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On December 18, 2012, significant advancements in microbiology were reported, detailing the discovery of over 2,100 unique microbial species delivered to the North American West Coast via dust plumes from Asia. This research highlights the capabilities of modern molecular methods, which enabled scientists to identify 99 percent more microorganisms than previously recorded. The findings stemmed from two major dust plumes observed in 2011, showcasing the importance of atmospheric transport in biodiversity. For more, read the full article on Science Daily.
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TuesdayDecember 18, 2012 (Review for Semester Exam – Day 4)
The Launch Pad Tuesday, 12/18/12 • No Launch Pad Today.
Announcements I will be available after school today from 4:40 until 5:00.
Recent Events in Science Plumes Across the Pacific Deliver Thousands of Microbial Species to North American West Coast A surprising number of microorganisms -- 99 percent more kinds than had been reported in findings published just four months ago -- are leaping the biggest gap on the planet. Hitching rides in the upper troposphere, they're making their way from Asia across the Pacific Ocean and landing in North America. For the first time researchers have been able to gather enough biomass in the form of DNA to apply molecular methods to samples from two large dust plumes originating in Asia in the spring of 2011. The scientists detected more than 2,100 unique species compared to only 18 found in the very same plumes using traditional methods of culturing, results they published in July. Read All About It! www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121217152711.htm Plumes of dust, one in April and the other in May 2011, originated in Asia and traveled west – high in the troposphere – across the Pacific Ocean to the West coast where they were detected by an observatory in central Oregon. Scientists used models to determine the back trajectories. (Credit: U of Washington)
