[O-02] Synergy of Earth Science and Art

[O02-01] Functional beauty and wonder of diatoms: Micro artist in nature

★Invited Papers

*Shinya Sato¹ (1.Fukui Prefectural University)

Keywords:diatom, morphology, cell wall, fine structure

Do you know diatoms? The microorganisms live in the water column, known as plankton, are incredibly diverse. Many of them are so minute that they are invisible to the naked eye. In particular, unicellular algae referred to as phytoplankton are typically less than 1 millimeter in size. Among these phytoplankton, diatoms are the most abundant in both quantity and species richness. The most distinctive feature of diatoms is their cell wall made of silica. The morphology of these cell walls varies greatly among species, with an estimated 100,000 species. The intricate and delicate patterns of diatoms have earned them the title of "micro-artists" in nature. Their beauty is widely recognized among nature enthusiasts, and they are a popular subject of observation among amateur microscopists. Moreover, many artists have drawn inspiration from their exquisite forms. But why do diatoms exhibit such beautiful shapes? Is it to entertain us or to spark our interest in nature? To inspire artists and enhance creativity? While the true reason remains unknown without asking the diatoms themselves, researchers believe that these elegant forms are "functional beauty", deeply connected to their survival strategies likely contribute to physical strength, buoyancy regulation, and increased surface area for enhanced nutrient absorption. In this presentation I will show the remarkable beauty of diatoms and, incorporating the latest research findings, explore the mechanisms behind the evolution of their forms. Furthermore, I will discuss how we might utilize these structures, the potential of natural designs, and the future prospects of diatom research.