Bioscience Education and Research toContribute to SDGs

Isaiah Kaunyangi Maina
MSc Medical Microbiology
JKUAT Kenya

What is bioscience?
• Bioscience encompasses the study of living things and their interaction with eachother and the environment.
• Bioscience research aims to understand the fundamental process that governinglife.

Bioscience research• How?
• Laboratory experiments• Field studies• Computation

Field
studiesLab
experim-entsComputa-tion• Sustainable innovations in agriculture,
food, and industry.
• New frontier in pest and disease
control.
• Wealth generation

Products /New knowledgeOutput

Natural product

Essential Molecule

Product• Genetic studies continue to drive the discovery of novel genes with application in :

Application in agricultureMedicineIndustries

Other fields

Impact• Feed the World (SDG 2 )• Conserve the environment (SDG 13)• Alleviate poverty (SDG 1)• Better treatment options (SDG 3)

Tread• The advancement of molecular biology and genomics will continue togenerate a wealth of knowledge(Rahman et al., 2020).

• Post-genomic era will create new biotechnology products to boost theexisting billion-dollar industry.
• Realization of maximum benefits in courtiers with better technologicalcapacity and established links between academia, research, andindustry.

Conclusion• Collaborative approach in
Bioscience research.
• Partnership• Sharing of Knowledge• Minimize duplication

Research
community andacademia• Commercialization
Industry

Government

Better worldReferences• Rahman, M Masudur et al. “Biomedical research in developing countries:

Opportunities, methods, and challenges.” Indian Journal ofgastroenterology : official journal of the Indian Society of
Gastroenterology vol. 39,3 (2020): 292-302. doi:10.1007/s12664-02001056-5• https://images.app.goo.gl/o7gDXnweZ1kGPiGS7

Acknowledgment• Special thanks to:• The President of Utsunomiya University.
• Faculty members Center for International Exchange Utsunomiya University.

• The Professors in various centers of Utsunomiya University.
• The Students Utsunomiya University.
• Mr Kimathi Ringera

Sustainable
Forestry
Production at
Utsunomiya
University andVisit to theExperimental
Forest – Dr Oshima
Jennifer N. KagoJKUAT• Funyu and Nikko forest.

• Established in 1937.

Overview• Funyu(538 ha)- altitude of 260-600m.

Trees- Hinoki cypress and Sugi cedar trees.
• Nikko(208ha)- altitude of 1390-1970m.

Natural Forest-Japanese oak, white birch,
Northern Japanese Hemlock

Artificial Forest- Japanese Larch tree

International Forest
certification and SDGs
Recognized as a forest that is managed appropriately.
Approved by SGEC in November 2014.

Strives to contribute to SDG by;
Training professionals.
Developing new forest management theories.
Advanced practical management.
Transmitting the latest info.

Sustainable Forest Management• Silviculture=Healthy forests. Planting, weeding, pruning and thinning.
• Ensures wood can be used for future generation.

• Consider ecological, economic and social dimensions.
• Logs in UU were evaluated and acknowledged as the best in Tochigi
prefecture.
• Yarding-moving felled trees from the slash pile to the landing or
storage area. Cable yarding.
• Delimbing and bucking- processorMushroom cultivation• Japanese oak tree.
• Log is cut during spring or autumn and stored at
20-25 degrees Celsius.
• Bed lock system.
• Shiitake mushroom- wood degrading fungi.
• 20cm.
• Served in Miso soup.
• Wasabi and chestnut are also grown.

Deep impression• Beautiful city
• Clean environment• Amazing food• Observation of traffic rules• Kind teachers and students
Japanese Quote;Ki o ueru no ni ichi-ban yokatta jiki wa ni-ju-nen mae datta. Ni-banme ni ii jiki wa ima da.
Kono sekai no uchi ni nozomu henka ni, anata jishin ga nattemisenasai

Dewa
gokigen’yo
Asanteni sana

Sakura Science Program
Presentation
Sherry Brenda Macharia-MSc Animal Nutrition, JKUATSELF INTRODUCTION• Name: Sherry Brenda Nyaguthii Macharia• Affiliation: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology• Education: Chuka University, BSc Animal Science, currently MSc
Animal Nutrition• Research Interests: Evaluating the use of probiotics and organic acids inthe growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics
and hematological factors in broiler chicken.

TOSHOGU SHRINE• Toshogu shrine is one of Japan’s cultural
heritage, located in Nikko town. It wasestablished in 1617, built by Tokugawa
Hidetada, second shogun of the Tokugawa
dynasty.
• The town is renowned for its stunning naturallandscapes, dense forests, and pristine rivers,
making it a popular destination for nature
enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
• Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa
Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa
shogunate.

Architectural MARVEL
oThe shrine had breathtaking architecture,
intricate wood carvings, vivid colors anddecorations.
oYomeimon Gate- the most iconic andbeautiful gate in Japan.
oUpside down pillar- carvings on one ofthe pillars to the left at the gate is upside
down. Done deliberately so that the gate
could not be considered complete.
oSacred stable- captures the imagination
with the famous depiction of the 3 wisemonkeys, “see no evil, speak no evil,
hear no evil”

CULTURAL IMMERSION
oProvided a window into Japan’s feudal
past and the legacy of Tokugawa
Shogunate.
oImmerse in the shrine’s rich culturalsymbolism from the elaborate carvings
depicting mythical creatures to thesacred rituals performed by the Shinto
priests.
oParticipation in traditional prayers andrituals, offering their respects to
Tokugawa Ieyasu and seeking blessingsfor prosperity and good fortune.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
oToshogu shrine serves a living
testament to Japan’s studied history
and the enduring legacy of it’srulers.
oLearn about the life andachievements of Tokugawa Leyasu.
oIt is nestled amidst breathtaking
natural beauty of Nikko Nationalpark.
oWe got to explore moss covered
pathways, iconic cedar trees, snow
and Japan’s splendor naturallandscapes.

Educational EXPERIENCE
oWe were offered valuable educational
experience, learnt about Japan’s religious
traditions, architectural styles and artistic
techniques.
oGained all the history from electronic
guides provided!
oVisiting Toshogu shrine was not just asightseeing excursion but a transformative
journey into the heart and soul of Japan’scultural identity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
oThe president, Utsunomiya University
oInternational Exchange Center Utsunomiya University
oProfessors in all the Laboratories, Utsunomiya University.
oMr. Kimathi RingeeraoFellow Students.

Thank you!

Genome editing andBreeding of Crops
Paul Kitenge Kimwemwe
MSc. Plant BreedingWhat is GEO (Genetically Edited Organism) ?
• A form of genetic modification and is a process by which the DNA
sequence of an organism is modified or deleted. This is normally
carried out to obtain desible effects such as modification of a protein,
to produce a preferable phenotype or to prevent a problematic genefrom being transcribed.
An organism whose gene is artificially modified from its original

How different is genetic engineering from GE• Genetic engineering: includes modification, deletion of base or regionof an organism’s genetic code, and temporary or permanent insertionof a foreign DNA (transgene) from another organism.
In many countries, GMO has to go through a rigorous process before
reaching the consumer.
GEO go through the same process in some countries but in others they
are considered to be possible products of conventional breeding andtherefore are able to reach the consumers more easly.

Gene editing techniques• Gene konckout• Deletion mutation• Insertion mutation• Substitution mutation• Point mutation• Gene knock-in

Risk of GMO and GEO
Difficult to predict what will happen, as the GMO was not present
beforee.g. gene flow: weed near by the GM crop got herbicide tolerance.
Reduction in pesticide application resulted in the incements in othernear by crops

Disadvantages of GM• Growers should buy seeds from seed compagny every season, as GM
are patented.
• Costumer choice only by price, may results in the selection of mass
producer who produce GMO and small produce will disappear• Ethical problem: can human modify other organisms ?

Experiment: measurement of nutritional
components of fruit and vegetables
Aim: To find out whether the nutritional components of genome edited
tomatoes and their original varieties have really been improved.
Material: Cherry tomato ‘Sicilian Rouge’ and its genome-edited version‘Sicilian Rouge High GABA’Spectrophotometer

Results :mg/100g FW
GE tomato: 212.7 +/- 19.2
Original: 15.7 +/- 0.7

Thank you for listening
Go chōshu arigatōgozaimashita

VICTOR ROTICHCOUNTRY: KENYAAFFILIATION: JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY(JKUAT)- KENYACOURSE: M.Sc. ANIMAL NUTRITION
Research interest: Insect for feed and Food (INSEFF) BSF- Effects on immunology and gene

expression- Nutrigenomics- ICIPEUTSUNOMIYA FARM VISIT
Lecture by Dr. Hiroki Ikeda• Located in Moka city – 25 min from Mine campus One of the largest university farm in Japan- 1,010,000m2

Crops in the farm

Japanese pear

Green onion

OnionChinese cabbage

GrapeYudai 21
RadishBlueberry

CabbageJapanese chestnut

CucumberSweet potatoes

BurdockTomato5/3/24

Horticultural crop Research
Conducts basic Research on Tomatoes and onions
From Field trials to genetic analysis• Horticultural Science – Dr. Kurokura• Plant breeding Laboratory• Applied entomology lab- Dr. Sonoda• Plant Pathology Lab – Dr. Natsuaki and Dr. Neriya

Onion Production in the Farm
• Onion consist of the root, stem, bulb and leaves.
• We consume the bulb- Productivity determined by degree of enlargement of

the bulb.
Sowing – Mid September
Planting – Early November
Harvesting – Early may to mid June
Bulb enlargement increases with temperature

Research About Onion Production• Commonly Known• Unresolved questions

Bulb enlargement increases with Which is more crucial between day length andphotoperiod and temperaturetemperature?

Where are the effects of the two sensed?
Which genes are involved in the process?

Extracted RNA and synthesized cDNA to identify

expression ACFT1 and ACTF4 genes

Conclusion
Size of the bulb has an impact on yieldTemperature and day length has an impact on bulb enlargement
Utsunomiya university farm aims at engaging in research that contributes
to agricultural production worldwide (Focus on molecular biology)

•.

Acknowledgement

THANK YOU

Experiment: Investigation of onion growth and analysis
of gene expression

Paul Ojwang Ajwang
MSc. BotanyMy current location

Where I came from

Kenya to Japan, Amazing

Introduction
Experiment by:
Hiroki IKEDA (Associate Professor)

AIM• To examine whether bulb
enlargement at the genetic levelhas commenced in onions withdifferent number of leaves

SAMPLES

Small onions

Large onions

Experiment Overview
Procedures conducted• RNA extraction from onion leaves.
• Synthesis of cDNA from the extracted RNA – RNA is unstable.
• RT-PCR using cDNA as template.

• Gel electrophoresis.

Consumables and Equipment
Micro pipette

Centrifuge

Others•••••Working area

PCR Thermal cycler

RNA extraction Kit
Buffers
Liquid nitrogen
Electric grinder
Among others

Lessons learnt:• Good lab practice whenusing the equipment• Caution when using
centrifuge• Operating the equipment

Sample preparation
Students observing keenly

Cutting onion leaves into small pieces

Grinding onion leaves

Liquid nitrogen added

Sakura Science program students conducting
experiment
Explanation before experiment

Loading samples for gel
electrophoresis

Bands

RNA extraction procedure

ladderL.O bandS.O bandExperiment successful: very happyImpression and expression of SSP• Exposure to advanced lab facilities, research and lectures on various
topics (Quality education – SDG 4)• International cooperation and knowledge exchange between the
countries represented and Japan (Partnerships for the goals – SDG17)• I am not the person I was last week in terms of knowledge andexperience• Got to experience Japanese culture – So far Healthy set and Gyoza still
ranks among the best I have eaten, yet to test Sushi

Special thanks to:
1. Prof. Natsuaki – for being
with us throughout the
day since day 1
2. Dr. Ikeda – for taking us
through the lecture andexperiment
3. Riku and Ayaka Tabei –for helping during theexperiment
4. And of course everyonein this photo for ensuringthat the experiment wasa successAcknowledgement

ASANTE

DIAGNOSIS AND DETECTION OF
PLANT DISEASES
Sakura Science Program

FATMA MOHAMED OMAR
MSc. Biotechnology

Various plant pathogens
Fungi

Bacteria
Phytoplasma
Weed
Virus
NematodeDiagnostic method

DNA Sequencing

Detection of RNA virus (CMV) by one
step RT-PCR

50mg ofinfected
N. Benthamiana

Add 500 µl PBST
& grind well

Transfer all sap tosmall tubes, leave for10 min a.r.t. Discard
all crude sap

Add 50 µl PBST
& wash by pipetting,discard all sap X2

Stain withethidiumbromide for 10
min & observe
gel by transilluminator

Add 20 µl RNase-free
H2O & mix by pipetting

Add 1 µl of the RNA
into a small PCR tube
plus 9 µl RT-PCR
reagents to make volof 10 µl
1.2 µl dye, amplicon, mix, load
into 1% agarose gel TAE buffer

Reaction of 30
cyclesDetection of RNA virus (CMV) by
ELISA
Incubateovernight at 4 ℃

50mg ofinfected
N. Benthamiana

Add 500 µl PBST
& grind well

Pick 200 µl of the mixture & add tothe microplate

Remove antiserum
Wash three times
with washingbufferView
200 µl of substrate solution,
allow color dvlpt a.r.t in darkfor 30 min

Remove solution & wash twice
Add antiserum(CMV & rabbit-goat IgG)
Wait for 1 hr

Results for RT-PCR & ELISATake home message• Cross-validation of the results
obtained from each method,enhancing the confidence in theaccuracy of virus detection• PCR detects specific nucleic acidsequences of the virus offeringhigh sensitivity and specificity forvirus detection.
• Comprehensive and integrated
approach to virus diagnosis,
enabling more effective disease
management strategies• The inclusion of positive or
negative controls• How to effectively load samples
into the gel• Simplified kits for extraction &PCRAcknowledgement
Utsunomiya University, School of Agriculture
Laboratory of Plant Pathology

Dr. Yutaro NeriyaProf. Natsuaki
Further questions/discussions
Connect

GitHub: Fatma366
LinkedIn: Fatma Mohamed Omar
Slack: Fatma Omar
X: omar_fatma99

Sakura Science Exchange program
by:
Stephen katana cosmus
MSc. Medical Microbiology

66

L
Vaccines?

 These are biologically engineered formulations designed to stimulate the immune
system, providing targeted protection against specific diseases by mimicking
natural infections without causing illness.

Brief History into vaccination:
Edward Jenner
Development of the first small pox vaccine (14th May 1796).

67

Immunity
Immunity?
Immunity is the body's ability to resist and defend against infectious

agents.
Types of immunity
InnateAdaptive
What of immunity in plants??????

68

Cross protection
Defined as Immune defense against related pathogens due to priorexposure.
Example in Tobacco plants where systmatic infection with one strain of
TMV repressed the infection with another (McKinney et al., 1929).
Immune and Vacccine in plants:
Plant immunity relies on intricate molecular processes that activate
defense mechanisms against various pathogens.

Plant vaccines are designed to bolster this natural immunity, providing asustainable approach to protect crops and enhance agricultural resilience.
These innovative solutions aim to mitigate the impact of diseases onplants, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Viral attenuation and cross protecton to control plant viral 69
diseasesViral attenuation involves weakening the virulence of plant viruses todevelop less harmful strains.
Cross-protection is a strategy where plants are pre-exposed to a mild
strain, inducing immunity and providing resistance against more severe
virus strains.
Collectively, serving as effective methods to control and manage plantviral diseases.

Selection methods of attenuated viruses
Search for naturally occuring mild strain.
Treatment of infected plants with high (>350C) or low temp (150C).
Exposure to mutagens such as UV light or nitrous acid.

Exchange or addition of RNA components in vitro or in vivo.
Hot or cold treatment ussually effective in inducing viral attenuation.

70

71

protective inoculation
Protective inoculation involves administering a substance (attenuated pathogen),toStimulate an immune response and establish immunity against a specific disease,providing protection upon subsequent exposure to the pathogen.

ご聴取ありがとうございました
Go chōshu arigatōgozaimashita
Stephen Katana Cosmus+254718445925
stephencosmus@gmail.com

“Global Management 2023” of “ProgrammeforDeveloping Human Resource to Contributeto SDGs by
Merging African Potential and Japanese
ScientificTechnology”
SAKURA Science Exchange Programme73

JKUAT
Msc. Horticulture
Project Diversity and Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Apple(Malus domestica Borkh) Orchards of Nyeriand Laikipia

Areas of Interest
Horticultural crops
Agricultural Entomology

Productivity

74

Agricultural arthropod pests showing
resistance to pesticides and their
management using Natural enemies• Insecticide resistance is a long-standing problem affecting theefficacy and utility of crop protection compounds• Insecticide resistance also impacts the ability and willingness ofcompanies around the world to invest in new crop protection
compounds and traits• The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) was formed in1984 to provide a coordinated response by the crop protectionindustry to the problem of insecticide resistance75

Number of cases of insecticide resistance per decade and approximate dates of introduction for selectedmajor classes of insecticides and acaricides (Sparks et al, 2021)

76

Top 3 insecticide-resistant pests•Species

Tetranychus
urticaeCommon nameOrder

No. of active
ingredients

Two spotted
spider mite

Acarina96

Plutella xylostella Diamond black
Lepidoptera
moth
Myzus persicae
Green peach aphid Coleoptera

96
80

77

How does an insect become resistant ?
• Resistance occurs through mutations in the genetic make-up of the insect• DNA which is made up of a chain of paired nucleotides is often describedas the genetic ‘instruction book’ for constructing living organisms• However, the replication of DNA is not a perfect process and errors canoccur. These errors are called mutations

78

How does an insect become resistant?
• As the DNA provides the instructions for the development and function of
the insect, a mutation can result in a change in insect physiology orbiochemistry.

• Sometimes a mutation may have no impact on the insect, sometimes themutation can be lethal.
• However, on occasion the mutation may result in the insect becoming
less susceptible to an insecticide and this provides it with a competitive
advantage when the same insecticide is applied again.

79

Mechanisms of Resistance

1. Increased activity of detoxification enzymes
Cytochrome P450,carboxyl esterase, glutathione S-transferase
2. Target site insensitivity- insecticides generally have a specific site ofaction within an insect, this is usually a receptor protein

80Mechanisms of Resistance

3.Reduced penetration of body surface (physical adaptation) such as athicker cuticle, extra waxy covering, or faster excretion of waste

4.Behavioral adaptation81

Spider mite control using predator
release systems in a Japanese pear
greenhouse• Installation of a slow-release sachet containing Neoseiulus californicus(McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) protected by a waterproof shelter on thepear stem• Monitoring the efficacy of the predator release system for spider mite
control at a Japanese pear greenhouse requires discrimination of N.
californicus from other indigenous phytoseiid mite species inhabiting thestudy site
• Results demonstrated that approximately 1 month is necessary for the
distribution of the released N. californicus on the leaves• The effectiveness of the predator release system in Japanese pear outdoor
orchards also remains to be evaluated82

83

Resistance Management84

Arigato gozaimasu!
Utsunomiya University
JKUAT
All Faculty
UU-A team
UU international
Studies students
Sakura Science team
Organizers
85

A general review of the 2024
Sakura Science Program at
Utsunomiya University
Ms. Naomi Chelimo Ketter
Coordinator for exchange activities in
the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, JKUAT
Lecturer, Dept. of Horticulture and Food Security,
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Naomi Ketter

08.03.2024

2024 Sakura Science Program

Introduction-

An initiative by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), started in 2014-

Aimed at fostering exchanges between Japanese and international youths who are the future leaders in thefield of science and technology-

The program provides opportunities for outstanding students, researchers, and young professionals fromcountries around the world to visit Japan for a short period-

During their visit, participants engage in workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities at universities,
research institutions, and private companies in Japan.

https://ssp.jst.go.jp/en/
Naomi Ketter

08.03.2024

2024 Sakura Science Program87

Its objectives
To support the development of talented human resources from overseas who have the potential to contributeto innovation in science and technology.
To accelerate the international brain cycle.
To promote continuous collaboration, cooperation and interaction between Japanese educational andresearch institutes and overseas ones.
To strengthen good relationship between Japan and other countries and regions that will help science andtechnology diplomacy (cultural exchange)

Naomi Ketter

08.03.2024

2024 Sakura Science Program88

Our experience Students have enhanced their scientific and practical knowledge, alongside being exposed to high tech andcurrent research equipment
 Students have increased their networks both in UU, UU-A and the Sakura Science Club Open mindedness
 Continued engagement, i.e scholarships for their PhDs
 Will apply the knowledge
 Spiked collaborations

Naomi Ketter

08.03.2024

2024 Sakura Science Program89

Recommendations
 The program to consider participants’ fields of study Upon arrival, UU can provide a briefing on stay in Utsunomiya

 Consider having an online engagement on Japan & African academic culture andcultural awareness as a whole Consider having Sakura Science Program students to stay together
with the UU-A students / within the dormitory
 Open the invitation to Bachelor students who will participate in the Global
Management course
 Early communication needed on what the stipendium covers and what it does notcover so that the participants can know whether to carry extra cash or not
Naomi Ketter

08.03.2024

2024 Sakura Science Program90

Photos_ Aha!!

Traffic lights

Snow
PrayerNaomi Ketter

08.03.2024

Chapati madondo

2024 Sakura Science Program91