Online general meeting and a meeting presentation.
Presentation: “Moonmilk and its Microbes: Life in an Unlikely Place”
Phil Bottomley
This talk will introduce the microbial life within moonmilk – a soft, white, and mysterious mineral deposit found in caves. Recent research has revealed that moonmilk harbours a surprising diversity of microorganisms, with some even contributing to its formation. Phil’s talk will explore current scientific literature on this enigmatic speleothem, along with some of the weird and wonderful microbes that call moonmilk home. He will also discuss his own research investigating the ability of certain moonmilk microbes to metabolise atmospheric gases, such as methane and hydrogen, and how this may influence cave ecosystems.
Phil Bottomley is an Honours student at La Trobe University, where he is currently researching the microbial ecology of moonmilk, a secondary mineral deposit found in cave environments. His research project investigates the biogeochemistry of moonmilk in Australian caves and the role that moonmilk microorganisms may play in oxidising atmospheric trace gases. An ecologist at heart, Phil is continually fascinated by the ability of microorganisms to shape our biosphere – from the air we breathe to the unseen worlds beneath our feet.