Viruses keep acid-loving microbes in check
Researchers found viruses infect bacteria and other microorganisms in acid mine drainage and may control microbial diversity in these…
Category: New Mexico Tech
Undergraduates at New Mexico Tech summarize the latest research in cave studies and geomicrobiology!
Archeologists uncover ancient fishhooks in Indonesia
Archeologists discovered the remains of 12,000-year-old fishhooks and other fishing artifacts in a cave on Alor Island, Indonesia.
Scientists described a couch potato cave salamander called the olm
Researchers tracked a species of large cave salamanders for several years to see how they survived their low-energy surroundings. It turns…
How do mountains affect Earth’s climate?
Scientists showed sulfuric acid formed during weathering of rocks causes mountains to consume less greenhouse gasses than they previously…
Can artificial light stop algal growth in caves?
Scientists show changing the types of artificial lights used in tourist caves can help prevent growth of algae that damage stalactites and…
Underground microbes capture greenhouse gases
Researchers showed microbes living on the walls of underground caves can take up and store carbon dioxide and methane from the atmosphere.
Thinking like a bacterium can improve water quality
Researchers show mathematical models based on cell biology can help lake managers reduce toxic algal blooms and improve the quality of our…
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are way older than penicillin
Remember the classic chases where Wile E. Coyote tries to catch Roadrunner but is often outsmarted? It turns out that bacteria have to…
The ancient Mayan practice of dental modification
Today, dentists attach orthodontic devices to people’s teeth, like braces and crowns, for health reasons. During the early Preclassic…
Could there be ice in caves on Mars?
Based on visual and theoretical evidence, astronomers think that Mars has ice in caves that were carved out by volcanic activity. Spacecraft…