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Starting at 13:30 on Saturday, July 26, 2025, Keio hosted its 37th Science Cafe in the Second Building of Hiyoshi Campus. The thirty-two participants were split into fifteen groups. The event, which was titled, "Are Those Salmon roe Breathing?! Observations on Microbial Respiration in Imitation Salmon roe" was designed to be fully interactive as participants got hands-on opportunities to learn about the natural world.

This event was hosted by the Research and Education Center for Natural Sciences which holds the Science Cafe once or twice a year as a way to discuss and educate the general public on natural science in an engaging and relatively informal setting. Compared to traditional lecture-styled events, the Science Cafe allows participants to ask questions and interact with the presenters throughout the activities, allowing them to get a better grasp of the topics being discussed and natural science as a subject.

For the event in July, elementary students in third grade and older were invited to learn about microbial respiration by listening to a lecture during the first half of the event and then deepening their understanding through an experiment in the second half of the event. For the experiment, students created artificial salmon roe using sodium alginate, a sticky component found in some types of seaweed, and other ingredients. They then injected the spheres with yeast and watched how the spheres underwent alcoholic fermentation when suspended in liquid. By observing how the artificial salmon roe floated to the surface as a result of yeast respiration, participants were able to see tangible evidence of how microorganisms need to eat and breathe to survive, just like us.

Students were quick to ask questions throughout the activities, resulting in spirited dialogue with the presenter. Many students said they had a lot of fun, that the experiment made them enjoy science even more, or that they'd love to join again. Their reactions showed just how meaningful and impactful this time was.

The Research and Education Center for Natural Sciences will continue to offer a variety of engaging events, including lectures, symposiums, and the Science Cafe, all designed to make learning about natural science fun and accessible. Please join if you have the chance.