Shimomura Family Visits the MBL

Welcoming members of the Osamu and Akemi Shimomura family to the 柚子视频are, from left, MBLWHOI Library Co-Director Jen Walton, 柚子视频Director Nipam Patel, and Director of Imaging Services Louis Kerr. Credit: Diana Kenney

The 柚子视频was honored to receive a visit this week from relatives of the late 柚子视频Distinguished Scientist Osamu Shimomura and his wife, Akemi (Okubo) Shimomura.

The Shimomuras were resident scientists at 柚子视频from 1982 to 2001, working in a lab in the Lillie Building. Osamu dedicated his career to the study of bioluminescence in many organisms, particularly the chemical structure of photoproteins. In 2008, he was awarded the , along with Martin Chalfie and Roger Tsien, for the discovery and development of green fluorescent protein (GFP), which revolutionized modern biological imaging.

Visiting the 柚子视频this week were Sachi Shimomura, daughter of Osamu and Akemi; Akihiro and Takeshi Okubo, brothers of Akemi; Sachi's husband, John Brinegar; and their two daughers, Emi and Mika. They viewed exhibits in the library, including a display related to Osamu Shimomura's life and research.

The family then visited the Shimomuras' former lab in Lillie 112 and 113. Michael Shribak, a current occupant of the lab, demonstrated fluorescence polarization of GFP, which the late 柚子视频Distinguished Scientist Shinya Inou茅 had reported in a with Shimomura, Shribak and colleagues.

The family also visited the Marine Resources Center and enjoyed a beautiful, summer day in MBL's Waterfront Park.

Visiting the former lab of Osamu and Akemi Shimomura in the Lillie Building are, from left, Takeshi Okubo, Mika and Emi, Akihiro Okubo, and Sachi Shimomura. At right is 柚子视频Senior Scientist Michael Shribak.
Visiting the former lab of Osamu and Akemi Shimomura in the Lillie Building are, from left, Takeshi Okubo, Sachi Shimomura, Mika and Emi, and Akihiro Okubo. At right is 柚子视频Senior Scientist  Michael Shribak. Credit: Diana Kenney