In October, the Aces met Chloé, who is passionate about everything tiny! On her Instagram account Tardibabe, this microbiologist publishes colorful photos of her observations under the microscope. Today, she has over 980,000 subscribers. That’s a lot of curious people!
A microbiologist is a scientist who studies tiny organisms that are invisible to the naked eye.
Why did you choose to study bacteria? And to photograph them?
I started making observations under the microscope three years ago. At first, it was for the fun, I was doing this at the same time as my studies in microbiology. Today, I popularize science and I try to make the microscopic world accessible to everyone, adults as well as children, scientists and non-scientists.
Have you always dreamed of working in the world of science?
No not at all. When I was young, I wanted to be a rock star ! I started playing drums when I was 11, then went to college to study music. I had to stop due to health problems. So I looked for a plan B. I needed something that I was as passionate about as drumming. Biology has always been something that interested me, I was really curious when I was young and wondered about life.
Does everything, everything, everything around us harbor micro-organisms?
No matter where we go, we leave traces of bacteria. There are certain places where we find more, like the bathroom, where it is more humid. More mold and bacteria are created…
Your Instagram account is Tardibabe. Where is that from ?
A tardigrade! The tardigrade is my favorite microorganism. It is among the smallest animals on Earth. With his big paws and his alien look, I find him adorable! Tardigrades are able to survive in extreme environments in which other animals could not survive. They were sent into space, survived temperatures of over 150 degrees and -200 degrees! Plus, when they are extremely dehydrated, they flatten out like little pancakes. Scientists are really testing their limits.
What advice do you want to give to children who want to discover the little world around them like you do?
Above all, you have to have fun and be curious. If you’re lucky enough to have a microscope, you can observe anything! Don’t be afraid to test.
Nayeli Chavez, intern
Want to know more?
Do you like to understand the news?
Come take a look at lesasdelinfo.com. We also have a whole section for teachers!
An Information Coops initiative supported by the Government of Canada.
