C-DEBI Newsletter – January 3, 2015

Hot Off the Press: Marine sediments microbes capable of electrode oxidation as a surrogate for lithotrophic insoluble substrate metabolism (C-DEBI Contribution 255) in Frontiers in Microbiology
Little is known about the importance and/or mechanisms of biological mineral oxidation in sediments, partially due to the difficulties associated with culturing mineral-oxidizing microbes. C-DEBI Postdoctoral Fellow Rowe et al. demonstrate that electrochemical enrichment is a feasible approach for isolation of microbes capable of gaining electrons from insoluble minerals. To this end we constructed sediment microcosms and incubated electrodes at various controlled redox potentials. Negative current production was observed in incubations and increased as redox potential decreased (tested -50 to -400 mV vs Ag/AgCl). Electrode-associated biomass responded to the addition of nitrate and ferric iron as terminal electron acceptors in secondary sediment-free enrichments. Elemental sulfur, elemental iron and amorphous iron sulfide enrichments derived from electrode biomass demonstrated products indicative of sulfur or iron oxidation. The microbes isolated from these enrichments belong to the genera Halomonas, Idiomarina, Marinobacter, and Pseudomonas of the Gammaproteobacteria, and Thalassospira and Thioclava from the Alphaproteobacteria. Chronoamperometry data demonstrates sustained electrode oxidation from these isolates in the absence of alternate electron sources. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated the variability in dominant electron transfer modes or interactions with electrodes (i.e., biofilm, planktonic or mediator facilitated) and the wide range of midpoint potentials observed for each microbe (from 8 to -295 mV vs. Ag/AgCl). The diversity of extracellular electron transfer mechanisms observed in one sediment and one redox condition, illustrates the potential importance and abundance of these interactions. This approach has promise for increasing our understanding the extent and diversity of microbe mineral interactions, as well as increasing the repository of microbes available for electrochemical applications.

Hot Off the Press: Earth and Life Processes Discovered from Subseafloor Environments, 1st Edition: A Decade of Science Achieved by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), R. Stein, D. Blackman, F. Inagaki and H.-C. Larsen (Eds.), Series: Developments in Marine Geology, Elsevier
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP: 2000-2013) has provided crucial records of past and present processes and interactions within and between the biosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere. Research in IODP encompasses a wide range of fundamental and applied issues that affect society, such as global climate change, biodiversity, the origin of life, natural hazards involving the study of earthquakes processes, and the internal structure and dynamics of our planet. This compilation of major findings from the 2003-2013/14 phase of IODP, focusing on scientific results rather than description of data acquisition and early inferences, provides invaluable information. Anyone wondering what scientific drilling can achieve will gain quick understanding of the range of questions that are uniquely addressed with this methodology and the ways these data dovetail with other regional information. The excitement of breakthrough findings that occasionally accompanies a drilling project will be evident. IODP obtained unique records from the global ocean basins during the 2003-2013 program phase. This book highlights findings in three theme areas: Subseafloor life and the marine biosphere; Earth’s changing environments; and Dynamics of the solid Earth. Each core or borehole log provides a window revealing insights that no other data achieve.

C-DEBI Researchers worked on many chapters including:

Dorado Outcrop: AT26-24 with the Submersible Alvin, November 30 – December 12, 2014, Expedition Report
AT26-24 was the second of two cruises that focused on Dorado Seamount. The first expedition occurred in December 2013 and utilized the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Jason and the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Sentry. These two assets allowed us to collect bathymetric, backscatter, side-scan, images, magnetometer, and thermal anomaly data. They also provided targets for closer inspection of the seafloor that led to the discovery of warm springs on the seafloor. In 2013 we sampled these springs with the ROV Jason, collected rock and sediment push cores, and made measurements of heat flow. We also deployed temperature loggers, OsmoSamplers, which are continuous fluid sampling devices, and enrichment experiments in several springs to asses the temporal variability in thermal and chemical signatures and to asses the rate of enrichment on particular substrates in this environment. These springs were the focus of the dive program (AT26-24) in December 2014 that utilized the submersible Alvin. We completed ten Alvin dives, collected thirteen gravity cores, conducted one CTD hydrocast, and completed four surveys using the hull-mounted bathymetric mapping system. Through these activities we collected hundreds of samples for hydrologic, biogeochemical, and microbial studies, all of which will continue ashore with a spectrum of analytical techniques and modeling efforts.

Education & Outreach

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NSF: Dimensions of Biodiversity Program Solicitation
Despite centuries of discovery, most of our planet’s biodiversity remains unknown. The scale of the unknown diversity on Earth is especially troubling given the rapid and permanent loss of biodiversity across the globe. The goal of the Dimensions of Biodiversity campaign is to transform, by 2020, how we describe and understand the scope and role of life on Earth. This campaign promotes novel integrative approaches to fill the most substantial gaps in our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth. It takes a broad view of biodiversity, and focuses on the intersection of genetic, phylogenetic, and functional dimensions of biodiversity. Successful proposals must integrate these three dimensions to understand interactions and feedbacks among them. While this focus complements several core programs in BIO and GEO, it differs by requiring that multiple dimensions of biodiversity be addressed simultaneously, in novel ways, to understand their synergistic roles in critical ecological and evolutionary processes. The Dimensions of Biodiversity program again includes partnerships with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) of Brazil in fiscal year 2015. Investigators wishing to inquire about the suitability of potential projects for Dimensions of Biodiversity are encouraged to email a brief summary and contact information to Dimensions@nsf.gov. Full proposal deadline: April 09, 2015.

IODP: Experienced Paleomagnetists and Nannofossil Micropaleontologists Needed for Expedition 359
The International Ocean Discovery Program is seeking experienced paleomagnetists and nannofossil micropaleontologists to sail on Expedition 359 Maldives Monsoon aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Expedition 359 will investigate Neogene Indian Ocean environmental change and the onset of the modern carbonate depositional system driven by fluctuations in sea level and ocean currents. The expedition will take place from 30 September to 30 November 2015. U.S.-affiliated scientists interested in participating in this expedition should apply to sail through the U.S. Science Support Program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership; please visit http://usssp-iodp.org/expeditions/srv/bindings/f0978f5a03ed4907826b7fa42ba9b99c/home/474207.cloudwaysapps.com/xgnadywkjx/public_htmlly-to-sail/. The deadline to apply is 16 January 2015.

Post-doctoral position in marine microbial ecology at the University of Hawaii 
The University of Hawaii is seeking a Postdoctoral Investigator to work with Dr. Matthew Church on a multi-institutional, international program conducting baseline studies of benthic biology in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone of the North Pacific Ocean. The work is being conducted as part of a contract to the University of Hawaii from UKSRL (UK Seabed Resources, LTD) to provide baseline studies on the diversity of benthic organisms in abyssal polymetallic nodule fields. The successful post-doctoral candidate will focus on assessing microbial diversity associated with the water column, sediments, and nodules in this region of the ocean. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Marine Science, Oceanography, or Microbiology, with preference given to candidates with a background in microbial oceanography and ecology. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated laboratory experience with methodologies for evaluating microbial diversity, including next generation sequencing and computer-based bioinformatics tools. Must be able to work at sea as a member of a research team. Candidates must be able to participate in a ~40 day research cruise in early 2015. The position will be located at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, working in the laboratories of the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE). The initial appointment is for one year with re-appointment for subsequent years possible, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Applications should include a CV, statement of research interests, a one-page summary of research interests and experience, and names/addresses of three references. Postdoctoral stipends will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Application materials should be submitted to Matthew Church (mjchurch@hawaii.edu). Applications will be reviewed beginning December until position is filled, beginning on December 23, 2014. The successful applicant will be expected to start in early 2015. For additional information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Matthew Church (mjchurch@hawaii.edu).

Moore Foundation: Program Officer, Marine Microbiology Initiative
The Foundation is seeking an accomplished scientist with expertise in a biological, oceanographic or other field relevant to marine microbial ecology, a passion for broad scientific inquiry and advancement, and excitement about MMI’s goals.

Aarhus University: Professor in Geomicrobiology
All applications must be made online and received by January 15, 2015.

New Mexico State University:  Environmental Science/Environmental Chemistry Postdoctoral Position

University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Postdoctoral Fellow in microbiology (“microbial dark matter” biology)
The review of materials will begin December 01, 2014, and will continue until the position is filled.

Skidaway Institute of Oceanography: Two Tenure Track Faculty Positions in Oceanography
The committee will begin to review applications on October 24, 014 and will continue until the positions are filled.