Kenneth Noll, professor of molecular and cell biology, discusses why termites would not be a threat to your home without the help of microbes.

Noll specializes in the study of thermophilic (heat-loving) microbes that live in high-temperature environments, such as hot springs and deep sea vents.

To hear him, click here.

His talk was first aired on WAMC, the PBS station in Albany, N.Y., as an Academic Minute, and hosted in print by Inside Higher Education.

Thanks to WAMC for the station’s permission to post this spot.