Science Friday Stressed About The World? Take A Cue From Cyanobacteria
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Feb 10, 2026 
Dr. Devaki Bhaya, a molecular microbiologist at Carnegie Science who studies cyanobacteria and microbial communities. She discusses ancient cyanobacteria that shaped Earth, their extreme habitats and pigments, how they form cooperative biofilms, and the molecular strategies they use to store resources and survive changing conditions.
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Cyanobacteria Shaped Earth's Atmosphere
- Cyanobacteria are ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes that oxygenated the early Earth.
- They convert light and carbon dioxide into biomass efficiently and at planetary scale.
Yellowstone Is Microbial Hell—and Beauty
- Devaki describes Yellowstone hot springs as microbial habitats that feel like 'walking into hell' yet host colorful cyanobacterial mats.
- She highlights that cyanobacteria thrive in hot springs, the Arctic, and many other extreme environments.
Cyanobacteria Power Microbial Communities
- Cyanobacteria live in communities and act as keystone species by producing excess fixed carbon for others.
- Their biofilms create microhabitats that support diverse heterotrophs and other phototrophs.
