"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"

So far, this year has been a busy year for MECOH. We need to take a break once in a while to refresh our minds. Of course, MECOH members are no exception!

On 8th-9th August 2024, Arata, Haruma, and Tetsu planned a summer camp for all MECOH lab members to enjoy the Japanese summer.  Friends and family were also invited! The location? It is a place that is just an hour and a half drive from Ehime University, called Akehama Seaside Sun Park.

​Akehama Seaside Sun Park is a campsite by the bay that is flanked by lush greenery on its sides. It has log house cabins, trailers, and several tent sites. In the cabins and trailers just about all of the camp’s supplies are provided so all the MECOH members can enjoy a carefree outdoor life.

​To get there, the group traveled by car. With each car having a unique pick-your-own-adventure experience.

​By noon, all MECOH members had gathered at the campsite and were greeted by the scenic vista of Akehama Bay

​Of course, as a research group, MECOH could not pass this opportunity to gather some samples around the campsite. Two teams were formed, one worked on gathering microplastics from the beach while the other made mosquito traps and placed the traps around the mountainous area.

Once work was done, members are free to enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and playing games to relax.

Suddenly, at around 4:50 p.m., the group was alarmed by sirens blaring in the background. Apparently, an earthquake and tsunami warning was issued.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever megaquake advisory, covering 707 municipalities from Okinawa to Ibaraki prefectures after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck off Miyazaki Prefecture at 4:42 p.m. on that day. 

The group happened to be in one of the 707 municipalities that were designated in advance under the protocol for an expected monster quake emanating from the Nankai Trough in the Pacific Ocean. People were urged to take caution for any possibility of danger.

Once informed, the group then moved to higher ground in an orderly fashion and stayed at the upper cabin for the rest of the day. The group took the warning seriously and acted accordingly.

​By evening, biochemists, virologists, and molecular scientists transformed into bartenders, grill masters, and professional taste-testers.  

​Throughout the barbeque, MECOH members enjoyed each others' company while sharing a meal. The overall mood was still jovial. Not even a tsunami warning could entirely dampen the mood of the group on that day! 

The highlight of the event is having Prof. Kozo Watanabe give an inspirational speech to congratulate the group for a job well done. To that, MECOH members responded with a resounding "cheers" or kanpai (乾杯).  

As night falls, everyone got to enjoy some Japanese fireworks aka hanabi (花火).  While some stared thoughtfully into the dark sky, others pondered about life's big questions just before calling it a day. 

Von earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biology from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City, Philippines. His research has focused on Philippine wildlife and emerging infectious diseases in Mindanao, with particular emphasis on the wildlife ecology, biodiversity, and the transmission dynamics of emerging infectious diseases between humans and various mammalian species. Currently, Von is investigating the virome of dengue vector mosquito populations.

​His research aims to identify and characterize co-infecting viruses in vector mosquitoes accurately. The main goal is to gain novel insights into viral dynamics, which will aid in developing targeted dengue vector mosquito control strategies and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of arboviral disease prevention efforts. His research interests include molecular ecology, vector biology, and infectious diseases.

By Danyoshi Arata

My recent travel to the Philippines, from July 17 to 24, 2024, served as an immersion to science, particularly in the field of microbiology and Philippine culture. Accompanied by Professor Kozo Watanabe and Kenneth A. Bongulto (PhD student), this trip was a hands-on experience that not only highlighted the value of collaboration scientific research but also provided opportunities to immerse in Philippine culture.
 
On the 18th and 19th, we participated in the 53rd National Convention and Scientific Meeting of Philipines society for microbiology in Bacolod City, Ilolo.  I shared my project through a poster presentation on the mobilization of 8kb carbapenem-resistant plasmid harboring Acinetobacter by horizontal gene transfer that sparked lots of interest and positive feedback. Seeing others engage with my work was motivating, Furthermore, the opportunity to observe and interact with other researchers in microbiology provided new ideas and perspectives. Despite the poster session lasting only an hour, it proved to be an invaluable experience that offered deep insights into the broader scope of microbiological research. 

On Sunday, July 21st, we explored Intramuros, an old part of Manila surrounded by ancient walls built by the Spaniards in the 16th century, and was a battleground between the Japanese and American forces during World War II. It felt like stepping back in time, walking among historic buildings and beautiful churches. The stories of wars and battles that echoed through the streets made me reflect on the history between Japan and the Philippines.

The following days, July 22nd and 23rd, were focused on collaborative meetings and attending a symposium. Visits to De La Salle University's Laguna Campus, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health and the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, University of the Philippines, Manila allowed me to engage with leading scientists and explore new research environments. These interactions fostered valuable connections in my field.

Throughout the trip, I experienced tasting delicious local cuisine such as the Chicken Inasal in Bacolod, Bagnet (deep fried pork) and the refreshing fresh mango shake. Each meal was a delightful encounter with Philippine flavors.

My trip in the Philippines was a learning experience on academic growth and Philippine culture. I am grateful for the opportunities it presented. I owe a heartfelt thank you to Professor Kozo and Kenneth-san for providing me with such valuable experiences and to Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal for ensuring our journey was seamless and enriching. Thank you very much.