Environmental
Biology Division
Homepage: http://www.nies.go.jp/biology/index-e.html
The environment is affected in many ways as a result of human activities.
This division is conducting a variety of fundamental research projects
and studies relating to impacts on whole ecosystems from environmental
pollution, habitat changes, and changes in the types and numbers of species
living in them. At present, four research sections are tackling issues
from various angles.
- Regarding biological populations, research is being conducted about
the impacts of environmental changes on the structure and functions
of wetlands, tidal wetlands, and rivers. We are developing environmental
assessment techniques based on ecological functions in order to protect
the rich nature of tidal and other wetlands, and to promote sustainable
use. In addition, we are studying the potential of benthic organisms
and plants to serve as pollution indicators, as well as the natural
purifying functions of ecosystems.
Studying ecological functions of tidal wetlands (at Kashima Gatalympic
event). With their fine-grained sands, the wetlands along the Ariake
Sea have some of the highest levels of biological decomposition activities
in Japan.
- Using techniques such as systems analysis, analysis of morphological
and genetic variation, and analysis of physiological and ecological
functions, we are studying the diversity of microorganisms and benthic
animals. In addition, we are working on the potential of organisms
to be used as environmental indicators, as well as their production
and decomposition functions in ecosystems.
Larvae of the midge fly Propsilocerus akamusi from Lake Kasumigaura.
It is an excellent environmental indicator that can identify subtle
changes in the habitat.
- Tropical forests are the most diverse ecosystems in the world. We
are conducting research that will allow integrated assessments of
their ecological service functions (to supply biological resources,
to store carbon, to capture and conserve water, for recreation, to
conserve diversity, etc.).
- Using Arabidopsis mutants, we are studying the impacts of various
environmental factors on plants at the molecular level. Further, using
the DNA microarray technology, we are developing a method to dagnose
a stress in a plant accurately.
The DNA microarray technology analyzes changes in expression patterns
of a lot of genes resulting from various stress factors. Each spot
indicates changes in the amount of expression of a specific gene.
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