The Hot Side of Yellowstone – What is Bioprospecting?

The Hot Side of Yellowstone – Thermophile Technologies!

In our second season of Bison Jam, we are focusing on the “hot side” of Yellowstone. In our final episode of this season, we are again talking with Dr. Dana Skorupa, Assistant Research Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Montana State University. Dr. Skorupa share stories of thermophile biotechnologies. Learn how thermophiles helped during the COVID-19 pandemic, how they help us solve crime, and how they might even help feed astronauts on their journey to Mars! We hope you enjoyed this season of Bison Jam, and we thank you for listening! Be sure to keep an eye out for season 3 coming in Summer 2026.

The Hot Side of Yellowstone – What is Bioprospecting?

In our second season of Bison Jam, we are focusing on the “hot side” of Yellowstone. In this episode, we are talking with Dr. Dana Skorupa, Assistant Research Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Montana State University. Dr. Skorupa explains what bioprospecting is and how Yellowstone's thermophiles could help human society! She also shares stories from her time conducting thermophilic research in Yellowstone's backcountry. We hope you enjoy the podcast, and we thank you for listening!

The Hot Side of Yellowstone – Finding New Life in Yellowstone!

In our second season of Bison Jam, we are focusing on the “hot side” of Yellowstone. In this episode, we are again visiting with Dr. Bill Inskeep, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences here at Montana State University. Dr. Inskeep shares about his lifelong research searching for new life in Yellowstone! He explains his work on metagenomics, and how microbial life in Yellowstone could give us clues about both the origins of life here on Earth and how life might survive on other planets! We hope you enjoy the podcast, and we thank you for listening!

The Hot Side of Yellowstone – All about Thermophiles!

In our second season of Bison Jam, we are focusing on the “hot side” of Yellowstone. In this episode, we are visiting with Dr. Bill Inskeep, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences here at Montana State University. Thermophiles are the tiny microorganisms that are often responsible for the beautiful colors around many of Yellowstone's thermal features, and Bill has been researching them in Yellowstone for 30 years! He shares all about the diversity of thermophiles found in the park. Why do certain species grow in certain places and how do these tiny microorganisms create all the fantastic colors visitors enjoy in the park? Bill has the answers for us! We hope you enjoy the podcast and we thank you for listening!

The Hot Side of Yellowstone – Hydrothermal Explosions!

In our second season of Bison Jam, we are focusing on the “hot side” of Yellowstone. In this episode, we are again talking with Dr. Michael Poland, the scientist-in-charge, of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO). Dr. Poland shares the story of the July 23rd, 2024 hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin. He explains why hydrothermal explosions can be a risk to park visitors, and what YVO is doing to learn about them and hopefully reduce future risks from these geologic hazards! *EDITOR'S NOTE – At 42:44, Dr. Poland discusses the temporary deployment of seismometers and acoustic sensors at Black Diamond Pool. This summer YVO was successful in permanently installing a camera and a seismic/acoustic station in the area. If you are interested in learning more about YVO and Yellowstone's volcano and geology, you can check our Caldera Chronicles here: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/caldera-chronicles [https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/caldera-chronicles] We hope you enjoy the podcast and we thank you for listening!