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Author: Laura Zinke

I am a PhD student studying sediment geomicrobiology at the University of Southern California. My primary research interests lie deep under the sea studying how microorganisms survive in dark environments and how they interact with chemical cycles in sediment and on earth. When I surface from my studies, I enjoy backpacking, trying to mimic my ridiculous dog, and applying my laboratory techniques in the kitchen.
Pacific flushing leads to carbon dioxide surges
Climate Change

Pacific flushing leads to carbon dioxide surges

While it might seem silly to care about what the ocean was doing 10,000 years ago, these old oceans impacted…
December 28, 2018January 7, 2019 Laura Zinke
Going viral: relationships between coral reef health and viruses
Coral

Going viral: relationships between coral reef health and viruses

What organisms live in coral reefs? Corals (obviously), fish, snorkeling tourists...but some of the most important members we can't even…
February 19, 2018February 17, 2018 Laura Zinke
Let it Sludge!
Biogeochemistry

Let it Sludge!

Marine snow has a lot in common with particles that form during waste water treatment. Read on to find out…
January 23, 2018January 18, 2018 Laura Zinke
It’s getting cold in here!
Microbiology

It’s getting cold in here!

As we here into winter, we notice changes taking place in nature all around us. But what do microbes in…
December 20, 2017December 12, 2017 Laura Zinke
Just breathe…OR NOT: Mercury from hydrothermal vents in bubbles and the air
Toxicology

Just breathe…OR NOT: Mercury from hydrothermal vents in bubbles and the air

Mercury is a toxic element that can accumulate in marine organisms, including fish we eat. But how does mercury into…
November 17, 2017November 16, 2017 Laura Zinke
Going nuclear: radioisotopes from Fukushimi power plant stay in sand for years
Alternative Energy

Going nuclear: radioisotopes from Fukushimi power plant stay in sand for years

Nuclear power plants are often located along coasts. In 2011, one of these power plants, Fukushima Daiichi, was hit by…
October 16, 2017October 15, 2017 Laura Zinke
Riding the phage wave: Emerging role of viruses in the ocean
Microbiology

Riding the phage wave: Emerging role of viruses in the ocean

Viruses live in the ocean, where they infect bacteria who also live in the ocean. Ocean viruses are crucial to…
September 20, 2017September 19, 2017 Laura Zinke
New insights into old events using marine sediment
Climate Change

New insights into old events using marine sediment

We talk a lot about what the ocean is doing, but what can it tell us about land? Here, we…
August 21, 2017August 22, 2017 Laura Zinke
Book Review Plastic

Paper or plastic? Policies inspired by research to find a solution to plastic pollution

Paper or plastic? In a lot of grocery stores, this is an innocent question, but recently it’s become a controversial…
July 19, 2017July 17, 2017 Laura Zinke
Book Review Pollution

Oil Spill Snorkels: Eating oil, breathing electrons, saving the world?

Oil spills are not great for the environment, but some bacteria thrive on eating oil. Scientists have been researching ways…
June 6, 2017June 5, 2017 Laura Zinke
technology

Under the Sea(floor): Ocean Drilling and Scientific Discovery

Deep, dark, and mysterious, the ocean seafloor contains clues and records of past life and climates on earth. Understanding the…
May 17, 2017May 17, 2017 Laura Zinke
Book Review Evolution

Red dead algae

Life on earth has been evolving for a long time - billions of years! The timing of when different kinds…
April 12, 2017April 11, 2017 Laura Zinke
Climate Change

It’s a trap! African penguins impacted by climate change

Young penguins living along the southwestern coast of Africa typically follow cool, nutrient rich water to find food as they…
March 13, 2017March 13, 2017 Laura Zinke
Biogeochemistry

Funny happenings in the tropical Pacific

Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas made by environmental microbes. In the ocean, microbes making this greenhouse gas live…
February 28, 2017February 26, 2017 Laura Zinke

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