: News

Filed Under:

New Study Examines Genetic Makeup Of Chesapeake Bay's Microorganisms

July 19, 2010
Play associated audio
comments
University of Maryland researchers are focusing on the environmental factors in the Chesapeake Bay's food chain.
Sylvia Carignan
University of Maryland researchers are focusing on the environmental factors in the Chesapeake Bay's food chain.

By Greg Peppers

Algae, bacteria and other microorganisms at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay's food chain are the focus of a federally funded study.

Researchers from the University of Maryland will study the genetic makeup of the microorganisms and learn how they are affected by pollutants and other environmental factors.

"We hope to find novel species in the Chesapeake Bay, and we will establish the new research baseline for the micro-algae, which some of these data can be used for other eco-systems as well," says Dr. Feng Chen, an associate professor of Biotechology.

The $100,000 year-long study will be conducted by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science at its Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore.

The Bay's Blue Crab and oysters have been studied for years, but the microorganism study will be the first of its kind and will help researchers better understand the environment in which such species live.

Arts & Culture

NPR

James Gandolfini Dies; 'Sopranos' Actor Was 51

Actor James Gandolfini, 51, has reportedly died. Variety magazine reports that he suffered a "sudden stroke." The cause of death is not yet known with certainty, but HBO says the actor may have suffered a heart attack.

Food

NPR

And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto

The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.

Politics

NPR

Meet The New Governor: Sharply Partisan And Upwardly Mobile

For years, governors were considered the most pragmatic figures in politics. Now, they're using their states to run ideological experiments.

Technology

NPR

Microsoft Responds To Fan Outcry, Changes Xbox One Policies

Microsoft has changed policies regarding Internet connection and used game capabilities for its upcoming Xbox One gaming console. The company says it is responding to feedback from consumers.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.