Tea with Japanese friends

Tea with Japanese friends
Originally uploaded by Hobflickr.

Sue and I were delighted to host Masa Yamaguchi (right) with Wakana, Yasuko and Noby from Masa's laboratory at Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT). Sue spent 6 weeks with Masa's group in 2003 and they continue to collaborate and exchange ideas in the field of DNA replication, via their study of Drosophila (Fruit flies to you and me). Masa's lab is 20 strong, although that does consist of undergrads who may spend up to 1 year assigned to a lab. Contrast that with science education in this country (how many hours are spent in a lab on experiments as an undergrad?). Wakana and Yasuko will be here for another 2 weeks working in Sue's lab. Masa and Noby have already returned. We hope they all enjoy(ed) their first visit to the UK, and their first experience of scones.