Project Summary: S. M. Boomer, Department of Biology, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR 97361, Boomer et al. 2005). Because we are funded by an NSF "Research in Undergraduate Institutions" category grant, all these field surveys have been carried out by undergraduate and/or secondary science teachers, with RLMO samples and methods facilitating projects related to extensive undergraduate lab curriculum development, pre-college outreach, and workshops for secondary science educators. These resources are available via our general RLMO website (www2.wou.edu:7777/pls/wou2/nsboomer.public3.main)

Hypotheses Tested (1998-2002)
The red layer bacterium is a new member of the Chloroflexi phylum - possibly an entirely new species.
These new Chloroflexi bacteria are more widely distributed in Yellowstone than previously thought.

Objectives (1998-2002)
(1) To isolate and describe PCR-amplified 16S genes from Yellowstone RLMO communities
(2) To perform extensive surveys throughout Yellowstone for RLMO communities, comparing
(3) To archive and share these data via our on-line RLMO database

Hypothesis Tested (2003-present)
Site-specific genetic variants are selected by environmental conditions (physical, temperature, pH)

Current Objectives
(1) To monitor geochemical signatures in geothermal groundwater at well-characterized RLMO sites
(2) To use these data in our efforts to develop designer media for as-yet-uncultured Red Chloroflexi
(3) To archive and share these data via our on-line RLMO database