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GIFU -- An image database is now open for anyone wanting to marvel at electron microscopic images of a vast and visually eclectic range of pollens, that all appear as just tiny grains to the unassisted human eye.

Dubbed "Kafun search" (pollen search), the database was developed at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University to showcase the pollens of 118 plant families, 391 genera and 634 species as of Aug. 21, and the number is rising.

The database was initially launched by undergraduates at the university in July 2019 as a graduation project. The students' first batch of database images were of naturally dried pollens in 35 families and 95 species.

The students hit upon the idea of creating the database because pollen pictorial books for researchers cost several tens of thousands of yen (at least around $150) each. What's more, it's hard for general visitors to science museums and similar facilities to match the book photos with pollens observed with electronic microscopes. This is because the pollens in the books are shown after organic matter has been removed by chemical solutions to make their shapes and other features appear clearer.

After the students graduated, the project was taken over by Sadayuki Hayakawa, 71, a research student at the university's Graduate School of International Cultural Studies, and professor Shinichi Kawakami, 65, of the Faculty of Education, who have collected and observed pollen specimens.

Hayakawa, who entered the graduate school after retiring from a cardboard box production company, is continuing as a research student after he finished his master's degree.

"The world of pollens is a microcosm. There are no identical pollens, which keeps you intrigued. I'd never imagined that I'd be able to see such a world of wonders through an electron microscope at my age. I'm getting so much fun out of it."

Professor Kawakami commented, "The shapes of pollens are intriguing and beautiful. I believe they will inspire children to get interested in science," calling on kids to use the database.

He added, "There are many kinds of pollens that have yet to be collected," and asked for people's cooperation in providing samples not in the database. To provide pollens, contact professor Kawakami via email at: kawa@gifu.shotoku.ac.jp

The database can be viewed at: https://mooc.ha.shotoku.ac.jp/kafun/ (in Japanese)

(Japanese original by Motoyori Arakawa, Nagoya News Center)

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