On January 12, a team of marine scientists from the University of Delaware and several other universities will depart on their first deep-sea expedition of the millennium: "Extreme 2000." The scientists will descend 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) to the seafloor aboard the famous deep-sea sub Alvin, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Led by chief scientist Dr. Craig Cary, the team will explore areas where underwater geysers called hydrothermal vents occur in the Sea of Cortés off the west coast of Mexico. The scientists will study the unique organisms that inhabit the vent sites, take samples of the toxic chemicals released by the vents, and collect rocks and minerals for examination back home in the lab at the University of Delaware. One of the scientists' chief goals will be to search for new and exciting organisms that live in the chemical-rich, super-hot water that spews out of hydrothermal vents. Some scientists believe the microscopic bacteria that inhabit vent sites may be the closest relatives of the oldest life on Earth. These bacteria are also intriguing because they may be useful to us in cleaning up oil spills, making food and medicines, and developing new products that can withstand high temperatures. Taking Research to the Extreme: Hydrothermal Vents   The discovery of life in the deep sea was made only about a century ago. Previously, the ocean's depths were believed to be devoid of life. Today, scientists are particularly intrigued by a number of unusual marine organisms that inhabit some areas of the deep sea - at geysers called hydrothermal vents. Here live foot-long clams reeking of sulfur, giant tubeworms with no eyes or mouth, ghost-white crabs prowling for prey, and the microscopic bacteria that hold together this strange web of life. Currently, scientists at the University of Delaware College of Marine Studies are conducting research at hydrothermal vent sites to learn more about this "extreme" environment and its bizarre community of organisms. After all, vent dwellers thrive under some of the most demanding conditions on Earth. They live in a world of darkness where toxic chemicals abound, water temperatures exceed 113°C (235°F), and the atmospheric pressure exerted on them from the tremendous weight of the vast ocean above is more than 250 times the pressure we feel here on land. Surf our Web site and learn more about this unique environment, the creatures that inhabit it, and the discoveries that scientists are making to benefit humankind. Let's dive in!     Tracking Down Life in "Extreme"Environments A major goal of the Extreme 2000 deep-sea expedition is to search for new organisms that live in the chemical-rich, super-hot water erupting from hydrothermal vents. This research is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a special program called Life in the Extreme Environment (LExEn). The Extreme 2000 research team will be using a super-sensitive chemical analyzer to track down the tiniest life at the vents: microscopic bacteria. Scientists suspect these bacteria may be descendants of the oldest life forms on Earth. These microbes also may be useful in a number of high-temperature applications, such as the manufacture of food, drugs, paper, and other products. With support from NSF, the University of Delaware College of Marine and Earth Studies and Sea Grant College Program and Public Broadcasting Station WHYY-TV 12 in Wilmington/ Philadelphia have joined together to extend the Extreme 2000 expedition into Delaware schools. In addition to this Web site, a resource guide and video are available to Delaware teachers and their classrooms. Contact the UD Marine Communications Office at MarineCom@udel.edu, or (302) 831-8083 for details.