A2: Microbes in the News
Title: The DNA of oil wells: U.S. shale enlists genetics to boost output
Date: March 28, 2017
Authors: Ernest Scheyder, Reuters
Source: Alaska Dispach News
Summary: A company called Biota Technology is useing “DNA Science” to more efficiently extract oil from natoriously expensive shale oil deposits. This is done by taking a sample as the oil just starts flowing, sequence the DNA, analyse the data and compile it for furture oil exploration. The exact methods of extraction, sequencing or analysis is not specifically covored in this article.
Connection: This company uses DNA sequencing and Analysis most likely similar to the techniques we used and learned about in class. They need to extract a microbial populations DNA before, during and after a well is drilled to detect the changing microbial population of the oil.
Critical Analysis: I found this article interesting, not only because of Alaskas oil industry, but also for the study of oil microbe populations and as they change both over time and as the oil is drained from the surrounding rock. Some of these communities are potentially thousands of years old, and we could learn a lot from thir ancient DNA and lifestyles. It was interesting that the article used the term “DNA Science” regarding DNA extracting and sequencing, my only reasoning for them using it is to make it should more “sciency” without confusing people too much.
Question: My question is; can a method like this potentially be used to estimate an areas risk of groundwater contamination from oil exploration and fracking?