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The author was born in France, into an academic and literary family, and ever since his earliest childhood has always been devoted to animals. While relating different episodes of his life, from childhood through to adulthood, he shows how he developed two driving ambitions, one for biology and the other for poetry. This unusual combination of interests ultimately led him to follow the two quite different directions, choosing to be both scientist and poet. The dual career path involved various surprises and difficulties that will be described.
The author was born in France, into an academic and literary family, and ever since his earliest childhood has always been devoted to animals. While relating different episodes of his life, from childhood through to adulthood, he shows how he developed two driving ambitions, one for biology and the other for poetry. This unusual combination of interests ultimately led him to follow the two quite different directions, choosing to be both scientist and poet. The dual career path involved various surprises and difficulties that will be described.
Aizome, or indigo dyeing, is one of Japan’s traditional dyeing methods. The dye required for this indigo dyeing process is produced by microbial reactions. In Japan, artisans called "aishi" are responsible for the production of this fermentation product, called sukumo, which is necessary for indigo dyeing. The production of sukumo has long relied on the experience and intuition of these craftsmen, but in recent years microbiological analysis has been introduced. This column gives an overview of the sukumo production process, which is not yet fully understood scientifically, and presents the fact that the ancient Japanese fermentation technique has found its way not only into the food and pharmaceutical industries, but also into the fields of dyeing and fashion.
2023
Volume 23- 7
Issue 12022
Volume 22- 6
Issue 12021
Volume 21- 5
Issue 12020
Volume 20- 4
Special issue2019
Volume 19- 3
Issue 12018
Volume 18- 2
Issue 12017
Volume 17- 1
Issue 1