Perhaps you have heard about the Institute of Zoology, CAS. It stands as a beacon of zoological research in China. Its history stretches back over 80 years.
The Institute of Zoology, CAS, started as the Fan Memorial Institute of Biology in 1928. Many distinguished scientists began their careers here. Thirteen CAS Academicians among them. They include founders of various zoology sub-disciplines in China. Professor Bing Zhi was the first director of IOZ and a founder of modern biology in China.
Several sub-disciplines in China came from the Institute of Zoology, CAS. Entomology, animal ecology, and experimental embryology are among them. IOZ has significantly contributed to China. It successfully controlled China’s agricultural pest the locust. It also managed other pest insects and rodents. The Institute of Zoology, CAS, helped establish nature reserves. It aided in conserving giant pandas and crested ibis. It contributed to reproduction and contraception research and fish nuclear transfer.
Since the CAS Knowledge Innovation Program, IOZ has rapidly developed. It now houses three state key laboratories. There are also two CAS key laboratories. These focus on pest management, stem cell biology, membrane biology, and animal ecology. The Zoological Museum boasts over 6.1 million animal specimens. Field stations and research bases support IOZ’s research programs.
The Institute of Zoology, CAS, employs 420 staff members. Seventy-five are professors. It has 531 postgraduate students and 113 postdoctoral fellows. Achievements in reproduction, animal cloning, and pest control have gained recognition. They also focus on wildlife disease prevention and conservation.
Five societies are affiliated with the Institute of Zoology, CAS. They include the Zoological Society of China and the Entomological Society of China. IOZ and these societies publish seven academic periodicals. Insect Science, Integrative Zoology, and Current Zoology are SCI indexed journals.
The Institute of Zoology, CAS, aims to be an internationally recognized research organization. Its research addresses basic science and public demands. It focuses on agriculture, biodiversity, human health, and reproductive biology. Pest control, wildlife disease prevention, and animal conservation are key areas. They also study zoological systematics and molecular breeding.
The Institute of Zoology, CAS, directs its research to meet national needs. These are in agriculture, biodiversity, ecology, and human health. Researchers focus on cell programming, stem cells, and pest management. They also study endangered species and animal evolution.
IOZ researchers achieved groundbreaking advancements in embryonic development. They cultured early primate embryos for up to 25 days. This milestone has profound implications for studying early embryogenesis. It helps in developing new reproductive technologies.
Researchers at the Institute of Zoology, CAS, generated iPSC-derived live mice. This demonstrated iPSCs can develop into healthy individuals. This breakthrough significantly promoted iPSC technology.
IOZ researchers generated haploid embryonic stem cells of mice and rats. These cells could produce viable offspring. This indicates the potential application of haploid ESCs in assisted reproduction.
The Institute of Zoology, CAS, also made progress in genetic engineering. They produced mice with novel karyotypes. This provides insight into how chromosomal rearrangements may influence evolution.
IOZ has developed new techniques for controlling insects and rodents. They found EP-1 can inhibit the reproduction of many wild rodent species. They have also developed baculoviral insecticides since 2002.
IOZ scientists rediscovered the world’s only seven crested ibis in the 1980s. They also published a book on conservation biology. IOZ researchers elucidated the genomic diversity of the giant panda. They also study the red panda and other species.
Since its establishment, the Institute of Zoology, CAS, has focused on animal diversity. They have identified more than 70000 species. This has driven a paradigm shift in taxonomic research in China.
The Institute of Zoology, CAS, continues to serve national campaigns. It focuses on human health and biodiversity conservation. IOZ strives to be a leading institution for life science innovation in China and the world.