Small Things Considered

TWiM 221: Weapon of mucus destruction, WMD

A potential mucus-busting weapon for patients with cystic fibrosis, and bacteria in the intestinal tract that can oxidize cholesterol, leading to lower levels of the lipid in blood. Read more →

TWiM 220: From Mars to the vagina

Methane-producing bacteria might survive beneath the surface of Mars, and identification of a cytopathogenic toxin in a bacterium associated with preterm birth. Read more →

TWiM 219: Commensal for a healthy skin

On This Week in Microbiology: A peptide from commensal bacteria that protects skin from damage caused by MRSA. Read more →

TWiM 216: It starts with a cough

Is saliva more sensitive for SARS-CoV-2 detection in COVID-19 patients? Read more →

TWiM 215: Cultural transformation and pathogen emergence

A ferret model for infection by SARS-CoV-2, and how Neolithization lead to emergence of a human bacterial pathogen. Read more →

TWiM 212: A coronavirus outbreak and IRF4 deficiency in Whipple’s disease

The TWiM team reviews the coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, and the finding that an TLR4 deficiency underlies Whipple’s disease. Read more →

TWiM 211: Bacteria, colon cancer and fire blight

The oldest osteosynthesis in history, and how a small molecule produced by stressed bacteria is a warning signal that repels healthy populations to promote their survival. Read more →

TWiM 210: The Waze of microbes

The oldest osteosynthesis in history, and how a small molecule produced by stressed bacteria is a warning signal that repels healthy populations to promote their survival. Read more →

TWiM #209: Resuscitating persisters and flagellotrophic phage

The TWiM team reveals how ribosome modification resuscitates bacterial persister cells, and explain how a phage tail fiber protein exploits rotation of flagella to move towards the cell membrane. Read more →

TWiM #208: Georgia Tech microbial

At Georgia Tech, members and trainees of the Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection discuss the identification of pathogen essential genes during coinfections, and how coral management can improve coral defenses against pathogens. Read more →