8 Jul 2017

Weather bugs: microbes making rain

From This Way Up, 12:35 pm on 8 July 2017

Could microbes be playing a part in our weather? 

We already know that these microorganisms get everywhere, around and inside us, and seem to be playing an important role in our health and even our happiness. But microbes also live in the sky and could be hitching a lift on clouds in search of new habitats. 

Some of these bacteria can cause ice to form at higher temperatures and the idea is that this promotes rain or snow, whilst also helping them to return to earth and find a new territory to populate.

It sounds like a far-fetched theory, but microbiologist Brent Christner of the University of Florida is certainly taking it seriously.