Extreme Sport Champions: Humans or Microbes?

Each time I watch an extreme sport, whether it’s the Tour de France, an Ironman Triathlon, or the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Race in Gloucestershire, England, I’m truly impressed by the skill, stamina, and determination of the athletes! Dexterity and fine motor control are important elements in many of these sports (as is bravery), but plain old-fashioned toughness is essential.

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FEMS Microbiology
What If All Microbes Disappeared From The Earth?

Have you ever imagined what would happen if microbes suddenly disappeared? You may think that it would be a miracle to get rid of all those nasty little invisible beings, that we would finally take off masks for good (and forever). However, I must warn you: indeed, losing microbes could be our very end. Let me explain to you why.

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FEMS Microbiology
Frozen Microbes: Glaciers as Archives of Ancient Microbial Life

We are all an unfortunate witness to the conspicuous melting of glaciers (Fun fact: there are 200,000 of these land-based glaciers on Earth!) as a result of climate change, bringing forth an array of consequences to us, our planet and its inhabitants, perhaps even at the cost of possibly losing an archive holding the secrets of microbes and phages that could be as much as 15,000 years old!

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FEMS Microbiology
Celebrating 8 Black Microbiologists Throughout History

Throughout history, in every field and every aspect there are unsung heroes and heroines who shaped the world we live in today. Many had to overcome barriers we can hardly even fathom. But it was their courage, resilience, and determination in the face of racial and gender discrimination that ultimately moved the field of microbiology to where it is today.

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FEMS Microbiology
The Evolving Story of Hygiene Hypothesis

Microbes never fail to amaze you! These tiny creatures can be mighty forces that influence many important aspects of our daily lives. Besides using yeast to bake bread or letting microbial action ferment your wine, microbes living in our body can also help bolster our immunity.

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FEMS Microbiology
Shut Up! Why Stopping Bacterial Conversations is Good for Your Health

Think back to the last time you planned to do something with your friends. There was a fair amount of talking involved, right? It is the same for bacteria (although, they are less concerned with what movie to see or where to eat and more interested in invading and colonising a suitable host). Bacteria have developed a highly effective method of communication known as quorum sensing. While quorum sensing is exceptionally useful for bacteria, it isn’t a simple process.

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FEMS Microbiology
Your Practical Guide for Protein Brewing

You are probably wondering why should you ever want to brew proteins? Well, proteins are everywhere! They are fundamental components of all living organism: your hair, your skin and your nails are all made of a special protein called keratin. Proteins are essential in our diet and we consume them with nearly every food we eat.

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FEMS Microbiology