Bioenvironmental research with the aim of creation of synergy between academic fields and technological seeds in an environmentally changing society.

Summary

Academic experts in the fields of environmental adaptation, biological interactions, molecular evolution, co-evolution, and ecology of living organisms have formed three subgroups “the section of environmental adaptation”, “the section of molecular evolution”, and the “section of nature symbiosis”. In order to create an academic research field that breaks through the classical concepts and barriers of environmental biology, evolutionary science, and ecology, we produce new technological seeds that will contribute to protecting our lives in a global environment that is always changing.

<Section of Environmental Adaption>

We explore to find the mechanisms underlying biological sensing of environmental stress, and develop new technologies including environmental stress-adaptive cultivation systems.

• Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the evolution and diversity of lives
• Development of significant plant lines adapted for environmental stress tolerance and biologial interaction, leading to the creation of next-generation organic cultivation systems using immunostimulants and companion plants that contribute to reduced pesticide use.

Members: Gen-ichiro Arimura, Kazuyuki Kuchitsu, Ryuichi Nishihama, Hisataka Ohta, Fuminori          Takahashi, Yoshitake Desaki, Kenji Hashimoto, Takuya Sakamoto, Sachihiro Matsunaga (Univ. of Tokyo)

<Section of Molecular Evolution>

We analyze the mechanisms of genomic evolution and biology’s central dogma that enable adaptation and diversification of life from the viewpoint of evolution, which has been overlooked in the past. We also aim to develop new life system technology beyond conventional conceptions.

• Elucidation and utilization of minimum components and the mechanism of biological protein synthesis system of life on Earth
• Development of new life system technology based on RNA technology

Members: Koji Tamura, Toshiki Furuya, Mitsunori Shiroishi, Masayuki Sakurai,Kazunori Okada (Univ. of Tokyo), Akiko Soma (Chiba Univ.)

<Section of Nature Symbiosis>

We advance scientific knowledge that contributes to the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, and develop technologies for assessing risks of chemical substances to living things and for managing and improving the air, water, and soil environment.

• Elucidation of environmental factors and mechanisms that affect future biological production
• Development of analytical methods for atmospheric molecules and environmental chemicals, and of methods for assessing the effects on living organisms

Members: Shinichi Miyagawa, Shinichi Satake, Yoshitsugu Akiyama, Takuya Saito (NIEFS)

Future Development Goals

We will create a new revolutionary academic field that has never existed by fusing individually developed research areas such as environmental biology and ecology.

 Message

With the theme of “environment,” we will elucidate the environmental adaptability and molecular evolution mechanisms of various species, such as plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and fungi species. We will explore applications of novel discoveries to aid the preservation of natural ecosystems and biological diversity.