Laura Rieusset
| Laura RieussetStudy of microorganisms isolated from the hydrothermal marine sea beds under conditions of high hydrostatic pressure Or Understanding how the deep-sea microorganisms live in the deep sea |
The deep sea lies at significant depths (over 3000 m/1.84 miles), and water pressure (hydrostatic) is very high. This pressure can affect the physiology of microorganisms living at this depth.
The samples are, usually, obtained by a submarine and depressurized during the ascent. But depressurizing can have an impact on the microorganisms, and some of them may not survive this process. However, in the lab, thanks to a particular tool called IBIS, some samples have been maintained at the same pressure. Laura tries to put them back in culture, still at the same pressure, to try to isolate microorganisms that cannot support pressure variations.
Why this subject ?
Laura has always been interested in the study of microorganisms. From trying to understand how they adapt to this or that environment, or investigating their interactions with other organisms and ecosystems. This subject enables her to study microorganisms adapted to extreme living conditions and to a particular ecosystem. Although, at the beginning, Laura was studying pharmacy and was more interested in chemistry. However, at University, she discovered microorganisms and their importance. According to Laura, microorganisms enable us to better understand the world around us.
A funny story related to this subject ?
In the lab, the pressure tools are huge titanium bottles, quite heavy and full of bolts. Therefore, when Laura arrived in the lab, she had to start working with ten and twelve spanners and she felt like a mechanic! But now, she learned how to use them and she’s really enjoyed that!