#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Medical Institute #Luminescent Proteins #Kenji Nagai

Third Tokyo Medical Institute Public Lecture

On August 1, 2025, the Tokyo Medical Institute will host its third public lecture, featuring the theme "Transforming Science and Society with Luminescent Proteins!" This event aims to share insights from extensive research on critical yet unresolved diseases, such as neurological and mental disorders, cancer, and infections, spearheaded by the Tokyo Medical Institute. The goal is to provide the community with a clear understanding of groundbreaking developments in prevention and treatment methods.

Our guest speaker for this event is Professor Kenji Nagai from Osaka University’s Institute of Industrial Science, along with Dr. Mitsuru Yoshitane from the Institute’s Body Clock Project.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: August 1, 2025 (Friday), 14:30 - 16:00
• - Format: Hybrid event, held in-person and via Zoom

Lecture Topics

Prof. Kenji Nagai: "Transforming Science and Society with Luminescent Proteins!"

In his presentation, Professor Nagai will delve into the processes of bioluminescence found in living organisms and how these mechanisms are being harnessed to develop self-luminescent plants. Progress has already been made in making tobacco and poplar trees glow, albeit with limited luminosity visible to the naked eye. However, with advancements in luminescent intensity, Professor Nagai envisions creating lighting devices (LEP) capable of illuminating streets and homes without requiring electricity. This talk will cover the fundamentals of bioluminescent phenomena, the proteins responsible for light emission, and techniques aimed at enhancing light intensity and modifying colors. Furthermore, he will explore the tantalizing potential of a future society with minimal reliance on electricity, a concept almost unimaginable in today's power-dependent world.

Dr. Mitsuru Yoshitane: "The Mechanism of the Body Clock that Counts Time"

Dr. Yoshitane will explore how living beings maintain rhythms across various time scales, from seconds to years. For instance, our hearts beat approximately once per second, while seasonal changes manifest in nature, such as the blooming of cherry blossoms in spring and bears hibernating in winter. Daily rhythms, such as feeling sleepy at night and waking up in the morning, can be attributed to the body's internal "circadian clock," which tracks time within a 24-hour cycle. During this talk, Dr. Yoshitane will present the latest research findings regarding the molecular mechanisms behind our body's clock and how living organisms perceive and measure diverse forms of time.

Participation

This event has a capacity limit of 600 participants: 100 for in-person attendance at the Tokyo Medical Institute Auditorium and 500 for online participation via Zoom. Registration is free, but prior submission is required, with spots assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration Details

For In-Person Attendance:
Please register via mail or email.

• - By Mail: Send a return postcard indicating your preference for in-person attendance for the public lecture, including your address, name (with furigana), age, telephone number, and names and ages of any accompanying guests.

Mail Address:
Tokyo Medical Institute, Public Relations Division, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8506

• - By Email: Send an email with the subject line "Public Lecture (In-Person)" and include your name (with furigana), age, phone number, and names and ages of accompanying guests to:

tomin@igakuken.or.jp

For Online Attendance:
Register through the official Tokyo Medical Institute website here.

Deadline for Registration

• - In-Person: July 25, 2025 (Friday)
• - Online: Until the start time of the lecture

For Inquiries

For any questions, please contact the Tokyo Medical Institute Administration Office:
Phone: 03-5316-3109 (direct line)

Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with leading experts and gain insight into the future of science and technology! Join us in exploring how luminescent proteins can revolutionize our world.