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Halo-Ed: Extreme Microbiology and
Astrobiology Education and Outreach |
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Introduction Extremophilic microorganisms offer an ideal way to teach and
learn about astrobiology,
life in extreme environments on Earth, and fundamental concepts of
microbiology and molecular genetics. We have developed Halobacterium sp. NRC-1, a salt-loving member of the Domain
Archaea, which we use as a model organism for research in our laboratory, for
extreme microbiology, and astrobiology education. Both inquiry-based
educational kits for the classroom, The Model Microbe, and a companion genomic database, HaloWeb, serve as resources for students
and teachers. In addition, MolGenT, an electronic
tutor illustrating concepts of life on Earth, is available to the community.
Upon completion of the MolGenT Test, participants can obtain a certificate. Activities for younger students are also
available. These resources are ideal for understanding principles of extreme
microbiology, the new field of astrobiology, and are suitable for students of
all ages.
Covers highlighting Haloarchaeal research from our laboratory Our hands-on laboratory modules available through Carolina Biological
Supply Co. are called Microbiology I, Life in Extreme
Environments, and Antibiotics in Action. Please note, to order pre-poured plates for growing the
microbes, you will need to call Carolina and request the following (currently
unlisted) item number: 821536. We are working on getting this listed in the
near future! In addition to the programmed exercises, students can explore
research questions, many of which are currently engaging scientists in
various fields, from microbiology to astrobiology. Students are encouraged to
ask outstanding questions like 'How did life originate on Earth?', 'What
conditions limit life on Earth?' and 'Is there life elsewhere in the
universe?'. The exercises have been recognized and certified by the AP Board,
see The American Biology
Teacher. All of our exercises are based on the extremely halophilic
microbe Halobacterium NRC-1, which has
the remarkable ability to survive under multiple extreme conditions.
Moreover, the nearly saturating concentration of salts makes its growth
medium safer by inhibiting most harmful contaminants. The microbe is also
colorful, easy to culture, grows well at standard temperatures, and is widely
distributed in nature. It is also genetically tractable and the genome has
been completely sequenced. NRC-1 has several applications in biotechnology
and medicine. Students and teachers may also be interested in talks and webinars
from the DasSarma Lab: Ancient Pink and Purple
Microbes for Research and Education (18 minutes) Evolution and Survival
of Ancient Microbes: Deep Underground, Above the Atmosphere, and Possibly on
Mars (47 minutes) Earth's
Extremophiles and the Search for Life on Mars (36 minutes) Diversity of Archaeal
Photo Pigments and Implications for Biosignatures (13 minutes) Extreme Biotech:
Understanding Extremophile Biology to Impact Human Health (27 minutes) Professor
Shiladitya DasSarma's tribute
lecture for Prof Khorana on his birth centenary in January 2022
(53 minutes) Haloarchaea: Potential for
space travel (22 minutes)
Map of the World, showing the countries from which the 100+ Haloarchaea with publically available complete genomes and proteomes are available (Purple color). @ Priya DasSarma, Created and reproduced with permission, using mapchart.net. For
Questions and Suggestions, contact the Halo-Ed Team |
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Copyright ©
Shiladitya DasSarma & Priya DasSarma |
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