres. The menu, developed by Vegetable Cafe ToyToy, was called "Genome Calendar Hors d'oeuvres and Genome Bowls”.
The dishes were made from ingredients whose genomes had been sequenced between 2011 and 2017 and were arranged in chronological order. These ingredients would then be placed on a Genome Bowl made from ingredients whose genomes had been sequenced by 2010, along with a special Genome Sauce consisting of miso paste, sesame, and almond, making for quite a novel concept.
There was also Genome Soup made with mushrooms like king oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and shimeji mushrooms.
Though the Genome Bowl started out simple, the flavor became richer as the options of seasonings and ingredients increased each year. The Genome Bento served on day 3 was a one-of-a-kind experience, like tasting the history of genome sequencing. YCAM is likely the only place in the world where you can enjoy these genomic dishes.
Tako-meshi inari sushi (fried tofu filled with black rice and octopus) was inspired by the MinION nanopore sequencer. Such attention to detail!
During lunch time, Fumie Takahara of YCAM introduced Rinji Akada, a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Applied Chemistry, Yamaguchi University and also talked about his achievements. Since the beginning of YCAM Bio Research, Akada has long been involved in the project as an advisor. Specializing in genetic engineering and yeast genetics, he is also known for producing the world's first genetically modified Japanese sake in 2003.
Akada's first encounter with YCAM came about when the YCAM members visited his laboratory to ask for advice on setting up a bio lab. At that time, the members learned that Akada was developing a recombinant DNA experiment kit for educational use using baker’s yeast. This was a decisive factor that led to various collaborations. The workshop series The Wisdom of Fermentation -- Local Food x Bio (2016) and Beginning Bio from the Kitchen (2016) would have never come to fruition without Akada.
Akada has also been working with Yanagiya Machinery Co., Ltd., a food machinery manufacturer based in Yamaguchi Prefecture, to develop high-capacity PCR devices (thermal cyclers). Still struggling with temperature control performance, conventional PCR devices can only amplify DNA in a solution of about 10 to 50 μL. Akada thus sought to collaborate with Yanagiya Machinery Co., Ltd., given its proven track record in developing precise temperature control devices for producing kanikama (crab sticks). In 2017, they succeeded in developing a PCR device capable of amplifying DNA in a solution of 10mL which is 1,000 times the amount of conventional methods. Currently, they are working on research and development of equipment that offers more enhanced DNA synthesis capabilities.
A high-capacity PCR device (Kanikama PCR) that can amplify DNA in a solution of 10mL; Photographed by Kazutoshi Tsuda
Akada described YCAM as a group of "wild people -- in a good sense."
"Doing a workshop for the general public like this one, where we tackle such complex subjects over three days -- it's something so challenging that even specialists like us would hesitate to do." (laughs) "That’s why YCAM inspires me. I’m looking forward to seeing the 'wild' ideas you’ve come up with at the afternoon session!"
During the afternoon session, the groups continued to discuss their topics further.
Discussions and research was done simultaneously as the participants put their ideas together
The participants wrote down their comments and ideas on a board
YCAM members and the workshop’s speakers took part in the group discussions and provided advice
Our group mainly discussed about Fair Hair Trade. In the first place, how much hair would we need to make a full wig? How would we collect enough removed hair? And how much would it cost to hydrolyze that to amino acids and synthesize strains of hair…? We began exploring these issues, but quickly ran into a wall. Given that the hair industry is already a mature business, attempting to create wigs out of discarded hair seemed as the wrong approach in terms of using biotechnological solutions to serve society.
Many major companies today are pursuing research and development in this area, beyond just wigs. For example, Aderans Co., Ltd., a leading hair company, has begun joint research on synthetic hair materials with Spiber Inc., a bioventure known for its development of synthetic spider silk. Also, as mentioned above, RIKEN has developed a technique to regrow hair from hair follicles.
Therefore, rather than focusing on a practical application, we began to consider using an artistic approach to shine a light on the reality that girls in rural areas of China are trading their hair for low prices.
My remarks were: "It might be interesting to analyze the DNA in wigs made entirely from human hair to determine the hair provider’s age, sex, and where they are from."
Shinjo: "Yes, it would be great to visualize the origin of the hair used in the wig. Starting from the woman who sold her hair, you could see the route the hair took as it made its way to Japan as a wig. This might also highlight the presence of brokers."
Takemura: "Understanding that wigs are not just a standalone product, but are made from the hair of foreign people, may lead to new relations between the hair seller and the wig buyer. If we could then visualize that flow and create wigs by culturing hair based on the owner's genes..."
However, we did not have enough time to consider whether DNA could be extracted from the wigs and be analyzed, whether the analysis data could be used to estimate the origin of the hair (such as ethnicity and place of residence), and in what way that route should be displayed. Consequently, the presentation for our Fair Hair Trade idea did not differ much from our interim presentation. We also decided to incorporate the proposals made by Shinjo and Takemura into the final presentation.
Here are all of the projects presented by each group.
This group focused on the sense of smell which is one of the five senses that has a strong influence in evoking memories. They presented their concept about Scent Camera, a camera-like device designed to capture scents and reproduce them. This camera-like device has a sensor which detects scents and an analyzer which immediately converts the scent component to data. Then, the analyzed data would be saved on the storage media. Scents would be reproduced in special salons (scent rooms) where the scents are blended. In the room, once the user inserts the storage media into a device, the scent would be generated, allowing the user to have a simulated experience of the memory associated to the scent. The odor sensor would be implemented by applying a technology to visualize odors using cultured insect cells that are genetically engineered to incorporate olfactory receptors of insects.
This project was influenced by the reality that people are being exposed to vast amounts of information, yet experiences that appeal to our five senses have hardly improved. Therefore, one of the major aims of Scent Camera is to use scent to evoke certain memories, as well as positive or happy feelings, in order to contribute to the betterment of the user’s mental and physical health. This was a well-elaborated proposal that also considered the ideal way of using biotechnology.
This group presented two ideas which both targeted a demographic that are indifferent to genomes or biology and explored ways of getting them personally interested in those subjects.
Microbial Wars: Genome Battler is an attempt to transform the time-consuming and patience-requiring process of DNA extraction and genome analysis into a fun activity through gamification. The goal is to increase the users' interest in DIY biology and motivation for genomic analysis. In Genome Battler, genomic data related to the user would be saved as a FASTQ file and uploaded to a device which the users would use to play against each other. However, in order to prevent genetic discrimination, rather than using the user’s own genetic information, the system uses genomic information of the microbes living in the user’s body. That information would be used to score how healthy the users are which determines the outcome of the battle. Given the current hurdles for developing such a device, the implementation of this project would rely on the use of local bio labs which are open to the public. Making a network of these spaces may drive new innovation and become a platform where ethical issues could be discussed face-to-face.
Edible Zoo is a project that uses a zoo not only to sustain biological systems but also to familiarize the public with the field of genomics. In the corner of a zoo, an exhibition space would be installed displaying cultured meat of the animals in the park. Assuming that the visitors would have different opinions as to whether or not they would be willing to eat the meat, the exhibition will also have a space to discuss where to draw that line. By thinking about the boundaries of life and non-life and oneself and others, the goal is to revisit the fundamental question, "What is life?"
During the critique session, DIY biologist Sebastian Cocioba said, "The notion of eating cultured meat in a zoo is extremely interesting." He also described a startup called BiteLabs which aims to obtain tissue samples from celebrities and culture the meat to make salami.
Inspired by the simple question of why happy people tend to be surrounded with happy people, this group came up with a platform for swapping lactic acid bacteria in our bodies. The concept was based on the unique hypothesis that the human body is not a single entity, but a congeries of local communities where various microbes, bacteria, and cells interact. The project’s objective is to increase the happiness of humanity as a whole by sharing and spreading lactic acid bacteria possessed by happy people (good bacteria).
The interface would consist of a silicone-based culture media that would keep the lactic acid bacteria alive, and the bacterial would be exchanged similar to the way Japanese people used to share nukadoko (a rice bran bed for pickling). In addition, the culture media could be installed in train stations or park benches so that the bacteria can be collected and exchanged with a crowd of people. While the proposal does have some issues in terms of the potential leak of personal information and sanitary concerns of bacterial overgrowth, this project might lead to opportunities for positive learning experiences of biology and revitalizing local communities.
During the critique, Ito of YCAM said, " If a certain amount of people were to accept this concept, there may come a day when people would collect and trade lactic acid bacteria like Pokémon." Philipp Boeing said, "Good bacteria could contribute to local branding. For example, saying that a particular hot spring is rich in a certain kind of bacteria which is good for your skin." Katayama added, "There are still many bacteria we cannot culture, and at our lab we’re currently exploring AI-driven approaches to predict the suitable cultivation conditions for each bacterium."
This presentation by a group of three women consisted of two ideas and one prototype. In companion bios the houseplant becomes a part of the family by inserting the family members’ DNA that determines eye, skin, or hair color into the plant. The idea came from the hypothesis that cherishing plants as if they were your alternate self could have a healing effect. The plants could also be miniaturized to make products such as smartphone charms or accessories (in fact, in the 1990s, merchandise containing the DNA of popular idols was sold in South Korea). However, the legal problems of inserting human genes into plants and the risk of these plants breeding in nature are major concerns that need to be resolved.
The idea for Immunity Clay stemmed from the current paradox we face, where people excessively try to create hygienic environments, but also surround themselves with multiple chemical products. Immunity Clay consists of clay made from rice or wheat and a moderate amount of different bacteria. By repeatedly touching the clay and gradually being exposed to the bacterium, it will help the users to strengthen their immunity. Incidentally, this idea was inspired by research from South Korea that discovered infants delivered by caesarean section had increased immunity when they were exposed to cloths containing substances from the mother's birth canal.
The last project the group presented was the FUNgisizer, a VJ system prototype using biological genome information. The system showed different videos based on the mushroom’s genomic data obtained on day 1. Given that genome data is described using the letters A, T, C, and G, sixteen patterns of sequences were assigned to play different videos. For the presentation, the display switched between sixteen prepared pieces of footage to music by Steve Reich.
This group also had two ideas to present. The first idea was the Thinking about Genomes through Tomatoes project, which was intended for exhibiting at museums. A variety of genetically modified tomatoes (micro tomatoes) would be displayed, and as the viewers decide whether or not they would eat them, it would also make them think about genome analysis and genetic modification. During the presentation, they presented a variety of micro tomatoes such as blue tomatoes, square tomatoes, tomatoes that treat hay fever, tomatoes with beards, tomatoes with your DNA in them, and for each tomato the participants made their decisions by a show of hands. In this way, the goal was to provide an opportunity to rethink issues that are often overlooked.
The second proposal involved creating a Genomic Food Log which examines whether your favorite food which you chose by taste corresponds with the food suited to your body at a DNA level. The service would list the most adequate food for the user based on their genome information and gut microbiota. Further expanding on this service, they also proposed a dating app that matches users with similar taste preferences at a genomic level, and a Genome Bar where customers can discuss about genome-related topics. The notion behind this project is that, given how rapidly biotechnology develops, in order to make the right choices in this field, there should be more opportunities to think about the available options.
During the critique phase, Philipp Boeing made a remark about a similar project by BCL, an artistic research framework he takes part in. The project called Biopresence was released in 2005 and proposed to store the DNA of loved ones in apple trees to create a living memorial.
Iwasaki also commented that "Although DNA can be one of the most private information, I don’t agree that it should be used to represent individuality.” While having a conscious stance on using something as stable as DNA data as a metaphor for humans which are lifeforms that evolve with the environment, he also described how the project was interesting in that it could be used to debate that concept.
The most unique presentation -- and the one that had the biggest response -- was The Art of DNA. As the members of the group had been practicing tea ceremony and martial arts in their spare time, they settled on exploring the commonality between the process of DNA extraction and analysis and the principles of Japanese traditional arts. Their presentation involved comparing the two activities using slides.
The act of whisking tea powder is very similar to the process of grinding the samples to extract DNA. The four elements of tea ceremony (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility) is also common to the approach of DNA extraction. In the tea ceremony, the four elements suggests that the host of the ceremony and the guests should be calm, they should mutually show respect for each other, and they should keep the room and utensils clean and serene. DNA extraction also emphasizes teamwork and the need to keep your hands and lab equipment clean. In addition, when whisking tea powder, it is said that if you are distracted it can affect the tea’s taste; similarly, when extracting DNA, losing your focus can lead to less yields of DNA.
In other words, by reinterpreting the complex and esoteric experimental processes using the etiquettes in Japanese traditional arts which are familiar to Japanese people, personal biotechnology may become more acceptable and reach a wider range of people. This group concluded their presentation by mentioning the triumphant moment we all had during the DNA extraction process on day 1, saying, "The act of DNA extraction itself is an art."
Our group focused on the growing wig market and sought to address the reality that both the sellers of human hair and buyers of wigs are not receiving the appropriate benefits. The project seeks to synthesize strands of hair from epilated human hair in order to raise the issue of the unfair hair trade. If this project were to be executed, it might resolve the unfair trade, but the girls in mountain villages will also be deprived of a valuable source of income. We emphasized the need to also explore other solutions to handle these side effects.
Takemura hypothesized that bioliteracy of a community could improve the local brand, and suggested that "it might be beneficial if bio-related regulations differed in each region." He also noted that bioliteracy may in the future become one of the factors for selecting a place to live.
Shinjo named his project "A Toast With Your Pet!" and presented the possible ways of enjoying a drink with one's pet as a new form of communication. However, as mentioned above, dogs and cats cannot digest alcohol, and genome editing would be necessary to enable that digestion. Would this be ethically permissible? The presentation concluded by raising the remaining issues, such as the open question of whether dogs would even enjoy drinking and how to properly evaluate this.
The final group proposed the concept of the Bio Trans Company, a virtual company that provides bio-oriented experiences, and its flagship tour called “Bio Shakti Tour”.
The Bio Trans Company plans to partner with YCAM and contact Gonzo to offer a range of tours and events relating to personal biotechnology. The main focus would be on the Bio Shakti Tour which revolves around Indian medicine. Since 2010, the clinical practices in India have been ramping up efforts to integrate genotypes (the genetic makeup of an organism) and phenotypes (observable characteristics expressed by genotypes). This tour would leverage these insights to provide a month-long treatment regimen as well as advice on the necessities of life. The wide range of treatments, which are quite intense, would include having your blood sucked by leeches and enemas made from a solution of cow urine and medicinal herbs.
The presentation also touched on the possible issues for actually organizing the tour. They stated the need to further consider how to handle personal genomic data, to create an integrated genomic database dedicated to Japanese people, and to follow the Medical Practitioners' Act and Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.
Mayumi Kamada, an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Data Intelligence, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, who gave a talk on day 2, made remarks on the current state of integrating genome data in Japan. "The integration of genotypes and phenotypes is something we have started working on, but it is very challenging. In Japan, the medical information you want to handle must be defined and it needs to be approved by the ethical review at each institution . If the genomic data contains more than forty SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), it is considered personal information, making it very challenging to work with. The debate on how to integrate the genome data is still ongoing worldwide.
The presentations of all eight groups had ended. The intense, three-day workshop had come to a close with a round of applause from all of the participants.
For people who are unrelated to experiments, this three-day event was akin to grappling with a micro-world that is invisible to the naked eye. At the same time, it was an opportunity to thoroughly confront the fundamental question of "What is life?" The more I learned about the world of genomes, the more I came to realize how I was also a part of the continuous chain of life. It also made me think about where the boundary between oneself and others lies, and what human individuality might mean.
Even now, a multitude of cells in our bodies are working relentlessly, spinning the thread of life towards the future. In that sense, personal biotechnology is also a way for us to feel alive.
I will conclude this report with some feedback from the participants that had experienced personal biotechnology through this workshop for the first time.
Minoru Ito, lead design engineer at the thriving creators' group, Takram:
"This workshop was a chance to learn the very basics of personal biotechnology, although extracting DNA alone was a time-consuming process and much harder than I’d expected. Not to mention, we only got a few microliters of yield after all that work. It was a very valuable experience to share these challenges with other participants. Though some aspects of biology and genomics can be hard to understand, it's an area where people can enjoy the experiences together through trial and error. Realizing that was a major discovery. The era of personal biotechnology is just beginning, making it a very exciting field in which various domains such as engineering, philosophy, and ethics are all combined. I'm really looking forward to seeing how different the world will be ten years from now."
Luca Akaeda, a high school student from Lyon, France:
"My mother told me about this workshop. I usually live in France and I wanted to meet new communities and people in Japan, so I decided to participate. It's my first time to visit both Yamaguchi and YCAM. From the first day, we had to process a lot of information and do some hard experiments, but the YCAM staff were very helpful in explaining the process and made it easier to learn. I felt like I was less focused on day 2 since the lectures were very technical and I was tired from day 1. Also, the computer I brought with me didn’t have enough space to perform genomic analysis, which was a shame. But, the succession of activities were those that I couldn’t have experienced in my daily life, so these three days were very inspiring. If possible, I'd like to take part again."
Takahiro Shinjo, in charge of research and development at Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd., a sake brewery in Kagoshima Prefecture:
“I’ve been using biotechnology in R&D for quite some time. But, after learning about the personal biotechnology movement that has been growing in recent years, I decided to participate in this workshop. Biotechnology is quite challenging to work with, but taking part in this workshop has convinced me that this technology is gradually becoming accessible to the general public. I personally thought that the democratization of biotechnology would happen much farther in the future, so this came as quite a shock. That’s why I definitely feel the need to learn more about the underlying technologies and pursue discussions about bioethics. I was also very impressed by the idea of The Art of DNA which incorporates the etiquettes of Japanese tea ceremonies in biotechnology. Though DNA is a substance, it is a sign of life worthy of respect. This workshop made me realize anew how important it is to constantly be aware of the presence of life when working with biotechnology. I hope I can apply the insights I gained here to my ongoing research."
Participants signed the Bento Lab which we had used for the challenging DNA experiments.
At the end, we took a group photo while posing with the Yamaguchi sign. All of the participants wrapped up the three-day workshop with beaming smiles!
Hands-on workshops to learn how to identify species of animal, find their genetic characteristics, and read DNA information (DNA sequencing).
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