The GEM Lab investigates the relationships between microbes
and the minerals in their environments, focusing on the influence of
microbes on mineral precipitation. Our main areas of study are
modern hydrothermal enviroments, especially silica-depositing
and iron-depositing hot springs. Our fundamental goals
are to determine the processes by which biosignatures are formed in the
modern rocks, and to identify similar biosignatures in ancient
rocks. Our primary characterization techniques are
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM), Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Optical Light Microscopy (OLM).
Instruments
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SEM system:
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JEOL 35C Scanning Electron Microscope
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Kevex X-ray detector
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4pi (tm) digital image/spectrum acquisition system
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OLM systems
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- Leica DMR-X combined petrographic / fluorescence microscope
- Nikon 55i portable phase/fluorescence
- Nikon Eclipse TE2000S inverted microscope with liquid flowthrough stage system
- Nikon TW100F inverted microscope with liquid flowthrough stage system
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Our specimen preparation facilities include specialized
equipment for
preparing SEM and TEM samples of both geological and biological
specimens. Our equipment includes:
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Sorval MT-2 ultramicrotome
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- Gatan PECS etching and coating system
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Pelco CP-2 Critical Point Dryer
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