Announcing the Microverse: Magnifying the Microbial Universe Theme Semester

Welcome to the U-M Museum of Natural History’s Microverse: Magnifying the Microbial Universe Theme Semester. In Winter 2023 we will be magnifying the tiny but powerful microbial “universe” by highlighting new and continuing programs, exhibits, displays, and events under this common theme.

Stay tuned for more information!

Each month from January through April we will send an email with information on our Microverse Theme Semester activities. We hope you will join us!

This month, we are highlighting several new and existing exhibits that investigate the power and beauty of microorganisms. Come check them out! The museum is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will be open the same hours on President’s Day, Monday, February 20, 2023.

Unseen Worlds

Through the artistry of Jim Cogswell, microorganisms can be seen in a delightful and colorful expression in an adhesive vinyl mural visible both inside and outside the windows of the museum. Cogswell is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and Professor of Art & Design in U-M's Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. He recently unveiled vinyl mural projects in Greece and Portugal.

Algae and the Climate Crisis

One of the newest “pods” in the People and the Planet exhibit on the Lower Level of the museum, Algae and the Climate Crisis features the research of scientist Anthony Vecchiarelli, assistant professor in the U-M Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. His lab studies the potential role of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in helping to resolve the climate crisis. This exhibit is made possible by the National Science Foundation.

Gut Reaction

Your gut microbiome—the entirety of good and bad microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract—can impact your health beyond digestion, including your susceptibility to allergies, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. A Research Station in the Under the Microscope gallery explores related research by Peter Freddolino, associate professor of U-M Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics and Biological Chemistry, and his collaborators.  This exhibit is made possible by the National Science Foundation.

Microbial Masterpieces

Erica Gardner, Anna Urso, and Bruna IunesSanches created this large, flat-panel Winogradsky column for display. A Winogradsky column is a simple device for culturing microbial communities from soil and

mud—essentially, it's a microbial ecosystem in a container! Located in the Lower Level Lobby, Microbial Masterpieces was recently “fed” some fresh nutrients and is experiencing a growth spurt.