An eruption occurred at Nishinoshima in November 2013. Over 400 million tons of lava flowed out, causing the island's surface area to become approximately 12 times larger. While volcanic activity has since decreased, researchers' interest in the volcanic rocks has increased. This is because the rocks' components are similar to that of continental rock rather than rocks found in the sea. Some say that the "egg of a continent" is being formed here. What does this mean? Join us to find out!

Experts believe that clouds have a greater effect on the climate than greenhouse gases. Of particular interest is a new cloud type that lasts for a long time. They are caused by an increase in aerosols, which are tiny particles suspended in the air that assist cloud formation. We'll learn more about this new cloud type, and also introduce the Meteorological Research Institute's cloud simulation chamber, which is being used in their research, and is the first of its kind in the world.

Somei-yoshino are the most popular cherry blossoms in Japan. They bloom all at once in spring, and it was said that this was because all the trees shared the same genes, meaning that they are "clones". The Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute focused on one DNA section and were able to confirm this with a high level of precision. What's more, a new theory suggests that the very first tree is in Ueno Park. Join us as we take a closer look at the origin of the beautiful Somei-yoshino!