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Nanoscale environmental genomic sensors may one day be used to monitor microbial populations and their interactions with environmental processes, including those affected by climate change. The real-time approach envisioned by DOE for the National Oceanographic Partnership Program merges information from genome research programs with nanotechnologies and smart sensors.
The knowledge gained will enhance understanding of the genetic diversity and functions of microbial communities and help answer key questions about their influence on ocean and terrestrial biogeochemical cycles. Microbial sentinels of ecosystem changes may forewarn the approach of such events as red tide caused by an increase in Pfisteria species. (For more information on microbial sensing, see Klaper and Thomas 2004 and Belkin 2003.)
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Text adapted from Genomics:GTL Roadmap: Systems Biology for Energy and Environment, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, August 2005. DOE/SC-0090.
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Last modified: Monday, June 04, 2007