Science Spotlights: Short of Breath? Here’s a Rock and the Icy Origins of Life

Meet up-and-coming scientists and learn about questions at the forefront of research today in this series of short talks.

Short of Breath? Here’s a Rock (2:00–2:30 pm)

When people think of electricity, they often picture wires, circuits and generators. But do they know that living things can also produce electricity? In fact, electricity powers many of the biological processes in living things, including people! Even more surprising is that bacteria can use electricity to “breathe rocks.” What does this mean exactly? Join Harvard scientist Federica Calabrese as she uncovers how some microbes evolved to live in oxygen-free environments and how people can harness “bio-electricity” to power on own electronic devices.

The Icy Origin of Life (3:00–3:30 pm)

Have people ever wondered how life began? The answer might be hidden in space—on tiny cosmic snowflakes! In the freezing depths of space, dust and gas come together to form icy particles that hold the ingredients for making planets and maybe even life itself. Scientists can recreate these conditions in the lab to better understand how simple molecules can transform into the building blocks of life. Join Harvard scientist Alexia Simon as she explores how the coldest places in the universe may have helped life get its start!

Recommended for ages 10 and up. Regular museum admission rates apply. Presented by the Harvard Museum of Natural History and Harvard Museums of Science & Culture.