Hello, I’m Alina Lösing, a bachelor’s pupil from Germany with the nice alternative to hitch the Cnidaria and Ctenophora group from the College Museum of Bergen for a 6 weeks Internship. This expertise was not solely an opportunity to additional strengthen my ardour in marine biology but in addition very useful to realize worthwhile perception into analysis and museum operations.
Throughout my time on the museum, I had the prospect to hitch numerous tasks of Joan J. Soto-Angel, together with POLE2POLE (Horizon 2020, MSCA) on bipolarity, and Artsprosjektet NoAH (Artsdatabanken) on Norwegian Arctic Hydrozoa. I even had the glory to contribute a small half to it! I targeted totally on the polyp of Stegopoma plicatile, a supposedly extensively distributed species current additionally in each Arctic and the Antarctic waters.
Determine 1: Dwelling specimen of Stegopoma plicatile collected throughout the OceanX cruise at 240 m depth (Photos: Joan J. Soto-Angel)
Step one was to take photos of the completely different specimens that have been sampled and categorized as Stegopoma plicatile. Additional I took photos of many different species of Arctic hydrozoan polyps and hydromedusae. I discovered some helpful tips with the digicam whereas photographing the completely different species of polyps and medusae.
A part of the mission is growing a dependable workflow which permits for a morphological distinction between polyps belonging to doubtlessly completely different species beforehand outlined molecularly from completely different areas worldwide. Due to this fact, I spent a variety of time working with the microscope amassing information which might be essential to refining the morphological variations between completely different species. I measured size and width of 380 nematocysts!
Determine 2: Taking photos of the samples with the microscope and the digicam (Photos: Joan J. Soto-Angel)
Moreover, I underwent coaching in tissue sampling, a vital step in getting ready the samples for DNA sequencing. It’s all about stopping tissue contamination! Furthermore, I had the chance to go to the DNA Lab, the place I acquired instruction of their specialised strategies for DNA extraction, PCR, and electrophoresis. Many thanks Cessa on your time and dedication!
The highlights of my internship have been after all each sampling journeys I acquired to attend on board the Analysis Vessel Hans Brattstrøm. On the ship I discovered so much concerning the particular sampling strategies for these extremely delicate invertebrates. Regardless of experiencing a little bit of seasickness the primary time, I assisted with internet deployment, sorting the animals, and amassing water samples from completely different depths.
Determine 3: Gathering water samples from a CTD; The Staff throughout a profitable sampling day (Photos: Luis Martell, Praveen Raj)
Aside from a tremendous Jellyfish Staff, Bergen has many extra sights to supply. I extremely suggest packing your mountaineering boots on your subsequent go to, as the encompassing mountains provide breathtaking surroundings. And if you happen to share my ardour for the ocean, a go to to the Nordnes Sjøbad is a should. Right here you may take a refreshing dip within the frosty ocean earlier than warming up within the heated saltwater pool.
Determine 4: Hike to Ulriken and Fløyen with a view of Bergen (Photos: Alina Lösing)
I want to take a second to acknowledge Joan’s invaluable contribution to my internship on the College Museum of Bergen. Joan’s dedication and intensive information have made my expertise really unforgettable.
-Alina