Prof. UMEDA Masaaki
Please tell us about your own research and what you find interesting about it.
Since plants cannot move their cells, how they increase and arrange their cells greatly determines the morphology and growth of individuals. I’m studying stem cells, environmental stress response, and DNA polyploidization, and I feel that these characteristics of plants support their vigorous growth and longevity. I’m amazed at the clever survival strategies of plants, and I’m interested in developing technologies for increasing biomass production by using these strategies in my research.
Please tell us about the difficulties and joys of the research field.
When an experiment comes to a dead end, I’m troubled, but that’s why I’m happy when high-quality data comes out. The moment when you feel that you are the only one who knows something that no one else in the world knows (the moment when high-quality data is obtained) is the most exciting, and I’m doing research because I want to repeat that experience.
Please tell us about the expected results and social significance of the project.
Increasing biomass production is directly linked to increasing food production in the case of crops, and to increasing energy and biomaterials production in the case of trees. Therefore, I believe that the research I’m conducting can contribute greatly to the realization of a low-carbon society.
A message of support for students who are about to take the exam
Don't set limits for yourself and keep raising your goals. It’s important to have a challenging spirit.
What websites, books, review articles, and so on, do you recommend for studying in order to apply for the lab ?
- https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-arplant-080720-103739
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/19/10384
What do you do to keep yourself fresh?
Walking, listening to music, and watching baseball games.