08/22/2014

Microbes Thrive in Antarctic Lake Buried Beneath Ice

6:51 minutes

Plumbing waters a half mile below Antarctic ice, scientists have uncovered an active ecosystem of microbes. Jill Mikucki, a microbial ecologist, was part of the research team that extracted samples of these tiny organisms from subglacial Lake Whillans. She discusses what these findings could indicate about the possibility of life in other parts of the solar system.

Segment Guests

Jill A. Mikucki

Jill A. Mikucki is an assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Meet the Producer

About Becky Fogel

Becky Fogel is a newscast host and producer at Texas Standard, a daily news show broadcast by KUT in Austin, Texas. She was formerly Science Friday’s production assistant.