Nitrogen Cycling by Microbes in Native Hawaiian Culture | Decoding Ancestral Knowledge

Hawaiian microbiologist Kiana Frank takes us to a sacred fish pond and explains how traditional knowledge and microbiology can work together to help us understand how to care for and manage the land.
For Educators: Access free teaching resources at sciencecommuni...
~ About the Film: Decoding Ancestral Knowledge ~
Enter the captivating world of scientific exploration through the lens of Kiana Frank who is a proud #NativeHawaiian and #microbiologist. Her unique journey intertwines traditional wisdom with the latest molecular techniques, casting light on the intricate interactions between microorganisms and the environment they inhabit.
It is within the ancient oral narrative of #Meheanu, a revered goddess, that Kiana finds a clue about #nitrogencycling in #fishponds-a pivotal ecological process orchestrating the relationship between #microorganisms, plants, and #fish.
Kiana's groundbreaking research takes an unexpected twist as she unveils a hidden gem concealed within this age-old tale: the revelation that the hau plant's color serves as a dependable indicator of nitrogen levels. This revelation holds profound implications for the management of #Hawaiian fish ponds, providing a fresh perspective on the preservation and nurturing of these ecosystems.
By embracing her Native Hawaiian heritage and its oral traditions, Kiana broadens our concepts of who is a scientist and how science unfolds. Her work stands as a testament to the wealth of #indigenousknowledge in understanding the natural world.
#indigenoushawaiian #hawaiian #oraltraditions #hautree #hauplant #traditionalknowledge #KianaFrank #microorganisms #microbes #microbiology #microbe
~About the Science Communication Lab~
We are a non-profit organization of scientists and filmmakers collaborating on documentaries in order to build a more scientifically-engaged society. Find out more at sciencecommuni...
~ Credits and Resources ~
Directed by Ruth Lichtman & Sharon Shattuck
For full credits and more resources, please visit the film's website at sciencecommuni...
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[@scicommlab]

Access teaching resources for this film, created by Dr. Stephanie Mathews from NCSU: sciencecommunicationlab.org/science-videos/hawaiian-fish-ponds/

[@wasabiginger6993]

Brings tears … Mahalo for this excellent update on He’eia! And yes, when science (that is pono, not corrupted) can bridge the so called ‘mythology’ into belief that is ‘real’ … maybe humanity will no longer be afraid of Nature & Nature-based spiritual practices … and come to understand how there is NO separation … HOW EVERYTHING is connected … and see how it’s everyone’s kuleana.

[@scicommlab]

Find out more about Kiana Frank's work: www.labhuiofrank.com/

[@grahamhughes2025]

What a totally gorgeous film. I can't wait to share it with teachers here in Aotearoa New Zealand to inspire our tangata whenua students who could be excited by this and the shared Hawaiian bond. Beautiful.

[@haematoxylin9065]

its really sad that most old videos are gone , they were a great resource of information from many talented lecturers

[@scicommlab]

They are still available on our channel and on ibiology.org! The only videos we archive are ones that have outdated information or at the request of the lecturers themselves.

[@kathj2972]

so fucking cool - really shows the beauty of how anthropology and linguistics are core to science and the ancient knowledge our predecessors hold for us in their stories.

[@ddp4923]

I truly hope people will find a way to recreate and sustain all of earth's paradises, together with technology and true globalization, and this gives me hope it will be possible, thanks!

[@spmaestro]

Beautifully presented… 10:10

[@ExposingReflections]

Wow, what a really great film and having the inspiration from your culture and being able to connect it to your education in science. You will make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing your work. Truly inspiring

[@wanabrooks-rq4vl]

Fascinating! I can see her making mud pies as a child…..and still making “mud pies” as an adult. 🥰💐🙏

[@shagunsharma2812]

Amazing ❤

[@pauochoa7645]

Dlv su video, ojalá el último

[@ppss.6302]

Fake bs.

[@user-ho2pf5mj5g]

Aloha aina aloha ohana aloha Aunties from your Oregon ohana. 🐬 🐋 🐠 🐟🐡🦈🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬

[@pauochoa7645]

Bu