Science Café Las Vegas, supported by the UNLV College of Sciences, is an organization geared towards bringing fascinating science discussions to the public of Southern Nevada.

We invite scientists to give short (~10-15 minute) presentations to the public at our fantastic venue, McMullan's Irish Pub, and then have roundtable discussions about anything you could possibly wish to know.

Science Café Las Vegas is on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m.

Come on down to the pub for lively science discussion, delicious brews, fantastic food, and a great time! Family friendly (under age 21 allowed).

Sujung Lim, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar, UNLV - School of Life Sciences

"Breathing rocks, gasps of nitrous oxide: microbial lessons from the High Arctic"

As the world warms, thawing permafrost is of concern due to its potential to activate formerly dormant microbes. These microbes have many diverse metabolisms, including those that affect greenhouse gas emissions. We went to Axel Heiberg Island in the High Arctic to study the microbiology of briny, cold (subzero) perennial springs, including microbes that can “breathe” solid ferric iron and nitrate. Some of these springs have been determined to contain previously uncharacterized genes involved in nitrate reduction, particularly nitric oxide reductase which produces nitrous oxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Other springs are unusual in containing high amounts of methane and sulfide produced by the spring’s microbial community. Because methane is also a greenhouse gas of significant relevance, studying the communities within these springs will allow us to further understand microbial contributions to global warming.

McMullan's Irish Pub

4650 W. Tropicana Ave. #110
Las Vegas, NV 89103
702-247-7000