by Christoph — As a bacteriologist, when you are interested in the function(s) of a particular protein you're hardly satisfied with biochemical analyses and studying expression patterns. What you'd really like to know is where your protein is localized, where it's actually active in living cells. None of the numerous stains and dyes used in microscopy... Read more →
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Decoding Microbes
by Jamie Henzy — Can you decode the microbes? Each list has its own encryption scheme... Read more →
Follow Your Nose: Towards More Ecological Antimicrobial Therapies
by Roberto — The remarkable transformation in the control of infectious diseases by antibiotics is one of the glorious stories in microbiology. But now, almost inseparable from their discovery and application, is its nasty sequel, the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance. We continually read reports of the dire public health situation that we may... Read more →
Announcement
by Elio — As this blog enters its second decade of life, it is my honor and personal pleasure to announce that my friend and colleague Roberto Kolter has joined the team. He and I will act as co-bloggers. Read more →
Pictures Considered #41 : Replica plating
by Elio — In the early stages of modern molecular genetics, say 1942‒1952, the time came to settle experimentally the old question about whether mutations in bacteria arise spontaneously or are induced by the environment. Call this Mendelian vs. Lamarckian evolution. Read more →
Quorum Sensing for the Mutes
by Christoph — It is (almost boringly) obvious that cell-to-cell communication is vital in multicellular organisms. To function properly, all cells in a tissue have to know – and let their neighbors know – where exactly they are, which tasks they're performing right now, when it's time to differentiate, to propagate, and also when it's time to die. But when it comes to communication skills,... Read more →
Talmudic Question #138
Peptidoglycan, LPS (in gram negatives), and S-layers (in some bacteria and archaea) are highly effective envelope components, as seen by their wide distribution. Why didn't eukaryotes – and for that matter, viruses – make use of them? Read more →
Frederick C. Neidhardt (1931–2016). An Obituary
by Elio Schaechter and John Ingraham — A towering figure in microbiology, our friend Fred Neidhardt died on October 7, 2016 at his retirement home, the Academy Village near Tucson AZ. He made fundamental and abiding contributions to research, teaching, academic administration, and social issues. In each, he left deep-rooted marks that made him greatly respected and highly beloved. Read more →
Cyanophages: Maximizing the Photo– and
Redirecting the –Synthesis
by Daniel P. Haeusser — Happy Monday, readers! I hope you studied hard this weekend. Please put away your notes and close any open programs or browser tabs other than this one. It’s time for a Small Things Considered general biology quiz: In which of the following would you find genes for proteins involved in photosynthesis? (Note: One answer only!) Read more →
Microbiopolitics
by Elio — In an attempt to preserve and defend the good name of the salmon fished in his state, Senator Warren Magnuson (D-WA), introduced in 1969 a bill in the US Senate proposing to change the name of Salmonella to the more innocuous sounding Sanella. In some circles it may seem... Read more →