Short Wave What We Can Learn From Microscopic Life In Antarctica
Mar 30, 2021
Ariel Waldman, a wildlife filmmaker and NASA advisor, takes us on an adventure through Antarctica's hidden microbial world. She discusses the astonishing diversity of life, including resilient tardigrades that flourish in extreme conditions. Waldman emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling to bridge the gap between science and the public. Her thrilling discoveries of microscopic marine life shed light on these tiny ecosystems, revealing the ecological roles that often go unnoticed in one of Earth's coldest environments.
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Antarctic Inspiration
- Ariel Waldman, a wildlife filmmaker, became fascinated by Antarctic microbes after meeting astrobiologists working with NASA.
- She saw an opportunity to document these unseen organisms, inspiring her to become a microbial filmmaker.
Preparation and Expertise
- Waldman spent months preparing for her Antarctic trip after five years of applying and honing her skills.
- She taught herself microscopy and joined the San Francisco Microscopical Society, eventually becoming its president.
First Glimpse
- Waldman's first microscopic observation in Antarctica revealed stunning triangular diatoms.
- Their intricate, human-made appearance left her in awe.