Matters Microbial #86: Intraterrestrials — the Strangest Life on, and in, the Earth

April 10, 2025

Today, Dr. Karen Lloyd, Professor of Earth Science at the University of Southern California,  joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss her upcoming book Intraterrestrials (Princeton University Press). Dr. Lloyd will describe the 25 year journey she and her coworkers have had exploring microbial life deep underground, and even less likely places.

Host: Mark O. Martin

Guest: Karen Lloyd

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Links for this episode

• The upcoming book, Intraterrestrials, by Dr. Lloyd.
• Definition of the term “intraterrestrial.”
• An interesting review article on intraterrestrial microbes.
• An video overview of extremophiles.
• An overview of the new field of geomicrobiology.
• A definition of “SLiME”s (subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystem).
• An article on microbial communities found deep underground.
• An article on “just underground” microbial communities that was just published.
• Remembering Dr. Katrina Edwards.
• Microbial communities in New Zealand hot springs.
• Radiolytic microbial communities.
• Photosynthesis by cyanobacteria via deep infrared light at hydrothermal vents (without sunlight).
• Microbes living under extreme acidic conditions:  the famed “snottites.”
• Microbes living under extreme alkaline conditions:  NPL-UPL2.
• How slowly can microbes divide?
• A fascinating video by Dr. Lloyd.
• Introducing Dr. Lloyd in her new position at the University of Southern California (an excellent overview of her work).
• Dr. Lloyd’s faculty website.
• Dr. Lloyd’s research group website.

Intro music is by Reber Clark

Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com