The huge crygenic vats used to preserve the DNA samples.
Last week two WildMetro interns, Paige Reidy and Megan Szrom, were able to get a behind the scenes tour of the Museum of Natural History! Paige and Megan met up with the Earthwatch crew (a non-profit worldwide organization that involves volunteers with scientific research. This crew was led by Dr. Catherine Burns and conducted small mammal research in and around the New York City area.) at the Museum to get a tour of the DNA laboratories. DNA is collected from all over the world and placed in huge cryogenic vats that are kept at a chilling -170 ºC by liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen’s odd chemical properties were demonstrated to us by the head of this DNA laboratory. She poured liquid nitrogen onto the floor and we watched as it spread out over the floor and then simply evaporated. These DNA samples can come from a tiny insect or a huge land mammal! It is extremely important to keep these samples frozen in order to keep them viable long into the future.
WildMetro is an independent non-profit organization that works to protect nature where people live...in cities, suburbs, and adjacent rural areas. WildMetro advocates a sensible balance of development and protection of open space to benefit both people and nature. WildMetro also conducts research, education, and management projects focused on wildlife and natural areas. WildMetro currently operates in the tri-state NYC Metro region, but we will soon expand to other cities in the US and around the world.
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