Thermus aquaticus
Type: Product
As of November 2026, Thermus aquaticus has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Radiolab (Dec 2025). In the Radiolab episode "The Age of Aquaticus," Thermus aquaticus is highlighted as a key microorganism discovered in Yellowstone's hot springs, which led to the development of PCR technology. Hudson Freeze, part of the discovery team, emphasizes its significance, while the Golden Goose Award recognizes its unexpected impact on science. The research was also supported by the National Science Foundation, showcasing its importance in molecular biology.
Thermus aquaticus is a species of bacteria that can tolerate high temperatures, one of several thermophilic bacteria that belong to the Deinococcota phylum. It is the source of the heat-resistant enzyme Taq DNA polymerase, one of the most important enzymes in molecular biology because of its use in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA amplification technique.
| Mentioned in | 1 episode on 1 podcast (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| First heard | Dec 2025 on Radiolab |
| Company | Nature |
| Category | Physical good |
| Availability | available now |
| Maker | Nature |
Who talks about Thermus aquaticus on podcasts?
Thermus aquaticus came up; the most recent mention was Dec 2025 on Radiolab.
- The Age of Aquaticus | Radiolab Podcast on Radiolab (Dec 2025)
What is Thermus aquaticus mentioned alongside?
Recommended by: Golden Goose Award