The intersection between Microbiology and society

Cara N. Wilder, Ph.D.

Billions of years ago, after the formation and natural development of primitive Earth, prokaryotic life evolved from the primordial ooze.  These ancient microbes survived in Earth’s anaerobic atmospheric conditions, thriving in this primeval, toxic environment.  Over time, the evolution of cyanobacteria led to the generation of life-sustaining oxygen via the hydrolysis of water during photosynthesis.  This microbial production of oxygen paved the way for the emergence of humans and the diverse group of animal species we see today.

The development and maintenance of life as we know it would not have been possible without the evolution and current presence of microorganisms.  It is because of the high reverence for microbial life harbored by scientists at ATCC, that for over 85 years this organization has been a leading innovator in microbial scientific discovery and a trusted resource of microbiological materials.  Our mission at ATCC is to acquire, authenticate, preserve, develop and distribute biological materials, information, technology, intellectual property and standards for the advancement and application of scientific knowledge. 

It is ATCC’s hope that this forum will serve as an intersection between Microbiology and society as a means to promote knowledge, the exchange of ideas, and interaction between scientists.  We hope to ignite an interest in budding scientists and fuel the passion and microbial veneration in mature microbiologists.  For as we know, microbes were here long before the emergence of humans and they will continue to thrive long after we are gone.  So in the meantime, we should try to get to know them a little better!