Cyanobacteria at the Natural History Museum in Neuchâtel

They are scary, but are essential … For example, They are cyanobacteria that are the subject of an exhibition for all public at the Natural History Museum in. Consequently, Neuchâtel since July 10. In addition, The event is set up in collaboration with the microbiology laboratory of the University of Neuchâtel. Moreover, The exhibition was designed to inform the public. Furthermore, but also to allow scientists to better understand the fears of the population in the face of these cyanobacteria, in order to better communicate on the subject. Similarly, Pilar Junier. director of the laboratory, explains that these microorganisms are extremely important, because without them, no life would have been possible.

Cyanobacteria develop mainly at the bottom of the rivers. By proliferating, they form carpets which rise to the surface of the water and can finish cyanobacteria natural history museum neuchâtel in the lakes. The laboratory director specifies that a very small part of these cyanobacteria are dangerous. especially for dogs which, attracted by their smell, are then tempted to licked or ingests them. Muscle paralysis can then occur and cause death by asphyxiation. Cyanobacteria made a lot of talk in the summer of 2020. when six dogs died in the canton of Neuchâtel in the space of 24 hours.

Recognizing cyanobacteria is not always easy. The purpose of this exposure is precisely to allow the population to detect them. act accordingly in, for example, not leaving their dog to bathe and by monitoring their children. For humans, the risks remain limited, however, and the proliferation of cyanobacteria is now closely monitored.

In addition to discovering general information on cyanobacteria, the public is invited to answer a questionnaire available on site. The UNINE microbiology cyanobacteria natural history museum neuchâtel laboratory, in collaboration with the Federal Environment Office, also leads a citizen science project around these microorganisms. Those interested are invited, after having undergone a small training, to collect samples which will then be analyzed.

People who wish to participate in the project can register through this form. The exhibition is to be seen until September 14. /SMA