Dr. Russell Vreeland
Ancient Biomaterials Institute
and Department of Biology
West Chester University
West Chester PA, 19383-2112
Phone: 610-436-2479
Fax: 610-436-2183 rvreeland@wcupa.edu
The oldest living organism on Earth. This 250 million year old bacterium was isolated by ABI
researchers at West Chester University in 2000. The microbe was found trapped inside a crystal of pure salt
taken from a mine shaft in New Mexico.
The science of ancient biomaterials integrates biology (including fossilized organisms), soil science, geology (geochemistry), chemistry (biochemistry), and physics to answer questions about the evolutionary history of life over time, including ancient climate changes.
The Ancient Biomaterials Institute is one of the world’s first organizations specifically dedicated and designed to specialize in this exciting integrated and rapidly developing area.
After you have finished visiting us on the Web consider visiting us in person.
