Active living research in diverse and disadvantaged communities stimulating dialogue and policy solutions

A novel reactor design, coined a high density bioreactor (HDBR), is presented for the cultivation and study of high density microbial communities. Here, the HDBR is successfully applied in a photobioreactor (PBR) configuration for the study of nitrogen metabolism by a mixed high density algal...

Jared Leadbetter explains why the termite-gut microbial community is an excellent system for studying the complex interactions between microbes. The symbiotic relationship existing between the host insect and lignocellulose-degrading gut microbes is explained, as well as the industrial uses of these microbes for degrading plant biomass and generating biofuels.

Populations do not live in isolation; thus, every population interacts with others in certain ways. These interactions give rise to a network of populations. Hence, an ecological community is composed of such population networks of various species interacting with each other within the same area. These biological, or biotic, components may also closely interact with non-living, or abiotic, components, forming an ecosystem. Ecosystems may be as small as the microbial communities inside the human...

Measuring Biodiversity in Areas with Different Disturbance Regimes
ExpandNOTE: In this experiment, you will compare the biodiversity in a less disturbed area against a more highly disturbed area. HYPOTHESES: The experimental hypothesis could be that a less disturbed area will contain a greater diversity of species than a highly disturbed area. The null hypothesis could be that there will be no difference in diversity between less disturbed and highly disturbed areas.
To begin, divide into...

Setting up for the Lab and Choosing Field Sites
ExpandBefore the experiment, first ensure that the student computers have Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets installed.
If using Excel, make sure the data analysis tool pack is loaded.
Next, you will need to identify the two fields where the students will take measurements. Both fields should ideally have lengths in any direction of at least 30 meters. One field should be a shrubby or weedy field that has not been mowed recently. The second field...

Overview