Craig Cary and The Link Between Penguin Poop and Climate Change
Summary: "Antarctica is the absolute key to maintaining stability of climate on this planet. The fact is that it is the motivating force for ocean circulation”<br> <br> -Craig Cary<br> <br> <br> <br> Today on the Thought For Food Podcast, Aaron and Jackson sit down with esteemed microbiologist and Antarctica researcher Craig Cary. Craig is a passionate microbial ecologist focused on studying the most extreme bacteria on the planet, called extremophiles. From the depths of the ocean in deep sea hydrothermal vents, to the slopes of Mt. Erebus (the southernmost volcano in the world), bacteria can exist in some fascinating places.<br> <br> Craig started out studying marine biology in Florida, quickly developing a love of microorganisms and eventually landed in San Diego where he completed his PhD at UCSD. He became part of one of the first teams of researchers to study hydrothermal vents in the ocean and the bacteria that inhabit them. In 2001, he found his way to New Zealand on sabbatical with his family, where he was offered a job in Antarctica and developed a passion for the research opportunities on the continent. He's traveled to Antarctica 12 times, leading research teams and studies to understand the microbial communities that exist there. He is now a professor and researcher at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.<br> <br> We cover a lot of ground in our conversation and wish we had more time to go deeper down the rabbit hole of the topics we discussed. Some of the things we talk about include:<br> <br> Craig’s education background and what led him to his current research<br> An overview of deep sea hydrothermal vents and thermophile bacteria <br> His research on Antarctica’s largest volcano, Mt. Erebus<br> The changes Craig has seen in Antarctica related to climate change, and misconceptions surrounding the realities of this topic<br> Why ocean circulation is related to climate change<br> How Antarctica is the key to maintaining climate stability on the planet <br> <br> This is a pretty science-rich conversation (just how we like it), but Craig is an incredibly charismatic and engaging guest, and we kept it pretty lighthearted. We start off by talking a bit about penguin poop!<br> <br> We hope you gain some different perspectives and insights into how our oceans, climate, and even bacteria can all be related. We didn't focus much on nutrition, exercise, or the topics we generally cover in the show. These interviews are meant to be a way for both the listeners and ourselves to learn something each week by having conversations with guests that are thought provoking, unique, and engaging. Everyone has a story to tell, and we like to push the envelope a bit and reach beyond food every once in awhile.<br> <br> Thank you to everyone supporting Thought For Food so far, we're only 9 episodes in and already getting massive amounts of positive feedback. It means the world to us that you find this show helpful and entertaining, and we have big goals for the future. If you want to make us even happier, head on over to the iTunes page on your computer and drop us a review on the podcast page so we can get even more reach. We also just launched an official Thought For Food Snapchat account, where we will be posting behind the scenes content of things like: recording the podcast, what we eat and buy, and best of all, the amazing scenery we're lucky enough to call home. Add us: @TFFlifestyle<br> <br> We've been loving your guys' questions and comments, so keep 'em coming! The first Q&A episode is coming soon so stay tuned.<br> <br> Thanks for tuning in,<br> <br> What's your thought for food?<br> <br> -Jackson and Aaron<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Show Notes:<br> References and Resources:<br> Connect with Craig: http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/about-us/people/caryc <br> <br>
