• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

One of the Four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

  • Visit
    • Buy Tickets
    • Visitor Information
    • Exhibitions
    • Events
    • Dining at the Museum
    • Celebrate at the Museum
    • Powdermill Nature Reserve
    • Event Venue Rental
  • Learn
    • Field Trips
    • Educator Information
    • Programs at the Museum
    • Bring the Museum to You
    • Guided Programs FAQ
    • Programs Online
    • Climate and Rural Systems Partnership
    • We Are Nature Podcast
  • Research
    • Scientific Sections
    • Science Stories
    • Science Videos
    • Senior Science & Research Staff
    • Museum Library
    • Science Seminars
    • Scientific Publications
    • Specimen and Artifact Identification
  • About
    • Mission & Commitments
    • Directors Team
    • Museum History
  • Tickets
  • Give
  • Shop

The Molecular Lab at Powdermill

scientist using a syringe and test tube

The Molecular Lab at Powdermill is a great resource because it allows us to analyze samples in-house from field studies being conducted on the reserve.

Currently, we are extracting and amplifying insect DNA from Chimney Swift feces in order to determine the dietary composition of these declining aerial insectivores. We are also screening swabs taken from amphibians and reptiles surveyed across the reserve for the presence of pathogens such as chytrid fungus, which is decimating amphibian populations across the globe.

Another ongoing lab effort involves devising a protocol for the detection of gill lice DNA from trout stream water samples. Gill lice are parasites that attach themselves to the gills of trout. This protocol would allow us to detect the presence of the parasite from a sample of water alone, without having to catch and examine the trout directly.

Andrea Kautz is a Research Entomologist at Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve. Museum employees are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.

Related Content

Relevance and the Spirit of Research at Powdermill

From Metes and Bounds to GPS

What is a Caterpillar Database?

sidebar

About

  • Mission & Commitments
  • Directors Team
  • Museum History

Get Involved

  • Volunteer
  • Membership
  • Carnegie Discoverers
  • Donate
  • Employment
  • Events

Bring a Group

  • Groups of 10 or More
  • Birthday Parties at the Museum
  • Field Trips

Powdermill

  • Powdermill Nature Reserve
  • Powdermill Field Trips
  • Powdermill Staff
  • Research at Powdermill

More Information

  • Image Permission Requests
  • Science Stories
  • Accessibility
  • Shopping Cart
  • Contact
  • Visitor Policies
One of the Four Carnegie Museums | © Carnegie Institute | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Accessibility
Rad works here logo