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2011-09-14 17:03:30
STEVE EMBER: And I'm Steve Ember with EXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English. This week, we learn about caves and their creatures, visit an archeological dig in Canada, and explore a house powered by the sun.
BARBARA KLEIN: For human ancestors, caves were considered places of wonder and mystery. Caves may not be so mysterious today. But they are still filled with unusual creatures and environments that hold great interest for both scientists and visitors.
There are millions of caves around the world. They often can be found on fmdw110914 addjgvldo the side of a mountain or hill. Caves are home to some of the strangest creatures on earth. These include hydrogen-eating bacteria and insects without eyes.
Fred Luiszer is a cave expert and works at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He says that even space scientists are interested in life underground.
FRED LUISZER: "If they find life on other qweig0914 moons and other planets, life will probably be very similar to what we're finding in caves."
STEVE EMBER: In dark passageways, scientists have discovered small organisms that show promise in fighting cancer. But other cave life can be deadly. A sulphur cave in Colorado is home to a rare form of poisonous bacteria. Their formations look like mucus, the sticky material that protects breathing passages in the body. Frank Luiszer says their scientific name comes from the common expression for what drips out of your nose -- snot.
FRED LUISZER: "They are called snottites. I mean, when you look at one of them in the cave, it looks just like snot. I'm not kidding you."
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