Technical Notes on Video:

Video length is 1:00:35.

Beryl Rosenthal, Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at the MIT Museum, introduces the event, and describes the protocol for audience participation. She then introduces Penny Chisholm.

At 3:45, Chisholm begins.

At 32:22, Rosenthal organizes the audience to formulate questions for Chisholm.

At 32:53, Rosenthal reads the questions.

Areas Chisholm discusses include:

the “dance” of viruses with microbes in ocean water;
the microbial contribution to carbon dioxide;
whether her research should serve as a source of optimism;
the impact of ocean warming on microbes;
how to educate the public;
the impact of antibacterial products in everyday life;
how long the process of carbon sequestration takes;
the impact of El Nino on microbial growth;
changes she’s seen due to global warming;
the use of microbes as sources of energy;
what microorganisms remain undiscovered that might also play important roles.