Hi everyone! It has been another great week in Boulder!
The week began with an analysis of DNA collections from a previous experiment. A machine called a Quibit counted the amount of DNA in one tube, (in nanograms), and we used this information and a bit of simple math to find the total amount of DNA from each sample group. Then, we could compare the amount of final DNA in each test group with the others (each group was given a different nutrient to stimulate microbial growth). I worked with this data a bit more on Friday, when I ran a statistics test called an ANOVA to see if the differences between the 5 groups were statistically significant.
Throughout the week, I spent lots of time reading a textbook on microbiology, and taking some detailed notes. Steve and I thought it would be helpful for me to have a bit more background knowledge on some of the microbes which have started to grow in the samples….
That’s right — we have growth! A few samples have begun to develop substantially. Under the microscope, I saw distinct spherical formations of Nostoc, a cyanobacteria which is bound into blob-like formations by a polysaccharide. Also, there are yellowish discolorations which Steve and Adam predict to be diatoms, or eukaryotic algae with clear cell walls. These are super interesting to research because of their striking geometric patterns when viewed under -very- powerful microscopes. I hope to take some pictures of the plates under the microscope and include them in my blog next week!
These were the major developments in the lab this week. Otherwise, we performed many of the same tasks needed to keep the samples healthy as last week. We watered the samples, weighed them, and checked the temperature/light sensors.
When not in the lab, I’ve been exploring Boulder even more. I hiked Mt. Sanitas and Bear Peak, which both had super fun scramble sections. I attended a free yoga class in the park, and took a couple more classes at the ballet school. My host parents and I shared a home-cooked dinner together, and I’m writing this blog at the loveliest neighborhood coffee shop.
Many thanks to Pinhead, my host family, and the Schmidt lab for such an amazing second week in Boulder— and thank you for following along!
Sophia, your pinternship sounds fantastic! Microbiology is highly challenging, so I am so glad to hear that you’re loving it!