Ultralow temperature freezer for archiving microbial evolution experiments

这里所要求的RTI资金将用于支持地质导向的微生物进化实验，旨在解决早期地球生命研究的一个明显矛盾。也就是说，当我们知道微生物可以在实验室时间尺度上进化时，对早期地球生命的研究怎么能完全依靠古代微生物来进行像现代微生物那样的代谢呢？具体来说，我们要求支持一个超低温冷冻室，其中将保存实验的培养档案。这个“化石”记录可以在实验过程中的任何时候重新激活，使我们能够直接与祖先的微生物种群进行竞争。RTI资助的设备将成为一系列研究项目的一部分，从博士水平的实验到短期的本科生研究经历。特别是，它将成为麦吉尔稳定同位素实验室博士后、研究生和本科生培训计划的核心，该计划是NSERC合作研究和培训经验加拿大天体生物学培训计划的一部分。

The RTI funding requested here will go to support geologically directed microbial evolution experiments aimed at addressing an apparent contradiction that underlies studies of life on early Earth. That is, how can studies of life on early Earth rely on ancient microbes to metabolize exactly like modern microbes when it is known that microbes can evolve on laboratory timescales? Specifically, we are asking for support for an ultra-low temperature freezer in which a culture archive of the experiments will be maintained. This 'fossil' record will be available for reanimation at any time during the experiment, enabling us to directly compete ancestral microbial populations against their descendants. The equipment supported under this RTI award will be part of a host of research projects, ranging from PhD-level experiments to short-term undergraduate research experiences. In particular, it will become a centerpiece in the McGill Stable Isotope Laboratory's training program for post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate trainees under the NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience Canadian Astrobiology Training Program.