Mini Mr Whippy
By Hannah Isom
Scientists in Canada have developed an ice-cool technique for studying bacteria that usually reside in polar climates. Professor Virginia Walker and her colleagues at Queen’s University used an ice-lolly to isolate the bacteria from everyday, temperate soil.
What micro-organisms that usually prefer the chilly climes of Antarctic lakes and glaciers were doing in the semi-warm, moist soil of Ontario we don’t quite know. But if you want to try and find some yourself, here’s how: the team of scientists created an ‘ice-finger’ (or lolly if you’re that way inclined) which the special, ‘ice-is-twice-as-nice’ bacteria stick to – so basically just hurl a Mr Freeze at the ground and see what sticks*. These bacteria can then be cultured and identified by their DNA.
The strains of bacteria isolated have special properties for living in extreme cold, which allow them to interact with and modify ice in a variety of amusing ways. For example, one species identified, called Chryseobacterium, has the power to prevent ice cream from recrystallising and becoming crunchy, something that ice-cream makers may find very handy. Other species exhibit similarly useful super powers, such as the ability to form ice crystals at temperatures close to melting, which scientists are hoping can be exploited for making artificial snow. The researchers have not yet confirmed whether there is a strain that can sculpt elaborate ice swans for use in table decoration, but hopes are high.
The task facing the scientists now is to identify the genes responsible for the ice affinity. The good news is, that they no longer have to trek to the arctic when they can find the little critters on an ice-lolly in their back garden.
To read more about Hannah or to view more of her articles click here
*It might be a little more complicated than this
What micro-organisms that usually prefer the chilly climes of Antarctic lakes and glaciers were doing in the semi-warm, moist soil of Ontario we don’t quite know. But if you want to try and find some yourself, here’s how: the team of scientists created an ‘ice-finger’ (or lolly if you’re that way inclined) which the special, ‘ice-is-twice-as-nice’ bacteria stick to – so basically just hurl a Mr Freeze at the ground and see what sticks*. These bacteria can then be cultured and identified by their DNA.
The strains of bacteria isolated have special properties for living in extreme cold, which allow them to interact with and modify ice in a variety of amusing ways. For example, one species identified, called Chryseobacterium, has the power to prevent ice cream from recrystallising and becoming crunchy, something that ice-cream makers may find very handy. Other species exhibit similarly useful super powers, such as the ability to form ice crystals at temperatures close to melting, which scientists are hoping can be exploited for making artificial snow. The researchers have not yet confirmed whether there is a strain that can sculpt elaborate ice swans for use in table decoration, but hopes are high.
The task facing the scientists now is to identify the genes responsible for the ice affinity. The good news is, that they no longer have to trek to the arctic when they can find the little critters on an ice-lolly in their back garden.
To read more about Hannah or to view more of her articles click here
*It might be a little more complicated than this
Image: Maira Kouvara/SXC
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