Deep Talks: Life Underground scheduled for Nov. 10 at Visitor Center in Lead

For more than a hundred years, Homestake went deep to find gold. Today, scientists from Black Hills State University are going deep in search of microscopic life.

On Thursday, November 10, join BHSU?s Dr. Dave Bergmann, professor of biology, and Dr. Cynthia Anderson, associate professor of biology, as they discuss the microbial diversity present in the deep reaches of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab).

?Our goal is to gain new knowledge about the adaptations and biochemical pathways microbes use to survive in the unique environments present underground,? Anderson said.

In Sanford Lab?s unique ecosystems, microbes from the earth?s surface interact with microbes that are indigenous to the deep underground where there are limited nutritional resources, and no light. ?Learning more about what is living deep underground, and understanding the biochemical pathways those microbes use to survive could lead to new biotechnological advances,? Anderson said.

?Sanford Lab is an asset for the state of South Dakota and for the students at Black Hills State University,? said Dr. Tom Jackson Jr., president of BHSU. ?Our proximity to Sanford Lab creates a unique partnership that is creating remarkable opportunities to extend the cutting-edge research happening underground into the classrooms of tomorrow?s educators, researchers, and scientists. Our undergraduate students are involved in physics and biology research at the Underground Campus. Our faculty and staff are conducting workshops and education activities for K-12 students.?

Deep Talks: Life Underground will be held at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, 160 W. Main, Lead. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour; the talk begins at 6 p.m. Deep Talks is free to the public. Donations to support community education are welcome. Guests aged 21 and older may sample craft brews from Crow Peak Brewery and light refreshments sponsored by First National Bank will be served during the social hour.

Deep Talks is a lecture series created by the Sanford Underground Research Facility and the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. The event is held the second Thursday of each month, October through May (except December).

Sanford Lab is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy. Our mission is to advance compelling underground, multidisciplinary research in a safe work environment and to inspire and educate through science, technology, and engineering. Visit us at www.SanfordLab.org.

Visit the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center at http://sanfordlabhomestake.com