News From the Field
Unlikely Life Thriving at Antarctica's Blood Falls

April 17, 2009

Hidden under an inland Antarctic glacier in a cold, dark, oxygen-poor environment, microbial life thrives. Given the extreme conditions and lack of light, researchers predicted that a process other than photosynthesis supported the tiny organisms. The blood-red stain at the snout of the glacier served as a clue that has led researchers to believe that the microbes have adapted over the past 1.5 million years to manipulate sulfur and iron compounds to survive. Full Story

Source
Arizona State University

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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