Rapid microbial dynamics in response to an induced wetting event in Antarctic Dry Valley Soils

The cold deserts of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica, host a high level of microbial diversity. Microbial composition and biomass in arid vs. ephemerally wetted regions are distinctly different, with wetted communities representing hot spots of microbial activity that are important zones for biogeochemical cycling. While climatic change is likely to cause wetting in areas not historically subject to wetting events, the responses of microorganisms inhabiting arid soils to water addition is unknown. The purpose of this study was to observe how an associated, yet non-wetted microbial community responds to an extended addition of water. Water from a stream was diverted to an adjacent area of arid soil with changes in microbial composition and activities monitored via molecular and biochemical methods over 7 weeks. The frequency of genetic signatures related to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms adapted to MDV aquatic conditions increased during the limited 7 week period, indicating that the soil community was transitioning into a typical “high-productivity” MDV community. This work is consistent with current predictions that MDV microbial communities in arid regions are highly sensitive to climate change, and further supports the notion that changes in community structure and associated biogeochemical cycling may occur much more rapidly than predicted

undErToLd Episode 1: ETL and Ethical Storytelling

In this episode, Extending the Link discusses ETL’s history, mission, and vision with past co-directors Andrea Carrow Morsching, Brennan Lafeber, and Rachel Mullin. Dr. Scott Richardson also provides insight on how to uplift and amplify community voices through ethical storytelling

undErToLd Episode 2: An Overview of the History of Native American Boarding Schools in the United States

In this episode, Extending the Link discusses the history of Native American boarding schools in the national context with anthropologist Dr. Ted Gordon, undergraduate student Moses Wiseman, and the Director of Public Relations for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Vance Blackfox

Bayt Jadeed: Seeking Home

Bayt Jadeed: Seeking Home explores the parallels between Somali refugees\u27 experiences in St. Cloud, MN and refugees\u27 experiences in Germany. Through the commonalities in experiences, we hope to present a variety of perspectives to encourage a complex and honest conversation about how we define community