HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
FIELD RESEARCH CENTER FOR NORTHERN BIOSPHERE
UETAKE LAB.
GET OUT IN THE FIELD AND UNDERSTAND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE!
〜Microbial ecosystem and Environment〜
Invisible microorganisms live not only in soil and rivers, but also in seemingly lifeless environments such as air and snow. Through fieldwork in the field and genetic experiments and chemical analysis in the laboratory, we will clarify how these microbial communities are distributed and interact with each other to influence the global environment.
We also collaborate with researchers from various fields including glaciology, meteorology, and oceanography to address global-scale topics.
Research keywords: microbial ecology, environmental DNA, environmental change, bioaerosols, glaciers, snow cover, forests, ice crystal nucleation.
RESEARCHES
BIOAEROSOL
In the atmosphere, various particles (aerosols), such as small grains of sand and air pollutants, are floating in the air. Among them, aerosol related to biological material is called "bioaerosol", such as viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, and pollen.
Although bioaerosols have a significant impact on health, ecology, and weather, the actual state of bioaerosols has been largely unknown. Our laboratory conducts research in a wide range of regions, from urban to polar regions.
Bioaerosols in forests and assessment of their impact on ecosystems
Microbial general circulation through the atmosphere
Assessment of the impact of bioaerosols on cloud formation
SNOW MICROORGANISMS
On snow and ice, microorganisms adapted to the cold environment form diverse ecosystems. We have conducted comprehensive research on glacier surface ecosystems, focusing on various organisms living on glaciers.
Microbial ecosystems in forest snowpack
Snow and ice communities and glacier melt
Ecosystems of tropical glaciers
Contact
Hokkaido University Tomakomai Experimental Forest, Takaoka, Tomakomai, Hokkaido, 053-0035, Japan
Phone：0144-33-2171
