Matters Microbial #39: Global flatulence: Mysterious Archaea and methane

Today, Dr. Geo Santiago-Martinez, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology and Microbiology at the University of Connecticut joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss the mysteries of the archaeal world, and how one group of these organisms produce methane gas as a byproduct of metabolism.  These methanogens are thus involved in climate, symbioses, biotechnology, and even astrobiology!

Host: Mark O. Martin

Guest: Geo Santiago-Martinez

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• An essay about how cyanobacteria changed our very planet.
• A truly wonderful and highly recommended video about Leeuwenhoek and how he was the first to “see through microbial eyes.” PLEASE WATCH THIS AMAZING VIDEO!.
• A link to the Boerhaave Museum in Amsterdam (well worth the visit!) including how to obtain a replica of the Leeuwenhoek microscope (*I* do not have one—they are awesome!).
• A video overview of the archaea.
• A review article on the archaea.
• Haloquadratum walsbyi:  a square archaean.
• Pyrodictium abyssi:  a netlike organism.
• The process of methanogenesis by archaea (focused on the gut).
• An essay describing how methanogenic archaea may impact climate change.
• The famous Volta experiment!
• An article on Methanosarcina acetivorans, studied by Dr. Santiago-Martinez and his coworkers.
• A very interesting article on methanogenesis by Dr. Santiago-Martinez.
• A wonderful video of Dr. Santiago-Martinez and his collaborators’ research.
• The Archaea Power Hour website.
• The Cientifico Latino website, increasing diversity within STEM. 
• Dr. Santiago-Martinez’s faculty website.
• Dr. Santiago-Martinez’s laboratory website.

Intro music is by Reber Clark

Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com