Center of Evolutionary Applications
Center of Evolutionary Applications (CEA) is a service unit based in the Department of Biology. We provide technical support for researchers at the Department, and offer genetic research and analysis services for external customers.
We are specialised in applied ecological and evolutionary genetics research. We carry out projects together with researchers from the Biology Dept. and also external collaborators from other universities and research institutes.
Our services include DNA/RNA extractions, microsatellite analysis, RAD-seq, qPCR, environmental DNA analysis (eDNA), DNA library preparation, metagenomics, Sanger and next-gen sequencing and methodological optimizations.
Current projects
DNA based fingerprinting of wolf individuals is used for tracking individual's movements and supporting census counts of the Finnish wolf population by LUKE.
For more information see (in Finnish):
riistahavainnot.fi/suurpedot/dna
http://www.suurpedot.fi/suojelu-ja-metsastys/tutkimus/susien-dna-tutkimus.html
For more info see:
https://www.utu.fi/en/units/sci/units/biology/research/projects/verg/Pages/JonBrommer.aspx
https://www.utu.fi/en/units/sci/units/biology/research/projects/verg/Pages/BarbaraClass.aspx
In this project we will use microsatellite genotyping for a population structure study.
In this project we will do microsatellite genotyping of White tailed eagle samples.
Using DNA based methods we can determine the sex of individuals in cases where no apparent visual differences are present. Here we use molecular methods to determine the sex of juvenile eider ducks by taking a swab sample. Egg shells can also be used as starting material for DNA analysis if the ducklings left the nest before sampling!
DISRUPT: Ducks as models for assessIng endocrine DISRUPTing chemicals in the aquatic environment
https://sites.utu.fi/disrupt/
Introduced species can have wide ranging effects on the native species in the littoral ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. The project INVASIVES investigates how invasive species change community dynamics and reshape natural selection on the native species. Selective pressure alters patterns of variation in the genome, and these changes can be studied by sequencing.
https://sites.utu.fi/alga/
DNA sequencing is a powerful tool for species identification in microbial communities. The Experimental Evolution-project studies community dynamics, using microbes and an experimental approach as a means to study interactions both on ecological and evolutionary scales.
https://www.expevo.org/
Past projects
In this project we will test and optimize a RAD-tag method for two fish species, pike and perch.
In this project we will use microsatellite genotyping for determining population structure in Iijoki brown trout.
In this pilot study we will test an eDNA based method to determine the amount of brown trout individuals from water samples.
In this project we will carry out DNA- and RNA extractions for the endophyte project.
https://blogit.utu.fi/helandersaikkonenlab/
In this pilot study we will extract DNA from pollen samples gathered by a Burkard trap. Sequencing a part of the "plant barcoding" gene trnL we can study the species composition in the samples.
More information here (in Finnish):
https://www.utu.fi/fi/yliopisto/luonnontieteiden-ja-tekniikan-tiedekunta/biologia/tutkimus
Contact information
Contact us: cea@utu.fi
Visit us: University Hill, Natura building, 3. floor, room 333
Delivery address: Vesilinnantie 5, 20500 TURKU