Superbug Survival is Basic
http://astrobio.net/pressrelease/671/superbug-survival-is-basic

Helen Matsos, NASA Astrobiology Magazine


This on-line news article investigates the question: Can microbial life thrive in the caustic conditions common to floor strippers and baking soda? It reports samples near a landfill in south Chicago that reveal alkaline solutions are basic to certain bacterial superbugs. The article explores the habitat, genetic analysis, and close relatives of these microbial wonders while also conveying that much more research is needed in the area. Useful links are located at the end of the article.


Subject: Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism, Biology:Ecology:Metabolism, Biology:Biogeochemistry, Microbiology
Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work
Grade Level: General Public, College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12)
Extreme Environments: Alkaline
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:BiogeoscienceKeyword: alkaliphiles