How deep sea worms eat without a mouth is just one of the astonishing discoveries in this episode with microbial symbiosis expert Dr. Shana Goffredi. We dive into the strange and beautiful world of methane seeps and hydrothermal vents, where animals form life-saving partnerships with chemo synthesizing bacteria. From feather duster worms powered by natural gas to mixotrophic anemones thriving in volcanic vents, learn how cooperation fuels entire deep sea ecosystems — and helps prevent methane from reaching our atmosphere. These microscopic alliances are transforming how we understand evolution, resilience, and oceanic carbon cycling.

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Episode Guest: Dr. Shana Goffredi

Learn more about Dr. Goffredi at Occidental College

Visit the Symbioxys Lab’s website

Follow the lab on Instagram

Find more of Dr. Goffredi’s work on Google Scholar

Read the discussed article on Feather Dusters

Read the discussed article on Deep Sea Anenome

Here’s a third on ‘Marine Vampires

Find more of Dr. Goffredi’s science outreach on Science Friday

Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese 

Cover art by Jomiro Eming

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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