National Institute for Environmental Studies: Using Genetic Time Capsules to Preserve Species for the Future

The National Institute for Environmental Studies is working to build a database of biological samples.

Dr. Ōnuma is working to preserve cell and gene samples from endangered species.

Life on the cellular level continues even after the individual dies.

The collected samples may be useful in research to protect species.

“Environmental sample time capsules” at the National Institute for Environmental Studies.

Cells cultured from the skin of endangered species (right: Okinawa rail; left, Japanese crested ibis (provided by National Institute for Environmental Studies).