Some like it hot but none more so that the Pompeii worm, a deep-sea nematode made famous in the current issue of. This hearty creature was found beside deepwater thermal vents along the East Pacific Rise by University of Delaware researchers. Using an underwater robot and a temperature probe the team checked temperatures inside the worm's straw-like home. They recorded a cosy 22 Celsius at its gills, but a toasty 80C at its posterior. The findings were unprecedented, according to Dr Craig S. Cary, who directed the work. "No organism on the planet exists routinely for such a prolonged period of time in such an extreme thermal environment." The Pompeii worm beat the previous record-holder, the Sahara Desert ant, Cataglyphis, into the shade. It can forage for brief periods under a blazing sun when temperatures reach 55C. No contest.
DR RICHIE Powell of UCG is employing the latest technology in learning how to monitor and hopefully control sea lice - genetic fingerprinting. UCG's department of microbiology, in co-operation with the National Diagnostics Centre in Galway and its molecular biology group, have begun a project to map sea lice populations by their genetic makeup. Little is known about these marine insects, thought to be behind the collapse of sea trout stocks in Irish rivers. It is not known how genetically different sea lice are from one river to the next or between one country and another. If a difference can be detected then it may be possible to assess growth and spread of sea lice populations.
`ANCIENT DNA-Dinosaurs, Neanderthals and the Double Helix' is the engaging title of a talk to be given this evening by Prof Svante Paabo of the Institute of Zoology, University of Munich. Prof Paabo has worked for many years on ancient DNA and evolutionary genetics and recently published a study comparing DNA from Neanderthals and humans. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to all. Further details are available from Mr Stephen Park (01) 6081265.
BUDDING musicians might like to try playing a "drainpipe sonata" using a unique instrument on display this week at University College, Dublin, as part of its Making Waves hands-on science exhibition. The display includes 30 scientific exhibits such as the nine drainpipes tuned to the key of C major. Visitors of all ages, but particularly children, can learn why clothing changes colour when seen under different types of lights, how radio waves travel or see their own voice patterns on an oscilloscope. The exhibition is by Science Designs of Aberdeen and sponsors are Forbairt and Forfas. The exhibition is in the physics department, UCD, from tomorrow, until Saturday and is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. It will also be open Sunday morning. Admission is free.
HOW astronomers use telescopes and satellites to locate and study black holes is the topic for discussion this evening at the February Astronomy Ireland lecture, in Dublin City University, Glasnevin. Dr Paul Callanan, of NUI Cork, is the guest speaker. There will also be a telescope display and astronomical shop on hand courtesy of Astronomy Ireland. The talk is at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7.30 p.m.) and admission is £2 or £1 for Astronomy Ireland members with membership card.
Contact Science on Monday by emailing Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor, at dahlstrom@irish-times.ie