How do microorganisms regulate our atmosphere?
Our existence is intimately linked to the composition of Earth’s atmosphere. Diverse atmospheric gases are key to making Earth a habitable environment, including the oxygen that we breathe and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, although the latter and air pollutants also affect climate change and human health. What we may take for granted, we owe the evolution of our 'oxic' (oxygen rich) atmosphere and the cycling of greenhouse gases and harmful pollutants to microorganisms.
Drawing on examples from research in the School of Life Sciences, we will illuminate the crucial functions of these microorganisms and explore how understanding these processes may be key for better understanding of our climate and improving air quality.
Exciting talks will include:
Dr Rich Puxty: Wizards of O2: How the Oceans smallest organisms control planetary oxygen
Dr Michaela Mausz: Delicate Beauties of the Microverse: The secret power behind gas cycling in the oceans
Dr Ryan Mushinski: The Nitrogen Bio-Geo-Chemistry of Cicada Mass Mortality
Prof Hendrik Schaefer: Tree-associated bacteria degrade greenhouse gases and air pollutants
Doors open at 5:30pm and light refreshments will be provided. Talks begin at 6:00pm.
Please note the recommended age for this event is 14+ and all under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is organised by the School of Life Sciences and Warwick Medical School and shared by Resonate.