What is it?
Microbiology encompasses the whole of studying microorganisms. This includes the study of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, some types of algae and often viruses. Scientists in microbiology see the world as composed of almost uncountable numbers of tiny unseen parts that affect every aspect of life on Earth. These minute life forms are a benefit to all humans and the cycling of nutrients in the eco-systems of the planet.
Microbiology is advancing continually. Scientists estimate that about 99% of the microbes existing on earth have not yet been studied. A greater application of microbiology may help us further understand some mysteries of life still in question 3.
DUSEL Focus
Bio-prospecting
"Bioprospecting is the search for useful organic compounds in nature, commonly involving the collection and examination of biological samples (plants, animals, microoganisms) for sources of genetic or biochemical resources" 2.
Extreme Life Forms
According to the Merriam-Webster online Dictionary, an extremophile is an organism that lives under extreme environmental conditions (as in a hot spring or ice cap).
Geomicrobiology
Geomicrobiologists study the activities of microorganisms that live beneath the surface of the earth; the microorganisms used in this field of study are usually bacteria. The geomicrobiology field can also be referred to a biogeochemistry and subsurface microbiology. The microorganisms studied in these fields have adapted to live without oxygen and light. The importance of geomicrobiology increased in the 1970’s and 1980’s, as groundwater contamination became a concern to scientists. Geomicrobiology continues to grow in importance, and the need for new techniques in this field has brought together microbiologists, geologists, hydrologists, geochemists, and environmental engineers. The field of geomicrobiology will continue to grow in importance as the number of microbes on the planet becomes better known.1
Experiments at DUSEL
Who's Doing It?
Research Questions
- How does subsurface microbial life evolve underground?
- Did life on Earth originate beneath the surface?
- Is there life underground as we don't know it?
- How do biology and geology interact to shape the underground world?
Further Reading
Byrd, Jeffery J. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Microbiology. New York: Alpha Books, 2006.
New Items (1st floor): 579 BYR
Darling, Kathy. There’s a Zoo on You! Brookfield, CN: Millbrook, 2000
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579 D22lt
Farrell, Jeanette. Invisible Allies: Microbes that Shape Our Lives. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2005.
Young Adult Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579 FAR
Flacklam, Howard and Margery Flacklam. Bacteria. New York: Twenty-First Century Books, 1994.
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579 F142b
Hart. C. A. Microterrors: The Complete Guide to Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infections that Threaten our Health. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2004.
Nonfiction (1st floor – Main Collection): 616.9041 HAR
Krulik, Nancy E. Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus in a Pickle: A Book About Microbes. New York: Scholastic, 1997.
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579 K94s
Lowenfels, Jeff. Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web. Portland, OR: Timber, 2006.
Nonfiction (1st floor – Main Collection): 631.4 LOW
Nardo, Don. Germs. San Diego, CA: Kidhaven, 2002.
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection):579 N224
Parker, Steve. Mysterious Microbes. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1994.
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579 P243m
Snedden, Robert. Scientists and Discoveries. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2000.
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579.092 S671s
Snedden, Robert. A World of Microorganisms. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2000.
Children’s Nonfiction (2nd floor – Children’s Collection): 579 S671w
Media
External Links
Extremophiles at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Life in Extreme Environments at Astrobiology
Dark Life: Biology National Science Foundation
Extremeophiles at Astrobiology
Lives of Extremophiles NOVA at PBS
Types of Extremophiles at California Academy of Sciences
