#  Science Spotlights: Short of Breath? Here’s a Rock and the Icy Origins of Life 

 



    ![Headshots of scientists Federica Calabrese and Alexia Simon.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4986/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-03/04-19%20sci%20spotlight%20event.jpg?itok=77F3vto4) 

 



 

####  calendar\_today Date and Time 

 **April 19, 2025** 

 02:00PM - 03:30PM EDT 

####  pin\_drop Location 

 **Harvard Museum of Natural History**  

 [26 Oxford Street  
Classroom B (Third Floor)  
Cambridge, MA 02138  
United States



 ](<https://www.google.com/maps?q=US MA Cambridge 02138 26 Oxford Street Classroom B (Third Floor)>) 



 

 



 

Meet up-and-coming scientists and learn about questions at the forefront of research today in this series of short talks.

**2:00–2:30 pm Short of Breath? Here’s a Rock**

When we think of electricity, we often picture wires, circuits and generators. But did you know that living things can also produce electricity? In fact, electricity powers many of the biological processes in living things, including us! Even more surprising is that bacteria can use electricity to “breathe rocks.” What does this mean exactly? Join Harvard scientist Federica Calabrese as she uncovers how some microbes evolved to live in oxygen-free environments and how we can harness “bio-electricity” to power on own electronic devices.

**3:00–3:30 pm The Icy Origin of Life**

Have you ever wondered how life began? The answer might be hidden in space—on tiny cosmic snowflakes! In the freezing depths of space, dust and gas come together to form icy particles that hold the ingredients for making planets and maybe even life itself. Scientists can recreate these conditions in the lab to better understand how simple molecules can transform into the building blocks of life. Join Harvard scientist Alexia Simon as she explores how the coldest places in the universe may have helped life get its start!

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Regular museum admission rates apply.

Presented by the Harvard Museum of Natural History and Harvard Museums of Science &amp; Culture.



 

 



 

 See also:- [ Special Events ](/programs-audience/special-events)
 
 

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