By 葛川哲 Tetsu KUZUKAWA ​

私たちはスポーツも楽しみます！
MEcoHに参加することは、分子生態学と健康に関する研究を追求するだけでなく、コミュニティを深めるための楽しい活動も体験できる場です。その一環として、私たちは毎年CMES（海洋環境科学センター）主催の親睦ソフトボール大会に参加しています。この大会では、学問の垣根を越えて、学生から教授までが一緒に楽しむ素晴らしい機会を提供しています。

We enjoy sports!
Being part of MEcoH does not only provide the opportunity to pursue a life of research in molecular ecology and health, but it could also deepen our bonds through fun activities. We had the honor of participating in the annual friendly softball tournament organized by CMES (Centre for Marine and Environmental Studies). By shattering academic boundaries, the tournament provided a great opportunity for students and professors alike to have fun and get to know each other better.

CMESに所属するメンバーであれば誰でも参加可能で、当日は朝から夕方まで、愛媛大学の山越グラウンドでプレイヤーたちが熱戦を繰り広げました。

​Any member of CMES could participate. From morning until evening, each CMES member competed enthusiastically at Ehime University's Yamakoshi Ground. 

去年を踏まえての挑戦
今年のソフトボール大会は、3年間のコロナ禍による制限が解除されて2回目の開催となりました。去年参加した人の多くが今年も参加しており、野球のルールなどを去年よりも理解をして挑むことができました！参加者全員がその自由を満喫し、スポーツを通じた絆を深める場となりました。この大会は、競争だけではなく、リーダーシップ、チームワーク、そして友好的な雰囲気を育む絶好の機会でもあります。
MEcoHのメンバーは、野球よりもクリケット経験者が多く、去年はそのルールの差からエラーなどもありました。しかし！今年は、クリケット経験者たちがものすごい成長を見せてくれ、チームMEcoHの主力選手となりました！

Challenges from last year
This year's softball tournament was the second one held since the government-imposed corona virus pandemic travel restriction had been lifted. Many of those who took part last year took part again this year and were able to take on the challenge with a better understanding of the rules of softball! All participants enjoyed a sense of freedom during the event. Although the tournament was competitive, a friendly atmosphere was clearly present, this gave the participants an opportunity to develop their leadership and teamwork. Many MEcoH members have more cricket experience than softball, and admittedly, last year there were some errors due to the differences in the rules. However! This year, the experienced cricketers have shown tremendous growth and have become the mainstays of Team MEcoH!

素晴らしい成果と次への挑戦
MEcoHチームは、今回見事に3位を獲得しました！
​全員が全力でプレーし、その結果が3位という形で報われました。
「チームワークが私たちを形作る」
このようなイベントは、学術的なつながりを超えて、人と人の結束を強める大切な時間を提供してくれます。私たちも、来年さらに良い結果を目指して頑張りたいと思います

A great achievement and a challenge for the next round
Everyone played their hearts out and impressively, the MEcoH team made it into third place this time!
'Teamwork shapes us'
Events like this provide an important time to strengthen the bonds between people, beyond the academic connection. We, too, will strive for a better result next year.

来年もぜひご参加を！
次回のソフトボール大会では、新たなメンバーや応援者として皆さんが参加することを楽しみにしています！

We hope you will join us next year!
We look forward to having you as a new member or supporter at our next softball tournament!

In another one-day field sampling across the Shigenobu River, Dr. Joeselle was accompanied by MEcoH lab members, i.e., Dr. Anwar Hossain (postdoc), Dan Joseph Logronio (Ph.D. student), Jomel Limbago, Md. Shafiujjaman (research students), and Yayoi Ikenaga (lab technician). In this research activity, Joeselle aims to assess the influence of anthropogenic pollution (specifically micropollutants) on biodiversity in river ecosystems. Still, there is no comprehensive assessment of the pollutant load of the Shigenobu River, which makes it a good candidate to assess in this study. In particular, it is a good site since the headwater has low anthropogenic influence and increases as it goes downstream to the mouth.

The group collected environmental samples from 10 monitoring sites along an intermittent river spanning three cities in Ehime, Japan. The shigenobu sampling team included Dr. Joeselle, Dr. Anwar (postdoc), Jomel (research student), Dan (Ph.D. student), and Shafi (research student). They gathered eDNA samples using a closed-filtering unit from SUCCeSS' eDNA sampling kit, top-layer sediments via sediment core sampling, and surface water. These samples will be used for biological community profiling through eDNA metabarcoding and non-target analysis of polar organic chemical contaminants. Dr. Joeselle shared these eDNA sampling methods with the MEcoH team, fostering method sharing and knowledge transfer within the group.

Dr. Joeselle also shared his expertise in molecular ecology techniques by conducting a half-day course on DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling for MEcoH undergraduate students (B3) alongside Assistant Professor Dr. Kohei Hamamoto. This metabarcoding and eDNA sampling course provided students with a brief introductory lecture on metabarcoding and its applications for community-level assessments, complemented by hands-on experience in eDNA sampling within aquatic ecosystems. For the field course, the students visited a narrow canal near the university to collect samples of eDNA, sediment, and water. The skills and knowledge gained during this course will be valuable for their future work in environmental monitoring and biodiversity assessments.

Dr. Joeselle participated in the JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium on One Health Approaches to Chemical Risk Management from September 30 to October 1 at Ehime University. The event was joined by delegates from South and Southeast Asian countries and Japan, with the common goal of sharing their expertise and discussing research directions to achieve sustainable development focusing on mitigating the impact of various chemicals used in fields such as medicine, agriculture, aquaculture, and animal husbandry on the environment and ecosystems. ​Dr. Joeselle participated in the poster session by presenting his study on the “Microbial Degradation Potential of Hydrocarbon Contaminants across the Baltic Sea”.

​He also attended the LaMer Symposium on "Metabolomics and Advanced Analytical Technologies in the Study of Insects, Vector-Borne Diseases and Biological Control" last October 2 at Ehime University.

Dr. Joeselle presented his research group's SUCCeSS project on “Safe water reuse in a changing environment: microbial degradation of contaminants in rivers” at the MEcoH Seminar. He highlighted his multidisciplinary group’s ongoing research focused on exploring and utilizing the natural capabilities of microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants, aiming to promote safer and more sustainable water reuse from European rivers. He shared his group’s efforts to integrate microbial and chemical data analytics, which sparked active discussions among attendees. This exchange generated enthusiasm for potential future collaboration between the two groups and is hoped to serve as a foundation for joint research projects and initiatives in the future.

Dr. Joeselle also visited MeCOH-affiliated CMES laboratories during his stay. Dr. Tatsuya Kunisue from the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry showcased the mass spectrometry capabilities and equipment available at CMES. Additionally, Dr. Hisato Iwata from the Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology introduced the visitors to their laboratory and ongoing research activities, providing valuable insights into their work and introducing potential collaborations in the future

In addition to research activities, he also had the opportunity to reunite with friends and family in Japan.

Dr. Joeselle’s research visit highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration as he engaged with experts in environmental chemistry, toxicology, and biodiversity at CMES and other research groups. Through knowledge exchange and discussions on potential joint projects, he helped bring together diverse expertise and foster innovative approaches. We hope this visit marks the beginning of active collaboration between MEcoH, CMES, and his research group in Stockholm.

Dr. Joeselle expresses his gratitude to SUCCeSS for the travel grant that made this research visit possible. He also thanks Malte Posselt, his group members, and the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University for their ongoing support. Finally, he extends heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Kozo and MEcoH for their assistance, research collaboration, and making the visit both engaging and enjoyable.

We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Ivane R. Pedrosa-Gerasmio from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, who is leading a LaMer-approved project on the non-invasive detection of horseshoe crabs in the waters of Palawan and Tawi-Tawi using environmental DNA (eDNA). During her initial visit from October 16 to 25, 2023, Dr. Gerasmio laid the groundwork for potential collaborations and received specialized training in eDNA analysis and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing.

Building on that foundation, Dr. Gerasmio returned this year for a month-long research visit, from September 19 to October 18, 2024. She focused on the intricate process of preparing libraries and sequencing eDNA samples collected from various regions across the Philippines, working closely with Dan Joseph Logronio, a PhD student specializing in eDNA metabarcoding at the MECOH Laboratory, Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University.

While in Japan, Dr. Gerasmio also had the privilege of attending two prestigious symposiums that coincided with her stay: the JSPS Core-to-Core Program B. Asia-Africa Science Platforms International Symposium on One Health Approaches to Chemical Risk Management in Ehime, from September 30 to October 1, 2024, and the LaMer Symposium on Metabolomics and Advanced Analytical Technologies in the Study of Insects, Vector-Borne Diseases, and Biological Control on October 2, 2024. These experiences not only deepened her expertise but also helped her build valuable connections within the international research community.

“Collaboration is the key to unlocking new insights and addressing the environmental challenges we face today. I am grateful for the opportunities provided by LaMer, the JSPS Core-to-Core Program, and Dr. Kozo Watanabe to contribute to this vital research and to learn from experts in the field.”

- Dr. Ivane P. Gerasmio

We are excited about future collaborative endeavors and look forward to welcoming Dr. Ivane back again. 

By Kohei Hamamoto.

Following the JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium, the LaMer Symposium on “Metabolomics and Advanced Analytical Technologies in the Study of Insects, Vector-Borne Diseases, and Biological Control” was held on October 2nd, 2024. At this event, eight distinguished speakers from various research fields were invited to present their recent achievements.

The symposium began with opening remarks by Prof. Kozo Watanabe, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration. In the first session, talks focused on the application of metabolomics, volatilomics, and biological materials such as seaweed for human health and plant pest prevention. Active Q&A sessions were held among speakers and participants.

​In the second session, interesting biological countermeasures against helminths, as well as practical research applications and the forefront of mosquito research, were introduced. This was followed by a panel discussion on two key topics: “Future Directions for Implementing Multiple Techniques to Investigate Insects and Vector-Borne Diseases” and “Towards Better Mosquito Control by Crossing Boundaries.” The panelists engaged in active multidisciplinary discussions and shared hopeful messages for future collaboration.

​In summary, more than 40 people attended the symposium, most of whom were early-career scientists such as undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, or postdoctoral fellows. We hope this networking opportunity will lead to collaborative research in the near future, especially among the young researchers who connected at these successive symposiums.

The Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES) hosted the "JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium on One Health Approaches to Chemical Risk Management in Ehime" on September 30 and October 1!

​At this symposium, researchers from various disciplines gathered to present their latest research findings. The goal was to mitigate the impact of chemicals used in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock farming on the environment and ecosystems while simultaneously protecting human health, increasing the productivity of crops, farmed fish, and livestock, and safeguarding livelihoods. Additionally, around 30 researchers from five countries in South and Southeast Asia were invited to participate in lively discussions on the challenges faced by each country and the efforts being made toward solutions. 

​The symposium, which lasted one and a half days, attracted around 100 participants. There were 16 oral presentations and 56 poster presentations. In the keynote address, Dr. Anukul Buranapratheprat from Burapha University in Thailand, who has long collaborated with CMES, presented the latest knowledge in marine research and discussed the history of joint research with CMES and prospects for the future.

The poster presentations, primarily by students, also saw many students and early-career researchers from CMES taking on the challenge of presenting and discussing their research in English.

Awards and tokens of appreciation were given out.

​On the evening of the first day, a social mixer dinner was held, fostering international exchange in a more casual atmosphere. In consideration of the Muslim participants, all the food provided was halal (special thanks to the venue, vala KIELO!). This symposium focused not only on presenting research results and fostering discussions but also on building future international networks, making it a very meaningful event in that regard as well.

​The symposium saw active discussions from various perspectives, marking an important step toward future international collaborative research and network building. While the location for next year’s JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium has not yet been decided, we aim to continue creating such opportunities for discussion to further strengthen international and interdisciplinary networks and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in South and Southeast Asia.

Kohei has spent most of his research career in the subtropical Okinawa Islands, giving him a strong marine ecological background. He completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at the University of the Ryukyus, specializing in the ecology of benthic invertebrates, particularly echinoderms (sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea stars, etc.). Additionally, being originally from Hiroshima, near Matsuyama, he is eager to understand the biodiversity of the Seto Inland Sea and its surrounding waters.

Kohei’s research aims to uncover the ecological roles of “understudied” marine benthic invertebrates in local ecosystems. For example, some species of sea cucumbers are known to protect surrounding coral colonies and enhance the productivity of seagrass meadows. However, the mechanisms behind these phenomena remain unknown, and he wishes to understand how echinoderms contribute to ecosystems, the environment, and coastal human communities. Echinoderms are found everywhere from shallow coastal areas to the deep sea floor, so his research field encompasses virtually any marine habitat.

"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. 

Click here to edit.

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.

​Representatives from MECOH attended the International Water and Environment Technology Conference (WET) held at Okayama University (Okayama City, Okayama, Japan), on the 20th-21st of July 2024. This conference was organized by Nagare Hideaki and his team from the Japan Society on Water Environment (JWET) and sponsored by the Swing (水ing) corporation. Topics related to the water environment were the main focus, and a hybrid-type (short oral presentation & poster session) forum was the main mode of scientific communication to promote the exchange of information, ideas, and knowledge among scientists, engineers, and students. 

For this conference, Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain led the entourage of multinational MECOH students including Ngure Kagia, Dan Joseph Logronio, Md. Shafiujjaman, and KyleYoung from Kenya, The Philippines, Bangladesh, and Malaysia respectively.  The group traveled by car through the beautiful countryside of Shikoku, crossed the Seto Ohashi Bridge, and arrived at the bustling city of Okayama. The road trip helped the group gain a deeper appreciation for Japan. 

On the first day, participants delved into diverse topics on water environmental analysis, toxicology and health concerns, treatment and recycling, and other general subjects in water and environment. For both Shafiujjaman and KyleYoung, it will be their very first international conference in Japan. Thanks to the unique hybrid-type forum, our MECOH representatives were given an equal opportunity to present each of their studies.  The participants were able to enjoy both presentation styles and engage in intellectual discussions.  

​Of course, a conference will not be complete without opportunities to network with fellow researchers and students. The conference also featured a gala dinner that has everything for everyone. Japanese cuisine, halal food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, etc. 

- Ngure

​The concluding day featured further discussions and an award ceremony. Importantly, Dan received the excellent presenter award from the President of JSWE Prof. Dr. Ike Michihiko. Well done Dan!

- Dan

​We are all about building bridges, not walls. The WET conference is one of the international cooperation opportunities that we hope to dedicate far into the future. See you in the next one!

​Ehime University – Padjadjaran University International Collaborative Research Laboratory (EU-UNPAD ICRL) Director, Dr. Kozo Watanabe, visited Padjadjaran University Indonesia from June 24th to 27th in Bandung city. The purpose of this visit was to coordinate the UNPAD ICRL undertaking, specifically on current research and future collaboration with Padjadjaran University officials. On June 24th, Dr. Kozo had a sharing session with the Dean of Padjadjaran University Graduate School, Prof. Dr. med. Setiawan, to discuss the current agreement and future possibilities of expanding the ICRL. 

Between discussions, Dr. Kozo had the chance to visit the laboratories and facilities of Padjadjaran University Graduate School building.

​In the afternoon, Dr. Kozo was invited to deliver a seminar to the graduate and undergraduate Medical Students of Padjadjaran University, titled “Eco-Epidemiology of Dengue Mosquitoes from Modeling and Genetic Approach”.

​On June 25th, Dr. Kozo along with Dr. Lia Faridah and staff M.A. Thufail visited the dengue sampling site and primary health care unit at Cimahi City. The purpose of this visit is to evaluate the progress of dengue detection in Cimahi City which was conducted and assisted by primary health care personnel and the residents living there. With this visit, the ICRL is committed to support the primary health care unit in Cimahi to detect and combat the dengue epidemic and prevent an outbreak.  

After the on-site visit to Cimahi, Dr. Kozo participated in a lab tour of UNPAD ICRL in the PAMITRAN building. As some of the lab equipment is not ready yet, UNPAD ICRL hopes to collaborate with the team of Health, Safety, and Environment Team (HSE) Laboratory to develop the facilities in Bandung. So, Dr. Kozo got acquainted with the members of HSE Teams.

Finally, on June 26th, Dr. Kozo had a discussion with the Director of Padjadjaran University Research and Community Service Division, Prof. Rizky Abdulah, to talk about ICRL agreements and current research conducted in Cimahi.  

Dr. Kozo's engagements with university officials, students, and health care personnel underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing molecular ecology research and public health initiatives. The visit also laid the groundwork to enhance the partnership between Ehime University and Padjadjaran University.

​Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe and Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain made a diplomatic visit to Bangladesh last month. A series of important meetings were made throughout the visit. The following are glimpses from a fruitful mission in Bangladesh. 

​Meeting with the Honorable Minister of the Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change of Bangladesh, H.E. Saber Hossain Chowdhury was an absolute privilege. It was a very inspiring meeting and looking forward to an exciting Japan-Bangladesh collaboration. Prof. Kozo informed the honorable Minister about future research projects on water pollution and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh. He gave some insightful suggestions from the viewpoint of Bangladesh. 

They met with the Honorable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal, University of Dhaka, and discussed collaborative projects with Dhaka University (DU).  

​
​They have met with Prof. Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Member (Secretary), General Economics Division, Planning Division, Bangladesh. 

​They had a very fruitful meeting with the Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid of the Department of Environment (DoE), Director Mr. Farid Ahmed, and other scientists of the Dhaka Lab. 

​Apart from diplomatic visits, this trip was filled with programs that focused on Japan-Bangladesh capacity building.

On 28th May 2024, a JSPS Core-to-Core Seminar was held at the Department of Fisheries, DU attended by DU students and faculty members.

Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Kamal was the Chair of the Project brainstorming workshop titled "Implementation of Water Quality Monitoring System and Purification Technology to Control Health Risks of Water Environment in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area" held at DU on 29th May 2024. 
​
​On 30th May 2024, honorable chairman of the Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Prof. Dr. Md. Aftab Ali Shaikh chaired two seminars delivered by Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe and Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain respectively. More than 200 scientists from BCSIR have attended.

​The outcomes of this mission will provide a strong foundation for new collaboration between Japan and Bangladesh. Many thanks to Dr. Mitra from Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan for joining the collaborative initiative.

PhD students, Dan Joseph Logronio and Jomel Limbago, along with lab technician Yayoi Ikenaga and undergraduate student, Tetsu Kuzukawa from MECOH have concluded their collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) and macroinvertebtrates from Hiji River, a river at 103km in length and has a basin area of 1,210km2 which runs near the Ozu Basin at the upper part of the stream and flows into the Seto Inland Sea.  It is the largest first class river in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. 

The sampling campaign lasted from 27th March to 25th April 2024 and the research team travelled by road through the cities of Iyo, Ozu, Seiyo, Tobe, and Uchiko. In total, 59 river sites were sampled for eDNA while 20 sites included bulk macroinvertebrate samples. 

The purpose of this sampling is to monitor the eDNA found in Hiji River using a model that can predict the metacommunity structure by using realistic ecological and environmental processes. The development of the model may help in the exploration of fundamental scientific questions and form management strategies for rivers like Hiji. 

So, the research team had covered different habitat types with varying environmental conditions.

Together, macroinvertebrates were collected in bulk via the kick-net method and preserved in ethanol.

​The team had completed all sites and analysis on the biodiversity of Hiji River will be used to correlate with other environmental factors such as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, turbidity, water velocity, etc. .

The riverine environment is an important part of our ecosystem and much more could be done to uncover its ecology. Although it is no easy feat to sample such a large sampling area, yet the team spirit is always high. Thank you, MECOH Biodiversity team, for giving your best!

For those who enjoy being close to nature, we hope to see you together with us in a future sampling trip like this!

Jomel Limbago, a new PhD candidate from the Philippines has recently joined us.

Jomel obtained his BS in Fisheries from Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (for. ISCOF) and his Master of Science (MS) in Zoology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Previously, he participated in several research projects focusing on using molecular biomarkers to assess exposure to persistent organic pollutants and to detect and characterize microplastics in various freshwater bodies in the Philippines. Currently, he is interested in utilizing genomic approaches to uncover the adaptation and/or speciation of aquatic macroinvertebrates in heterogeneous habitat.

​Building upon the connections made from the visit to Universiti Malaya last year, Dr. YiYou Wong, made an opportune visit to MECOH lab from Feb 1 to Feb 29. The objective of her visit is in long-term professional development and capacity building. Where critical technical skills, resources, and facilities were kindly provided by various individuals from the Center of Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), such as bioinformatic analyses for metagenome and High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) optimization for water samples for future projects. 

Throughout the month of February, Dr. YiYou engaged in the rigorous exploration of research methodologies. She had acquired and internalized specialized skills necessary for impactful contributions to her field of research. Her efforts yielded tangible results through collaborations with Prof. Anwar Hossain, Assoc. Prof. Rumi Tanoue and Ngure Kagia. 

​While in Japan, she capitalized her visit by immersing herself in Japanese culture along with Thufail, another visitor from Indonesia and Dr. Divina Amalin, Dr. Ana Karen Laserna, and Kris Lord Santos from the Philippines.

​"Everybody is extremely friendly and kind, they taught me a whole lot, from pieces of scientific knowledge to different cultural norms. Importantly, they welcomed me like an old friend."

- YiYou   

MECOH believes in knowledge dissemination and technology exchange in meaningful ways. We hope that the knowledge that was passed-on will lead to the collective advancement of Dr. YiYou's peers and the broader research community. Hopefully, in the form of a Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL) materializing in the future.  

On February 15th, Muhammad Akbar Thufail, a member of the International Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL) at Ehime University-Padjadjaran University (EU-UNPAD), visited the MECOH Lab at Ehime University. Thufail arrived as a visiting researcher for a two-week collaborative project. The main purpose of this visit was to learn about the activities in the MECOH Lab and the bioinformatics analysis performed on virome studies.

​During the visit, he was mentored by Coleen Irish Asin, a research student from MECOH, to learn the basics of bioinformatic analysis. Raw sequence results were cleaned and underwent further steps to provide valid and accurate assembled data. Wet lab techniques were also evaluated in the MECOH Lab. Together with Kenneth, a first-year doctoral student, he performed and reviewed some library preparation for sequencing methods such as MinIon and ProMetIon Sequencing.

In addition to the lab work, Thufail also participated in educational visits during Emperor’s birthday on February 23rd to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Miyajima Island, along with Dr. Yi You Wong from Universiti Malaya in Malaysia and several visitors from De La Salle University in the Philippines. Exploring Matsuyama city and its surroundings, Thufail was accompanied by Atikah Fitria Muharromah, a third-year Doctoral student, who introduced him to life and activities in the prefecture.

The visit concluded on February 28th, with the completion of the basic course on bioinformatics analysis. 
We look forward to working closer by further improving and validating the ICRL Projects in Indonesia.

The Annual International Research Colloquium between Ehime University (EU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) with the theme “Recent trends in biological control: Interdisciplinary approaches for vector-borne diseases and agricultural pest management.” was held on February 20, 2024 at the 2nd floor, Room 212 of General Research Building No. 2, Johoku campus, Ehime University. It was organized by the EU-DLSU International Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL) with the physical address in De La Salle University (DLSU), Laguna Campus and the Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Laboratory of Ehime University. The symposium was sponsored by the Leading Academia in Marine and Environment Pollution Research (LaMer). It was attended by 21 participants, 3 and 18 from DLSU and EU, respectively. The participants were mainly from the MECOH laboratory members. There were three speakers from the De La Salle University (DLSU).  

The symposium convened professors, researchers and graduate students of the two universities and to exchange research results from the research activities conducted at the ICRL and MECOH laboratories. The objective of the symposium was to present and discuss the current technological and interdisciplinary research advances from ecological, biochemical, molecular, and computational approaches to develop or improve biological control strategies. The three presentations covered biological control of viral, microbial, and insect pests in agriculture, natural resources, and urban environments. The symposium highlighted the importance of biological control as an environmentally sound and effective means for reducing or mitigating pests and pest effects through the use of biologically based technologies.  

​During the three members from DLSU's stay in Japan from February 19-24, 2024, they had a number of research meetings with MECOH lab members and with Associate Professor Rumi Taue of CMES and Professor Hisato Iwata, Director of LaMer, as well as a visit to Hiroshima Prefecture. The stay was fruitful for further collaboration in the future.

Irish Coleen Angelo Asin, MEcoH research student, and Yasutsugu Suzuki, CMES Office for International and Social Cooperation,  got to experience the Molecular Biology Society of Japan (MBSJ) annual meeting held from December 6 to 8 in Kobe, Japan. Navigating through diverse research topics in molecular virology and medical entomology, the scale of the annual event was immense to say the least.

​Highlights include presenting a collaborative study on insect-specific viruses, engaging with Japanese researchers, and gaining research inspiration. On Day 1, a poster session was held. The research presented by MEcoH focused on the replication kinetics and tissue tropism of three insect-specific viruses co-infecting a naturally infected laboratory colony of Aedes aegypti. This collaborative study involved Dr. Artem BaidaiIiuk and Dr. Etienne Simon-Loriere from the Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. This is a great opportunity to converse, learn, and exchange ideas with researchers from all over Japan. 

​Here are some highlights to showcase the lively academic atmosphere.

​"The Kobe International Conference Center is massive, but it is a fitting venue to host such big conferences like MBSJ. Strategizing on how to watch and attend all the sessions, posters, scientific pitches, and symposia that match your research interests is quite necessary because the conference covered several and diverse research topics. In my case, my research fields are molecular virology and medical entomology. Amongst the thousands of poster sessions and several talks per day, I was fortunate enough to listen, meet, and talk to people working on those research topics."

- Coleen

The experience, enriched by talks, poster sessions, and sponsor exhibitions, was made possible with the support of a travel grant. For that, we thank the support given by the Foundation of Pasteur Japan to our young scientists. 

We hope that these collaborations will continue and we hope that greater things would come out of it.

Dan Joseph Logronio, Phd student, presented his research poster on population genetics analysis of aquatic insects based on DNA metabarcoding sequences during the 6th Annual Meeting of The environmental DNA (eDNA) Society of Japan held in Kyushu University last December 2 to 5. 

​The conference started with an excursion on how to properly collect eDNA samples from various environments (e.g. marine, pond, river). 

​This was followed by poster sessions and series of symposia. The symposia include standardization of the environmental DNA sampling and experiment manual published by the society, environmental DNA analysis using non-water media, development of reference DNA databases essential for Environmental DNA surveys and contributing to a nature-positive world with environmental DNA. 

Would the role of eDNA in aquatic sampling expand further? Time will tell. But when that happens, we promise to be there to share it.

Recently, representatives from MEcoH had attended an important JSPS symposium in the Philippines. Here's a recollection of the event from MEcoH's very own secretary:

I, Saki Okazaki, the secretary of MEcoH had the opportunity to join the JSPS Core-to-Core Program Symposium "Mosquito-borne Disease Control from Ecological Approaches" that was held at View Park Hotel in Tagaytay, Philippines from November 30 to December 2, 2023!

I participated in this symposium from the preparatory stage and had a lot of communication with the local coordinator from De La Salle University (DLSU) and the hotel staff. 

It was very moving to see the symposium take shape through these stages.

There were participants from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan. 

On the second day, we had a lab tour at De La Salle University's Laguna campus.

Our former PhD student, Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal, now an associate professor at DLSU, showed us around the facility.

We were able to spend some time for sightseeing and visited the breathtaking Tar Lake in Tagaytay and the historical Intramuros of Manila.

We would like to thank the local coordinators, especially Ms. Jovie and Ms. Paula for materializing this symposium.

​I look forward to seeing you next time in Japan.

Atikah Fitria Muharromah, PhD student, had recently participated in the Open Medical Institute (OMI) seminar held in Institut Pasteur Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from November 12 to 16, 2023 to network with subject-matter experts on vector-borne diseases. 34 fellows from Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea, Indonesia, France, Hong Kong. 

Upon arriving in Vietnam late at night, Atikah was impressed by the warm reception and the bustling atmosphere at the arrival gate. Hailing from Indonesia, the weather reminded her of her home.

​The seminar, her inaugural OMI experience, commenced with a welcoming speech from Stephanie Faschang and the Director of Institut Pasteur Vietnam. while Professor Anna-Bella Failloux led the course, covering Vector-Borne Diseases in Asia. Atikah expressed her excitement, citing the relevance to her medical entomology field. 

Engaging discussions and a panel session on Dengue in Asia enriched the learning experience.

The subsequent days delved into diverse topics, including malaria, bioecology of sand flies, the Leishmania pathogen transmission, vaccine developments, and the emergence of vector-borne diseases. Atikah highlighted a memorable dinner where she enjoyed authentic Vietnamese cuisine with fellows from South Korea and Japan.

The concluding day featured discussions on animal reservoirs, social science, and modeling approaches in predicting disease emergence. Atikah actively participated in a round table session, sharing insights on predicting vector-borne disease emergences.

​Reflecting on the seminar, Atikah expressed gratitude, emphasizing the relevance of the content to her medical entomology expertise. She praised the speakers' expertise and acknowledged the friendly and humble OMI team. Building a network with participants from various countries added a valuable dimension to her experience.

Atikah's personal highlight was Professor Anna-Bella's insights into vector-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of understanding vectors and potential transmission cycles. Looking ahead, she plans to apply the knowledge gained in her role as a medical entomologist and when she becomes a university lecturer.

Meanwhile. there was a test at the end of the course, of which Atikah herself achieved the highest score among the participants and received an award for her academic excellence. Congratulations!

All in all, Atikah's participation in the OMI seminar was described as a transformative experience, providing her with valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and a renewed commitment to contribute to the elimination of vector-borne diseases. 
​

We here at MEcoH are proud of you Atikah! Thank you for building meaningful connections in your field and we hope the doors you have opened through the collective opportunities made here would lead to bigger and brighter things.

Joining MEcoH may seem like a life committed to building collaborative research in matters of molecular ecology and health... but did you know that we play softball too!? 

As a division under The Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), MEcoH members have a unique opportunity to participate in an annual friendly softball tournament held by the research center.  

​Anyone from CMES can join, from full-time professors to undergraduate students! Participants gathered at the Yamagoe Ground and had a great time batting and pitching from 8.45 am to 3.40 pm.

​This year's friendly softball tournament marked the lifting of CoV-2 restrictions after nearly 3 long years. So, you can feel the excitement in the air as the players gave their all!

This softball tournament is also a great venue to promote leadership, teamwork, and all-around good vibes. Importantly, members of MEcoH had the opportunity to plan and lead an event outside of research where our very own research student, Danyoshi Arata and Mosle played the role as the lead organizer and team captain respectively.

​This tournament helped nurture a stronger bond not just among professors and their respective research associates but between divisions within CMES. So, it is a rare opportunity for international researchers and students to immerse in a quintessential Japanese pastime. 

Here are some excerpts from MEcoH members sharing their experience on that eventful day:

私はCMES対抗ソフトボール大会の運営役を務めました。自分自身初めての大会だったのでうまく進行できるか不安でしたが、多くの人に楽しんでもらえたみたいで安心しました。また、この大会を通して研究室のメンバーとさらに仲が深まったと感じました。今年は2位だったので来年は優勝を目指したいと思います
I was in charge of organizing the CMES softball tournament. It was my first time participating in a tournament, so I was worried about whether it would go well, but I was relieved that so many people seemed to enjoy it. I also felt that I was able to deepen my relationships with the members of my laboratory through this competition. We came in second place this year, so I would like to aim for 1st place next year.
- 段吉新大 (Danyoshi Arata)

Transitioning from cricket to softball brought both excitement and challenges to my day while on the field. Unlike cricket, where I'm used to batting, softball presented a learning curve due to its distinct set of rules. Catching the ball with a glove instead of bare hands felt unfamiliar, and releasing the bat while sprinting to a base was a novel concept. However, embracing these differences made the experience all the more enjoyable. In the end, I had a fantastic time playing softball, and the thrill of the game made it a memorable and fun-filled adventure
- Shafi

このソフトボール大会を終えて、研究室室内での親交を深めることができたと感じてます。また、工学部以外の研究室と関わることができ非常にいい機会になったと思います。
After this softball tournament, I felt that I was able to deepen my friendships within the laboratory. I also think it was a great opportunity to get involved with a research lab outside of the Faculty of Engineering.
- 岡本拓⺒ (Okamoto Takumi)

In my unexpected softball adventure in Japan, I joined a friendly match between our MEcoH team and teams from four different labs under the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences. Despite my initial cluelessness about the game, my team patiently guided me through the rules. Softball, I discovered, is a unique and fascinating sport involving teamwork, communication, and coordination. As the game progressed, I learned the intricacies of catching, throwing, and positioning. The strong sense of community and teamwork struck me, and our team secured 2nd place, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for softball and a desire to continue exploring this dynamic sport.
- Mosle

As mentioned by Danyoshi Arata, MEcoH managed to snatch 2nd place!

Is like what they say: 

Teamwork makes the dream work.

If you have the opportunity to drop by around this time of the year, we here at MEcoH hope that you'll be able to join us next year either as a future participant or as a supporter.

On November 28, 2023, Prof Kozo Watanabe visited the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) to pay a courtesy call on Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao (Chancellor), Prof. May Anne Mata (Director, Office of Research), Prof. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. (Dean, College of Science and Mathematics), Dr Junaldo A. Mantiquilla, Chair of Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies. Prof Watanabe also toured the research facilities at the university. In the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao of UP Mindanao, he made a focus group discussion with members of two projects: Mindanao Center for Diseases Watch and Analytics (DiWA) and Patient Centered Clinical Decision Support System on Endemic Diseases Applying Artificial Intelligence Technology and Operations Research (PASYENTE). Prof. Watanabe also delivered a lecture “Eco-epidemiological studies of Dengue mosquito in the Philippines: Modeling and Genetic Approaches” to students and faculty staffs at Lemito Hall, University Library.
 
​This visit was arranged by a faculty staff of UP Mindanao, Mr. Von Carlo Dela Torre  who will join MECOH lab as a doctoral student. Thank you very much.

​Atikah Fitria, our very own dedicated PhD student, recently had the exciting opportunity to represent MEcoH in the annual meeting of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) in Chicago, USA, from October 18th to 22nd, 2023.

At the conference, she presented her research topics through poster presentations. The first explored the population genomics of Aedes aegypti in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. The second delved into the detection of Wolbachia in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes using ddRAD-Seq technology.

​The ASTMH annual meeting is a significant event in the world of tropical diseases and hygiene research, attracting experts and professionals from around the globe. This year's gathering saw 4,585 attendees from 119 different countries, all coming together at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago.

The conference featured a wide range of research presentations, with a particular focus on malaria-related studies from African countries. Attendees also learned about recent advancements in vaccine and antiviral research for mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and malaria. Interestingly, deployment of mosquito control in several countries around world using environment friendly approach such as Wolbachia was presented multiple times there. 

The meeting provided an excellent platform for networking and collaboration. Researchers, academicians, government officials in the health sector, and students had the chance to connect, share ideas, and expand their professional networks.

The overarching theme of this year's conference, "from evidence to action," highlighted the importance of turning research findings into practical solutions to combat tropical diseases. We thank Atikah for attending this annual meeting and hopefully becoming the seed necessary for future collaboration, sharing research findings together to drive action against tropical diseases.