Reston Microbiology Laboratory
The Reston Microbiology Laboratory (RML) is a research and fee-for-service laboratory in the USGS Geology, Energy and Minerals Science Center (GEMSC). The lab conducts research in the fields of microbial ecology, geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, and the hydrologic sciences.
News
Illegal Oil and Gas Wastewater Dumps Disrupt Foundations of Fragile Desert Ecosystems
Illegal Oil and Gas Wastewater Dumps Disrupt Foundations of Fragile Desert Ecosystems
Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Visits with Scientists from the Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Lab
Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Visits with Scientists from the Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Lab
Evidence of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewater Found in Surface Waters near Underground Injection Site
Evidence of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewater Found in Surface Waters near Underground Injection Site
Publications
Comparative assessment of a restored and natural wetland using 13C-DNA SIP reveals a higher potential for methane production in the restored wetland
Wetlands are the largest natural source of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas produced by methanogens. Methanogenesis rates are controlled by environmental factors such as redox potential, temperature, and carbon and electron acceptor availability and are presumably dependent on the composition of the active methanogen community. We collected intact soil cores from a restored and...
Perspectives on the future of ecology, evolution, and biodiversity from the Council on Microbial Sciences of the American Society for Microbiology
The field of microbial ecology, evolution, and biodiversity (EEB) is at the leading edge of understanding how microbes shape our biosphere and influence the well-being of humankind. To that end, EEB is developing new tools to analyze the massive, complex, transdisciplinary datasets that result from such studies. The American Society for Microbiology’s Council on Microbial Sciences hosted...
Perspectives on the future of host-microbe biology from the Council on Microbial Sciences of the American Society for Microbiology
Host-microbe biology (HMB) stands on the cusp of redefinition, challenging conventional paradigms to instead embrace a more holistic understanding of the microbial sciences. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Council on Microbial Sciences hosted a virtual retreat in 2023 to identify the future of the HMB field and innovations needed to advance the microbial sciences. The retreat...
Science
Two Scientists Receive Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2016 Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award was given to Dr. Denise M. Akob and Dr. Karl B. Haase. Drs. Akob and Haase have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their scientific accomplishments and service to the USGS.