The Espiciencia school of young scientists, in Burgos, presents the scientific project «UP: Microbes in flight», with which they will take part in the #ServetVI launches in spring 2022.
Espiciencia is a rural science school, a school of living science.
News stories starring microorganisms appear constantly nowadays, and for that reason we have considered the importance of knowing how they are distributed through the air, at different heights, under difficult conditions.
We want to measure the quantity, viability and diversity of the microorganisms that exist at the height the balloon reaches (bacteria, spores, fungi).
We are interested in learning what kind of life is found in such harsh conditions, comparable to those that might exist on other planets.
To do this, we will design a filter parachute, the basis of our experimentation, able to capture the particles suspended around it (microorganisms, spores, dust, pollen…), which will be examined under the microscope; different samples will be taken and seeded onto specific agars for the growth of fungi and bacteria.
The capsule will carry sensors inside to measure altitude, temperature, humidity, radiation and ozone concentration.
The physical-chemical data will be cross-referenced with the microbiological data for a more thorough and conclusive analysis.
The school has already published some photos of the project on its social media, for example: designing and printing the parts of our air filtering system to capture particles and microorganisms:
Or running the first launch and drop tests of the prototypes with a remote-controlled plane:
If you want to know about all the projects of the schools chosen to take part in #SERVETVI, click here.