The Biotron Institute for Experimental Climate Change Research at Western University in London, Ontario is a facility constructed to simulate ecosystems[3][4][5] and funded by the Canadian government to study how plants, microbes and insects sense and adjust to climate change.[6][7] Its biome chambers allow control of temperature, humidity and sunlight so that scientists can simulate climatic zones from rainforests to Arctic tundra.[8] This enables the study environmental science, biotech, materials and biomaterials in realistic environmental conditions while still in a controlled laboratory setting.[9][2][10] The Biotron also trains students, including one of Western's winners of The Undergraduate Awards' Global Award.[11][12][13]
The lab was initially founded by Norman Hüner with a grant from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation in May 2003. Construction was completed in 2008, and like many research facilities, it struggled to establish a business model to support the technicians needed to operate its specialized equipment.[14] The facility is now part of the department of biology.[15]
The facility has had three directors: Norman Hüner (2003-2008, 2019-present), Jeremy McNeil (2009-2011), and Brian Branfireun (2012-2019).[14]
Research
Hüner and colleagues observed that 80% of Earth's biosphere is permanently below 5°C, including most of the oceans and the polar and alpine regions.[16] Previously, these regions had been assumed to be low in biodiversity, when in fact they are teeming with diverse life forms.[17] The facility now supports research ranging from biogeochemistry[18] to the study of insects in cold temperatures.[19][20]
Environmental Chambers
The Biotron's chambers augment polar research stations by enabling research on cold ecosystems in a controlled laboratory building.[16] Biotron's chambers enable the study of biomes, such as peatlands,[21] and insects, such as the overwintering energetics of butterflies.[20][22][23] These chambers enable the study of climate change by simulating Arctic conditions in the laboratory.[24]
Analytical Services
Biotron's analytical laboratories measure trace metals in samples from field collections.[25][26] The facility provides mass spectrometry for measuring elements and compounds in water, soil, rock and biological materials.[27] The facility has been used to study of pollutants that impact human health, such as the neurotoxin mercury.[18][28] Such studies enable biomonitoring to support the rights of indigenous peoples.[29] Biotron's analytical services also support global carbon cycle modeling [30] and medical clinical trials.[31]
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