​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.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ivane R. Pedrosa Gerasmio as a valued collaborator from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. Her diverse range of projects showcases a deep commitment to scientific exploration, covering subjects such as crustacean identification in Panguil Bay, genetic diversity in horseshoe crabs, and reproductive biology of commercially important fish species in Illigan City.

We are thrilled to have her as our guest, as she stayed with us from the 16th of October to the 25th. During her visit, we at MECOH are glad to share our facilities to process several eDNA samples she brought from The Philippines. By working closely with her, we felt that we have made the most of each others' expertise in the name of advancing our shared scientific endeavors.

During her visit, Dr Ivane was productive. She is successful with size selection, products were amplified from the fish eDNA samples she had brought from Mindanao, and received bioinformatic analysis training throughout her stay in MECOH. 

She was given guidance from Dr. Karen Judan Cruz and Dan Joseph Logronio on both molecular biology techniques and bioinformatic analysis.

Looking forward to meeting you again with many more collaborations in the future. See you again next year Dr. Ivane!

Ph.D. student from the Lab of Biodiversity and Ecology, Korea University, Sang-Kyu Shin (申棋奎) visited MECOH lab from October 3rd to 17th with the goal of exchanging ideas and critical techniques. His background in insect taxonomy proved valuable may synergize with the expertise found in MECOH lab.   

​Sang-Kyu shared an overview of the research projects conducted in his taxonomy and ecology focused lab, with a strong focus on the study of insects, particularly mayflies and crane flies. Our guest discusses the use of molecular techniques, ecological studies, and taxonomic approaches within these research projects, shedding light into the challenges and opportunities faced in these research areas.

Sang Kyu-shin's presentation provides insights into the world of taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of insects, showcasing the importance of genetic analysis and morphological examination in understanding the diversity and classification of Mayflies and crane flies. The collaborative work within the lab and its dedication to taxonomy-based research are evident throughout the discussion, emphasizing the importance of expanding our knowledge of these insect species through multiple scientific methods.

The discussion wraps up with a mention of the potential issues facing the research, such as the need for more detailed findings, particularly in ecological studies, the possibility of collaboration with other research groups, and the nuance of advancing the field of taxonomy.

During his two-week stay in Ehime, he seek to diversify his skills. Sang-Kyu received training from experts from MECOH in the field of molecular biology and bioinformatics. ​He focused on crane fly specimens gathered from Busan, South Korea, and received training in ddRAD library preparation, consisting of genomic DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, adapter ligation, PCR amplification, and size selection for sequencing, guided by our very own JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Karen.

Apart from that, Sang-Kyu received training on bulk community extraction and clean up of libraries for DNA metabarcoding with Dan Joseph Logronio, MECOH's Ph.D. student. 

Taxonomy wouldn't be the same without some fieldwork! So, Sang-Kyu along with Dan made the trip to the Ishite River in Ehime Prefecture to study the ecology of the local fauna.

During the fieldwork. Dan received valuable technical advice from our guest Sang-Kyu on macrobenthic invertebrate sampling, environmental assessment for bulk community sampling of macroinvertebrates, and larvae identification to name a few.

Samples were preserved and brought back for further analysis. Not bad for a days work.

Though Sang-Kyu's stay may be short, we wish him all the best and hope to meet each other once again. Cheers!

Shafi, a new PhD candidate from Bangladesh recently joined the MECOH laboratory.

Shafi earned his BS in Fisheries and completed his MS in Aquaculture at Dhaka University. He has experience in molecular techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gene expression, and chemical analysis, particularly antibiotic and heavy metal analysis. He worked as a research assistant and actively contributed to two significant projects: 'Antibiotics and pesticides contamination in wild and farmed fishes of Bangladesh' and 'Antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and resistance genes in fish and shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh.' Currently, he has a strong passion for bioinformatics and antibiotic resistance, specifically in applying molecular and bioinformatics techniques to analyze antibiotic resistance patterns in clinical and environmental samples.

​Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low travelled to Sendai city, Miyagi to visit Prof. Daisuke Sano's lab to gain insight on critical techniques relating to his wastewater study. He is in the midst of optimising and selecting methods to extract and purify a diverse set of viral communities (viromes) from wastewater and the expertise shown by the Lab of Environmental Water Quality (EWQ) Faculty of Engineering in Tohoku University. This visit may prove to be a valuable experience for him. 

First, wastewater samples has to be collected from Matsuyama city's main wastewater treatment plant.

Then, the wastewater samples travelled together with its owner and arrived safely to the Environmental Water Quality Engineering Faculty, Tohoku University via the Shinkansen. 

The wastewater sampling protocol such as the EPISENS-S RNA extraction method was demonstrated by EWQ lab members, Marcus Sanchez and Dr. Ueki, with expertise. 

Of course, the greatest benefit of this trip is to gain first-hand experience on performing the method personally with close guidance from experts.

.Apart from experiments, it is also important to establish collaborative opportunities through discussions and research proposals. KyleYoung Low wasted no time to squeeze his presentation on "An Integrated Approach to Wastewater Viral Metagenomics: Metaviromics"

No trip would be complete without taking in the local scenery. 

ALREADY CLOSED on Sep 13, 2023!

​Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Lab of Ehime Univ., Japan (PI: Prof. Kozo Watanabe; lab URL https://www.mecohlab.com/ ) is advertising for two (2) opening positions of international (non-Japanese) doctoral students with full financial support for the two research areas: 1) Freshwater Biodiversity and 2) Vector Mosquito Ecology. Applicants need to specify one research area that they want to study on their application letter. In both research areas, previous experiences of molecular laboratory analysis (e.e., DNA and RNA analysis), and/or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis are advantage.

MECOH Lab's introductory video (Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1d2OQmHOU0

Description of the positions:
 
Research Area 1: Freshwater Biodiversity
The successful candidate will conduct field research using stream organisms (invertebrates or bacteria) and environmental DNA (eDNA). Bioinformatic analysis of NGS data such as metabarcoding, metagenomic, ddRADseq and/or transcriptomics will be mainly used for understating of biodiversity (genetic and species diversity) and evolutionary patterns.
 
Research Area 2: Vector Mosquito Ecology
Ecological and epidemiological study of vector mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti) transmitting dengue virus and other arboviruses in tropical and subtropical countries. The successful candidate will conduct genetic analysis of vector mosquito, such as population genetics analysis and metagenomic analysis (virome and bacteriome) of mosquitoes, by combining fieldwork.
 
Application deadline and start date of the position:

• Application deadline: the 20 September, 2023 or until the positions are filled - up.
• Start date of the position: Between November 2023 – March 2024 (flexible and late start also negotiable)

 
Eligibility:

• Only non-Japanese nationals are eligible to apply for this position (Japanese nationals are not eligible).
• There is no age limit.
• Master's degree in related fields is required before the start date of the said position (not by the time of application).

 
Contract details:

• Duration of contract: Maximum of 4 years and 6 months.
• Full financial support (stipend, tuition, and round-trip ticket) is guaranteed by MECOH’s research projects, and can also be complemented by additional support from scholarships from private foundations in Japan.
• The candidate should be able to work independently, with very good or excellent English communication skills, and can work harmoniously with a team of multi-disciplinary field.

 
Application and selection processes:

• Applicants are encouraged to send the files below to Prof. Kozo Watanabe by email ( [email protected] ).

1. CV (any format)
2. Application letter within 3 pages that explains the applicant’s past research activities and motivation to study in the MECOH lab (any format)
3. PDF of the published paper/s if the applicants have any reviewed Journal publication/s.

 

• Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from Prof. Watanabe within one week from the application date (not immediate response). If the applicants don't receive any reply, please contact Prof. Watanabe again for your confirmation.
• Shortlisted applicants will be requested for online interview (PPT based presentation and QA). Details will be provided via email.
• Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by Prof Watanabe via email.

 
If you have any questions regarding the said position, please contact the email address above.

Professor Md. Khademul Islam visited MECOH lab for 3 weeks (2023/06/19 to 2023/07/07) and he gave seminar on “​Single cell to many, many cells to single: bioinformatics analysis to demystifying genome”. Later he gave 9 days intensive lectures in Bioinformatics Workshop organized by MECOH lab for all the lab members on metagenomics and RNAseq data analysis. Every members of the lab really enjoyed and learnt a lot from him.

We are looking forward to collaborating with him for our future research projects. ​

Prof. Anna-Bella FAILLOUX from Institut Pasteur, Paris, visited our lab from June 27 to 29. She gave a comprehensive and educational seminar on the interactions between mosquito vectors and arboviruses. We all enjoyed and learned a lot about how mosquitoes transmit human pathogenic viruses and what factors affect them. In addition to scientific knowledge, her talk highlighted the importance of how you interact with the audience to encourage fair and constructive discussion. 

Prof Anna-Bella enjoyed real Japanese food!

We will welcome you at any time. See you again in Ehime or Paris!

​The establishment of the International collaborative research lab (ICRL) between Ehime University and Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) in Bandung, Indonesia inches ever closer to reality. Over a four day period from 7 June to 9 June, Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe, accompanied by Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low, revisited UNPAD at Bandung with the main goal of interviewing the ICRL representatives and setting expectations for their future roles in this collaboration. The meetings highlighted the importance of strong commitment and desire in research work, and the need for collaboration and synergy among projects between institutions.

Interestingly, with collaborations like these, opportunities could appear in unexpected places. Dr. Savira and Mr. Nurrachman Hidayath took their chance to introduce and demonstrate a prototype they were working on, a portable PCR machine named 'CILPAD', capable of rapid field deployment with just a smartphone device paired with the mobile app. 

​Dr. Ruswana Anwar, Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affair, and Research in the Universitas Padjadjaran gave a warm welcome at a sundanese restaurant. Also, it is always a pleasure to meet Dr. Lia Faridah, Dr. Savira Ekawardhani, and Dr. Nisa Fauziah again for their continued support and assistance in consolidating this ICRL. 

​

​With projects moving forward, there is much to look-forward in the future. In the mean time, Cheers! Here's to more opportunities to come!

Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe, accompanied by Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low, visited Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Their main objectives were to survey potential sampling sites, discuss future project designs, and lay the foundation for an International collaborative research lab (ICRL) in Malaysia. The 2-day visit proved to be productive.

​
​The first day, June 5th, consisted of a field survey exploring the estuary of Kuala Selangor by boat.

​After visiting an exposed seabed off the coast of the Selangor Estuary. The entourage continued the expedition car to a nearby coastal town to savour some local seafood delicacies before heading to the Selangor River Dam. Insights were gained through direct observations of the sites.

​The next day, June 6th, a series of discussions and a lab visit were underway at Universiti Malaya.

The meetings centred around the progress of the LAMER project by Dr. ChoonWeng Lee and Dr. ChuiWei Bong. They have discussed future research collaboration, avenues of establishing an International collaborative research lab (ICRL) under Ehime University at Universiti Malaya, and cross-employment opportunities for academicians. The two universities plan to combine their research goals to shine a light on global occurrences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic pollution, metaviromics, and environmental pathogens on sites covered from the day before. Finally, a potential visit by our collaborators from Universiti Malaya is in the works.

​No stone is left unturned.

​Between meetings, the participants made a delightful visit to the botanical garden at Universiti Malaya for a guided tour with the local plant expert employed by the university. Edible parts were plucked and sampled from the medicinal plants first-hand, of course, with expert guidance! 

With all things said and done. The visit was a productive one that concluded on a high note. With each interaction, the researchers witnessed the power of collaboration and the potential it holds for advancing scientific knowledge. Despite being an ocean apart, the shared vision and dedication of the teams transcend distance, together anything is possible.

Against the backdrop of the upcoming establishment of the International collaborative research lab (ICRL) under Ehime University and Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung, Indonesia, MECOH is glad to welcome back Dr. Lia Faridah, Dr. Savira Ekawardhani, and Dr. Nisa Fauziah. True to the agreement made back in December 2022, both universities had initiated  the JSPS Core-to-Core International Workshop on Mosquito-borne Disease Control from an Ecological Approach" which was held here at the Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory (MEcoH Lab) between March 29 to April 8 2023. 

As a continued sign of deepening partnership between foreign and local scientists, this workshop succeeded in its purpose to consolidate future collaborative projects by advancing viable ideas in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases across tropical and subtropical regions.

Over the course of two weeks, multiple seminars covering useful methodologies were shared among parties. 

​Thoughtful discussions led by subject matter experts had closed gaps in knowledge. Some critical discussions made include drug resistance, virology, cell culture and so on.

Some hands-on lab demonstrations were done too. Covering techniques on mosquito rearing, mosquito DNA extraction techniques, cell culture, and third-generation DNA/RNAseq.

​As the workshop draws to a close, all parties involved express their immense gratitude for the opportunity created by this collaborative event.

​Although the time shared together may be short, it is all the more reason to cherish it. Let us appreciate these chance encounters, just as we appreciate the fleeting beauty of a Sakura cherry blossom. 

​The Annual International Research Colloquium between Ehime University (EU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) with the theme “Usable Science Resulting in Impact” was held last 07 March 2023 at the Media Hall, Ehime University. It was organized by the EU-DLSU International Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL) and sponsored by the Leading Academia in Marine and Environment Pollution Research (LaMer). The symposium aims to convene professors, researchers and PhD students of the two universities.

​To formally start the program, Prof. Kozo Watanabe gave an opening remarks. He talked about how the collaboration between EU and DLSU started, and how he wants it to continue and prosper in the coming years.
 

​The symposium had two parts: Keynote and Poster Sessions. Prof. Jonathan Dungca, the Vice President of DLSU Laguna Campus and Dean of the DLSU School for Innovation and Sustainability, introduced the campuses, research centers and facilities of DLSU, and emphasized the importance of the EU-DLSU ICRL at the Laguna Campus in his Keynote Speech. On the other hand, Dr. Ma. Luisa Enriquez, a Professorial Lecturer at DLSU and Associate Professor at EU, discussed cytogenomics of insects for evolutionary trends and agricultural applications.
 

​Fifteen scientific posters on medical and health, agriculture, and biodiversity were presented during the symposium. Eight scientific posters were from EU delegates and seven from DLSU. The poster session served as a good avenue for sharing ideas and opened up new possible collaborations between EU and DLSU. Marynold Purificacion (EU-DLSU ICRL), Kenneth Bongulto (EU) and Kris Lord Santos (DLSU) won the Best Poster awards.
 
 

Prof. Divina Amalin, Director of the Center for Natural Science and Environmental Research at DLSU, ended the program by thanking all the participants and sponsors. To capped off that very productive day,  DLSU guests and some MECoH Lab members had a dinner party at Okaido. 

Faculty and research staff of the De La Salle University Laguna Campus visited the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University with the goal of strengthening their collaboration. DLSU guests were warmly welcomed at Prof. Kozo Watanabe’s residence on their first night in Matsuyama, Ehime. 

The next day, they visited the Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory (MEcoH Lab) and had a tour of its facilities. Kenneth Bongulto (Research student), Ngure Kagia (Research student) and Dr. Anwar Hossain (JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow) showed them around the Molecular Laboratory and shared their on-going projects on antimicrobial resistance. The MEcoH Lab’s Insectary was shown by Assoc. Prof. Yasutsugu Suzuki and Irish Coleen Asin (Research student). Jerica Reyes (PhD student) and Dan Joseph Logronio (Research student) demonstrated cell culture and environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction techniques, respectively. 

​DLSU delegates also had a meeting with the four (4) CMES full professors, wherein they discussed how each research center can contribute mutually. Prof. Hisato Iwata and Prof. Tatsuya Kunisue (Division of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology) and Prof. Xinyu Guo (Division of Environmental Dynamics) also gave short tours on their facilities after the collaboration meeting. 

Dr. Anwar Hossain is working as Professor of the Department of Fisheries (Aquaculture Branch), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He did his PhD in the field of Environmental Risk Management from Yokohama National University, Japan. His research emphasis on antibiotics and AMR risk assessment and management in aquaculture as well as aquatic environment. 
He is an enthusiastic researcher, working with national and international scientists from different countries like Japan, USA, Australia, and Canada etc. 
He has more than 50 research articles in his credit, published in national and international reputed journals (Exposure and Health, Chemosphere, Environmental Research, Global Food Security, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, AMB Express, Biological Trace Element Research, Chemistry and Ecology, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, etc.).

Currently he is working as JSPS postdoctoral fellow under Prof. Kozo Watanabe at MECOH Lab, Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Japan.
His key research interest is the pollution of emerging pollutants in Natural and Aquaculture Environment particularly Antibiotics and AMR contamination. 

The 3rd Symposium of the JSPS Core-to-Core program was conducted at Swiss-Bel Resort, Bali, Indonesia last December 17, 2022. The symposium was organized by The University of Tokyo (IFI), Yamagata University, Ehime University, and Udayana University. The goal of the symposium was to discuss how climate change impacts key areas i.e. health, infectious disease prevention, nutrition, food security, and sustainability. 

Prof. Kensuke Fukushi (The University of Tokyo, IFI) and Prof. lr. Linawati (Udayana University) delivered the welcome remarks followed by four main sessions: (1) climate change impact moderated by Prof. Kensuke Fukushi, (2) environment moderated by Prof. Toru Watanabe, (3) health, nutrition, and food moderated by Prof. Kozo Watanabe, and (4) early career and student: climate, environment & health, nutrition & food moderated by Tri Atmaja (Ph.D. student at the University of Tokyo). 

The first three sessions of the symposium tackled the global issues concerning food production, food security, water quality and access, agriculture, mosquito vectors, and mosquito-borne diseases. These sessions highlighted the need to accelerate efforts that can help minimize the risks and threats of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Both mitigation and adaptation should be considered when developing new initiatives to resolve these issues. 

The final session focused on early career scientists and students who were given the opportunity to share their researches. One research aimed to use a remote sensing analysis for the assessment of coastal flood loss and damage linked to climate change whereas other researches were geared towards strengthening food system resilience, sustainable food consumption, and disease prevention. Atikah Fitria Muharommah and Jerica Reyes, Ph.D. students from MECOH lab, presented their works on the population genetic structure of Aedes aegypti as well as the use of Wolbachia and CRISPR-Cas 9 tool for understanding Dengue infection within the vector host. 

The symposium served as an avenue for the scientific discussion of problems caused by climate change. Also, It was a way to establish collaboration between attending institutions and mobilize solutions for the attainment of a climate neutral environment.