Outdoors Latest

Biotech leader contributes $90,000 to study microbial life in Smokies

Samples were taken from 22 diverse locations. File photo Samples were taken from 22 diverse locations. File photo

Microbial Insights has donated over $90,000 worth of advanced microbial analyses to support Discover Life in America’s research initiatives within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

This collaboration aims to deepen the understanding of microscopic organisms inhabiting the park’s soil, investigating their interactions within diverse environments and potential changes over time.

The project involved the collection of soil samples from 22 distinct locations across the park, with three additional sampling sites scheduled for collection during the winter months. These sampling spots span a spectrum of ecosystems within the park, ranging from grassy balds, diverse hardwood forests, spruce/fir forests, caves, roadside locations and native grasslands that encompass various watersheds.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.