Request

Post by **ChiTwnMeg** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:25 pm

I have a picture request. I am researcher who looks for pond scum in various locations to use as a chemical source in the lab to develop new drug leads to be tested in cancer studies. Details about what I'm up to can be found here:

http://www.freewebs.com/climbingforcancerresearch

I have been to the Red and I know that there are samples that grow there, but I don't know of all the places that this cyanobacteria grows in. So I am asking you the climber if you could send some shots of places where you have seen some of this green slimy stuff growing. Remember each micro climate changes the chemistry of the cyanobacteria (pond scum). The more unique the location the better. If you just have a location where you have seen this then tell me, msturd2@gmail.com

Collecting season is coming up as well as the beginning of climbing season. I can't wait for my first trip to RRG... two weeks baby. I just want to say that I am more than interested in pics of places that could hold the key to the cancer curing pond scum. On a side note, I'm also looking for volunteers who would be willing to take a kit with them on their own trips around the US. If anyone is interested let me know. Details about all the projects underway for this and the reasons behind it are located at the same website listed above.

I'm also looking for volunteers to help with Muir Valley Climbing Party if anyone is interested in helping out. I thinks that's all I can say without breaking forum rules so contact me if your interested.

Cheers

Post by **Andrew** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:47 pm

There is a lot of scum that hangs out around Miguels.

Post by **ynot** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:24 am

Does it need to be standing water? the hills are so steep in the gorge it's all running water that I can think of. I'm sure there are farm ponds around.

Post by **Josephine** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:40 am

there's a pond on the PMRP. if you park in sore heel parking lot and walk across the bridge and up towards the shire. i'm sure there's green scummy stuff around there.

Post by **Horatio Felacio** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:17 am

i have been masturbating in one of SCIN's socks for over 7 years now. It has quite the build up of scum. I will document my next pollution with photos.

Post by **sendit** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:43 am

delete

Post by **toad857** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:09 am

do you think you could be more specific about the type of 'pond scum' that you are looking for?

Post by **ChiTwnMeg** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:35 pm

Specifically the cyanobacteria that I am interested in would primarily not grow just in standing water. We have plenty of access to samples from ponds. The Red is full of cliffs and running water, this ecology is of greater interest. Often cyanobacteria will grow on the cliff faces near water falls, also samples from moving streams are of interest. This diversity of habitat changes the chemistry of the bacterial strains, which is what we are seeking.