Cell-to-cell heterogeneity in a changing climate

Short-term fluctuations in environmental conditions such as temperature (e.g., heat waves) and carbonate chemistry (e.g., diurnal pH changes) are expected to increase with climate change. In this project, we investigate how phytoplankton respond to fluctuations at different time scales. The project involves characterization of physiological acclimation mechanisms in laboratory cultures and natural communities as well as development and application of innovative single-cell techniques that help us understand the role of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in this context.

Involved at Algatech: Meri Eichner, Eva Kotabova, Anxhela Hania, Jiri Setlik, Jason Dean

International collaborators: Gabor Bernat (BLKI), Lubos Polerecky (Utrecht University), Sebastian Rokitta (AWI), Björn Rost (AWI)

This project is supported by a GACR Standard grant (2024-2026).

We welcomeinterested BSc or MSc students as well as postdocs who consider to apply for funding. To discuss options, please contact Meri Eichner.