Today, we got the first set of sponge samples for the Ocean Genome Legacy (OGL) project. Since the Aquanauts have much more dive time than we do, they are collecting the samples and then sending them up to us for preservation. So I keep saying "samples"... these "samples" are tiny pea sized pieces of sponge that will later be analyzed by the OGL. The OGL will harvest the genetic information from these sponges to get a better idea of sponge biodiversity and possibly find new cures for diseases. After the Aquanauts send the samples up in labeled zip lock bags, the surface team rinses the samples in filtered sea water, puts each sample in its own labeled tube, and then fills the tube with special "OGL Fix." The OGL fix contains RNAlater, a chemical that keeps the genetic material from degrading. RNAlater cannot be used inside of Aquarius because it can be hazardous if breathed in, and Aquarius is a mostly closed air system. This is why we have to do the preservation steps at our "mobil lab" a.k.a our rental house with good air circulation. We are collecting 5 samples from 14 different species of sponges. Sponges can be pretty hard to identify, so I made a special sponge guide just for the Aquanauts... and now you! See the slideshow below to see what species of sponges the Aquanauts are collecting.
"We've been collecting tiny pieces of sponge tissue from 14 different species to deposit at the world's largest repository for genetic information on marine organisms, the Ocean Genome Legacy at Northeastern University. The genetic information in some of these samples may be analyzed in the future to discover genes for new antibiotics or cures for cancer."
Only a week left before the Aquanauts start decompression, and we have so much science left to do! The beginning of this week has been pretty chaotic with everything going on. Jess and Allie went into the habitat on Sunday to talk with the Boston Museum of Science about the sponge science we are doing and about the OGL and biodiversity. Also on Sunday, Mark and I moved the Oxygen micro-sensors to a new location. The two new probes that I put together are still in one piece and we are getting some really great data, I can't wait to take a look at it! Monday, we pulled the Unisense micro-sensor back out to charge it over night before re-deploying it this morning. Fingers crossed, our breaking-probes phase is over and everything will keep running smoothly! The sponge science is also still going really well. Allie, Jess, and Brian have been busy taking sponge morphometrics (measuring different parts of the sponge and taking detailed pictures). Allie has also been taking water samples from inside and outside of the Giant Barrel Sponges (X. muta on the sponge guide!). Amanda is still collecting lots of zooplankton, and we have seen some pretty neat things get trapped. The other day there was a juvenile brittle sea-star and a shrimp caught in two of the traps. We also have 3 major outreach events coming up at the Boston Museum of Science this week.
Well, that's all for now, check in tomorrow for another update!
Best Fishes,
Sara
Well, that's all for now, check in tomorrow for another update!
Best Fishes,
Sara
