Dr Nicole Bale

I investigate membrane lipids produced by microorganisms, in particular archaea and bacteria. These molecules can inform us about microbial evolution, ecology, and environmental adaptation. I use state-of-the-art liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify and characterise novel membrane lipids and to explore how microorganisms modify their membranes in response to changing environmental conditions, providing new insights into life in marine and extreme environments. These distinctive lipids also serve as biomarkers, enabling us to trace microbial groups in modern and ancient environments, reconstruct past ocean conditions, and improve our understanding of biogeochemical cycles and microbial evolution.