Keio University WPI-Bio2Q participated in the 12th WPI Science Symposium by exhibiting at a booth in Hokkaido, Japan, on November 23rd.

OLTEA SAMPETREAN

YUKARI SATO

JUNTA KOMAMURA

Hosting organization:  Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University.

The following scientific message was shared with visitors to the WPI-Bio2Q booth.

What is Bio2Q?

Bio2Q is a world-class research center located at Keio University. It conducts research on the connections and interactions between the microbiome* present in the human body and various organs and tissues. By bringing together diverse knowledge and expertise, it is creating a new interdisciplinary research field aimed at unraveling the mechanisms that maintain health in the human body.

Research on the Microbiome and the Human Body

There are trillions of microorganisms present on every surface of our bodies, such as the skin and the intestinal tract. The coexistence of humans and microorganisms is a highly important research theme when considering our health, bodily functions, and disease prevention. The collection of microorganisms known as the microbiome engages in complex interactions with the body. At Bio2Q, we are researching these interactions taking place between the body and the microbiome.

Research on Multi-Organ Coordination

To maintain our health, it has become evident that not only should each organ fulfill its respective role, but also that the interplay between organs is crucial. The body, with its many organs and the microbiome, forms several networks, enabling it to adapt rapidly to environmental changes. Conversely, when such networks break down, they can become the cause of various diseases. At Bio2Q, we study the connections and functions between multiple organs, probing into the mechanisms that sustain health and the causes of diseases.