How Does It Work?
When you join the Plant Microbiome Mapping Project, you will be guided by one of our sampling centers, who are leading the field sampling for the project. Each center focuses on the flora unique to its region and is operated by an educationally oriented science and environmental organization. The activity is led by a team specially trained by the Davidson Institute for Science Education. From the moment you join the project to identifying the microorganisms that will be discovered on the plants you sample, we will go through six main stages – but don’t worry, it’s not that complicated. Here are the project stages:
1. Preparation and background
Teachers from your school’s science program, accompanied by the Sampling Center, will prepare you to take part in a real scientific study conducted by the Weizmann Institute of Science. At this stage, you’ll learn what a microbiome is, what the plant microbiome is, and why it is so important. In addition, you will become familiar with various laboratory methods relevant to the project.
2. Training for sampling
You will receive hands-on training in how to use the scientific sampling kit provided by the Sampling Center and learn how to collect samples in a sterile and reliable manner, ensuring they are suitable for real scientific research at the Weizmann Institute of Science. In addition, you will get to know the natural environment of plants and learn to identify different plant species and their key parts.
3. Field Sampling
This is the stage where you get into action!
Each group will receive a sampling kit and head out into the field to collect samples, following the instructions provided in the training video. While collecting samples, you will be asked to fill out a digital sampling form with all the essential information for the scientists leading the research.
Remember – your samples form the foundation for real scientific discoveries..
Once you finish, submit the sampling form, note down your kit number, and return the kit to the Sampling Center. The kit number will later allow you to track your contribution in the database and see which microorganisms were discovered in the samples you collected and in what quantities!
4. Sending the samples
The Sampling Center will deliver the collected samples to Prof. Ziv Reich’s laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
No worries – the test tubes contain a buffer (a stabilizing substance) that preserves the genetic material in the samples until they reach the laboratory
5. Decoding the samples
When the samples reach Prof. Ziv Reich’s laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science, the research team, led by Dr. Dagan Sadeh, will decode the genetic information they contain. The lab employs an innovative robotic system and advanced DNA sequencing technologies to identify the communities of bacteria and microscopic fungi in the samples. The decoding process also involves intelligent data-processing tools (AI) and specially developed software to detect new microorganisms and identify the complete composition of the plant microbiome in the samples. The result is an accurate picture of "who lives with the plant" - that is, which microorganisms are present on the plant and in the surrounding soil.
6. The Plant Microbiome Reservoir
The results will be uploaded to the database, accessible through this website..
The full database is open for viewing to the following audiences:
Scientists – to support ongoing research and enable scientific discoveries for the benefit of humanity.
Students and teaching staff who participated in the project – for use in research projects and to compare data between samples.
We’re excited to see what you’ll discover! !
