Geobiology Group
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| Dr. James Scott at work in the Geobiology lab |
The Geobiology group within the Department of Earth Sciences at Dartmouth College, led by James Scott, studies how the interactions between microorganisms and the environment have shaped the evolution of the earth and how these interactions leave a measurable imprint on the geochemistry of the planet. Conversely, we are also interested in how the geochemical evolution of the planet has influenced the evolution of life on earth.
On going projects in the Scott Lab:
Stable Isotope Geochemistry:
Presently our work involves measuring the stable isotope ratio of biomarkers (e.g. amino acids and fatty acids) to determine the flow of nutrients through the metabolism of individual microorganisms and microbial communities under a range of environmental conditions.
Subsurface Geo-biochemistry:
Our works examines the impact of subsurface pressure and temperatures on the survival, metabolic activity, adaptation and evolution of microbial life. In our work we exploit a range of analytical techniques ranging from (real-time gene amplification to Raman spectroscopy), experimental approaches (including diamond anvil cells) and microscopy (including confocal techniques).
Astrobiology:
Mars Science Laboratory- Sample Analysis at Mars Instrument Suite (Co-I and Science Team Member) |
NASA Astrobiology Institute (Member of Carnegie Institution Washington Research Team) |
Microbial Physiology and Metabolism
Shewanella Federation |
Involved in modeling the flow of carbon through the intermediary carbon metabolism in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 under various growth conditions encountered in its various environmental niches. Our work takes advantage of gene expression arrays, continuous culturing (steady-state growth) and stable isotope analysis to build a model metabolome for Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
AFFILIATED FACULTY
| Kevin Peterson | Molecular Paleobiology |
| Xiahong Feng | Marine Geochemistry |
| Ross Virginia | Enviromental Studies |
| Benjamin Bostick | Soil and Sediment Geochemistry |
