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Prof. Umemura Kazuo
Tokyo University of Science |
Speech Title: Migration of livings: from diatom
gliding phenomenon in microchambers to human activities with STEPN
Web3.0 application software
Abstract: Some
types of microorganisms migrate on solid surfaces or in aqueous
solutions. The movements might include essential meanings to survive. We
have studied migration and floating phenomena of living diatom cells and
their frustules using microchambers. Because diatoms are major
photosynthetic planktons, they need sun lights. In fact, specific
gravity of diatom cells is small, thus, diatom cells float in aqueous
solutions for long time even without any external vibration. Using the
modest specific gravity, diatom shells (frustules) which are nanoporous
biosilica can be used as a floatable carrier of micron size biodevices.
We have proposed the floatable biodevices functionalized with papain
enzymes. Migration phenomena of living cells are also attractive
research targets. Even for plankton cells, thoughtful gliding on a solid
surface can be microscopically observed using microchambers.Recently,
various Web3.0 mobile application softwares (app.). have been proposed.
In particular, STEPN app. which provides running/jogging/walking
opportunities while earning crypto currencies succeeded in establishing
active and huge communities. The potential biophysical research topics
with STEPN app. will be indicated in this talk.
Biography:
Dr. Kazuo Umemura is a full professor of Tokyo University of Science.
His specialty is biophysics, especially, nanobioscience and
nanobiotechnology. One of his recent interests is nanoscopic research of
hybrids of biomolecules and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Unique structures
and physical/chemical properties of the hybrids are promising in
biological applications such as nanobiosensors and drug delivery.
Dr. Umemura received his B.S. degree in Physics from Nagoya University.
His M.S. and Ph.D. degrees were given from Tokyo Institute of
Technology. After working at several institutes/universities as a
researcher in Japan and in China, he became a professor of Tokyo
University of Science. Kagurazaka campus of Tokyo University of Science
is located at the center of Tokyo, so five subway/railway lines reach in
front of the campus.
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