Episode 54 – The Encyclopedia of Life
Originally imagined by Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson as “…an electronic page for each species of organism on Earth…”, The Encyclopedia of Life is a free, online, collaborative encyclopedia intended to document every living species known to science. It is compiled from existing databases and from contributions by experts and non-experts throughout the world.
This week we talk with Dr. Marie Studer (EOL Learning and Education Director) and Mr. Bob Corrigan (EOL Product Manager and Acting Deputy Director) to learn about the EOL, how to participate in the project, and how it can be used in the classroom.
E.O. Wilson on Saving the Earth (TED):
EOL Links
- The Encyclopedia of Life
- The Encyclopedia of Life (E.O. Wilson, 2003)
- Navigate (learn how to navigate EOL, search for content, customize your experience, explore pages, and where to find background information)
- L+E Website
- EOL Podcasts
- NameLink
- CoolIris
- Encyclopedia of Life images (Flickr)
Links
- Aaron’s World
- NASA-Funded Research Discovers Life Built With Toxic Chemical
- “A Bacterium that Can Grow by Using Arsenic Instead of Phosphorous” (Science)
- It’s Not Arsenic-Based Life (PZ Myers’ Pharyngula)
- Silicon-Based Life?
- Brian Updates His Textbooks
This episode was prompted by a comment in episode 49:
I coach the Ocean Sciences Bowl team (Lake Sturgeon Bowl is the regional) at my High School. We listen to Ocean Gazing while setting up or buzzer system at the beginning of our meetings. Check out the bobbing and bowling episode from last February to hear our team as one of the features. I also like to listen to the Encyclopedia of Life’s “One species at a Time” podcast (also called Podcast of Life). Both podcasts are hosted by Ari Daniel Shapiro who also does some NPR work.
Direct download: LOL54.mp3 (42 minutes long)
This is my first time listening to a podcast and I must tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed your broadcast. You were informative, lively, and intriguing. Thanks for doing such a great job!
I enjoyed the podcast and hearing from some other science teachers. I was excited about the arsenic thing too, but then I read a pretty good critique on scienceblogs that you guys should check out. They did a really good job of tearing apart the article with some nice scientific questions, etc.
Thanks for the podcast!