In preparation for the lecture tomorrow, I opened "The Cell in Development and Heredity" by E.B. Wilson (Columbia Univ), and realized that this 3rd edition was published in 100 years ago.

So many things happened since then, including the fact that I, a Japanese Prof in NY, own and read the book.

Even "useless" objects can be appreciated - arts are indispensable for human society.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperar...

Biologists know that redundant or non-essential parts often play important roles.

Still, human society must decide on priorities, and this requires justifications.

I must note that the Japanese scientist Akira Endo isolated statin (compactin) from the mold in 1972, after coming back to Japan from his 2 years of biochemistry study in Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, where he recognized the major heart health issues among people in the US. 1/

Enjoying a great okonomiyaki in Bushwick, Brooklyn, after being inspired by "Solitary Gourmet"

Happy New Year!

According to this old map (must be in early-mid 70's), Dept of Biophysics had 女子控室(women's changing room?). Dr. Nanako Shigesada had her own office. When I was a student there, the infrastructure of Kyoto University was pathetic, but there was a power house for modern biology.

Tomoko Nishiyama san shared this old map of Dept of Biophysics. The new women's restroom is located at the former 344, which was called イースト部屋 "(y)east room". According to this map, Prof. S' room was located at the other side of the same floor (the fact that I did not know).

A thought on stupidity and creativity

Last week, I visited a floor where I spent 6 years as a PhD student in Kyoto Univ. The room used to be my lab was converted into a women's restroom. I feel a bit sad, but it was an important improvement for female researchers. 1/

Well, here is the new start...
(Yoshida shrine, Kyoto)