The 37th Science Café "Breathing Salmon Roe!? - Let's observe microbial respiration using artificial salmon roe" will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Out of the blue, what do you think is absolutely necessary for us humans to live? The title already gave it away, but the answer is "breathing (respiration)." This is true not only for humans but for almost all living things on Earth; even invisible microorganisms breathe and survive just like we do.

However, what makes microorganisms different from us is that they can "breathe" even underwater (under conditions without oxygen). Yeast and lactic acid bacteria breathe underwater, and through this process, they produce alcohol and lactic acid, respectively. This is alcohol fermentation and lactic acid fermentation. Through these types of fermentation, we can make bread, alcohol, and yogurt.

In this Science Café, we will use colorful and cute artificial salmon roe, which is actually sold as a product, to observe "fermentation" by microorganisms—specifically "alcohol fermentation" by yeast underwater. You will experience firsthand that even invisible microorganisms are alive and "breathing" just like us humans.

【Notes】

・Please pay close attention to safety and health when participating. Only those who agree that any accidents or injuries occurring on the day are their own responsibility may participate.

・This event will be filmed and photographed. The photos and videos taken may be posted or used on the Keio University official website, social media, and publications. Only those who agree to the use of photos and videos may participate.

・The reagents used in this event are harmless to the human body, but the "artificial salmon roe" is not edible.

・Please refrain from taking the "artificial salmon roe" home.

【Date and Time】

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 13:30–15:00

【Location】

Hiyoshi Campus (Meeting point: Main entrance of Building 2)

【Organizer】

Research and Education Center for Natural Sciences, Keio University

【Lecturer】

Shiori Doi

Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Law, Keio University; Center Member

【Target Audience】

3rd grade elementary students and above (Elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian)

【Cost】

Free

【Advance Registration】

Required (Register here)

*Capacity: 30 people (First-come, first-served; registration will close once capacity is reached.)

*Registration for the Science Café will open at 10:00 on Monday, July 14.

Please see here for details regarding registration and other information.