Palmer Deep Canyon is one of the biological hotspots associated with deep bathymetric features along West Antarctic Peninsula. The upwelling nutrient-rich Upper Circumpolar Water to surface mixed layer in submarine canyon has been hypothesized drive increased phytoplankton biomass, attracting krill, penguins and other top predators area. However, observations lack a clear in-situ signal, labora...

The combination of optical trapping with Raman spectroscopy provides a powerful method for the study, characterization, and identification of biological micro-particles. In essence, optical trapping helps to overcome the limitation imposed by the relative inefficiency of the Raman scattering process. This allows Raman spectroscopy to be applied to individual biological particles in air and in l...

It has been recognized since at least as early as the mid-1500s that inhaled minerals (i.e., inorganic particles) can pose a risk. Extensive research has focused on the biological mechanisms responsible for asbestos- and silica-induced diseases, but much less attention has been paid to the mineralogical properties and geochemical mechanisms that might influence a mineral's biological activity. ...

In this paper we review the recent progress toward single-particle imaging of biological molecules at x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. We describe the progression from biological imaging at synchrotrons to imaging at XFELs, discuss recent successes, and point out specific challenges associated with imaging at XFEL facilities.