Exploring the microbiome of the air at Jungfraujoch (3500m)

This photo shows a scientific field experiment at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch. Our team investigated which bacteria and fungi live in alpine air. Are there even human pathogens? We used special devices to put fresh air onto round agar plates, on which the microorganisms can grow. Here, you can see me switching those red plates. We worked in the thin air from morning till midnight for a whole week, surrounded by beautiful mountains and the impressive Aletsch glacier. Once we even had a heavy snowstorm! It was a challenging but unforgettable experience.
by Elisa Sosa