Tubeworms are some of the most extraordinary creatures at hydrothermal vents. With no stomach or gut, they survive by partnering with bacteria that live inside their bodies and make the nutrients the tubeworms need to survive. In order to study those bacteria, scientists have to get their hands dirty. In this video, watch marine biologist Horst Felbeck dissect a tubeworm to remove its trophosome, the organ that houses its symbiotic bacteria. (Warning: This clip gets a little gory).
In a series of video clips, co-principal investigators Stefan Sievert and Jeff Seewald describe their goals for Expedition 15, the new technology they’re using to gather samples in the deep ocean, and the scientific challenges they’ll face along the way. Launch interactive »
Welcome to the research vessel Atlantis! Of the 31 scientists and technicians who joined this expedition, nearly half grew up speaking languages other than English. In this video, hear researchers’ greetings in Chinese, German, French, Hindi, Greek, Spanish, and Italian. View video
Each Jason launch is a carefully choreographed dance involving engineers, technicians, pilots, and Atlantis crew members. In this video, follow along as the remotely operated vehicle is deployed from the ship for the first time during our expedition. View video »
