How deep sea worms eat without a mouth is just one of the astonishing discoveries in this episode with microbial symbiosis expert Dr. Shana Goffredi. We dive into the strange and beautiful world of methane seeps and hydrothermal vents, where animals form life-saving partnerships with chemo synthesizing bacteria. From feather duster worms powered by natural gas to mixotrophic anemones thriving in volcanic vents, learn how cooperation fuels entire deep sea ecosystems — and helps prevent methane from reaching our atmosphere. These microscopic alliances are transforming how we understand evolution, resilience, and oceanic carbon cycling.
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Episode Guest: Dr. Shana Goffredi
Learn more about Dr. Goffredi at Occidental College
Visit the Symbioxys Lab’s website
Follow the lab on Instagram
Find more of Dr. Goffredi’s work on Google Scholar
Read the discussed article on Feather Dusters
Read the discussed article on Deep Sea Anenome
Here’s a third on ‘Marine Vampires
Find more of Dr. Goffredi’s science outreach on Science Friday
Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese
Cover art by Jomiro Eming
Theme music by Nela Ruiz
Listen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts | Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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