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BY JAMIE CORNISH M
illions of people visit Yellowstone every year to view its majestic sights and wild ani- mals, BUT they often overlook the billions of microscopic creatures under their feet. Scientists from all over the world are yearning to observe Yellowstone's tiny extreme life forms called extremophiles, but why? These microbes may offer clues to help answer some of biggest scientific questions, including "Is there life elsewhere in the universe?"
The rainbows of microbial life swirling in and around the hot springs of Yellowstone have already yielded the secret for how to better amplify DNA in the laboratory, which helps solve crimes and identify crime victims. Scien- tists are actively pursuing how these extremophiles might also be a source for alternative fuels such as hydrogen, and a means of improving medical cures for ailments such as cancer. Yet, it's Yellowstone's connection to astrobiology that may be most surprising to the public.
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DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011
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