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.
Read MoreYou 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.
Read MoreDid you know that the human body is made more from microbes than yourself? According to a 2016 study, in and on a person’s body there is an average of 40 trillion bacterial cells whereas about 37 trillion human cells.
Read MoreFrom playing detective, to potentially being the primary colonists on Mars- microbes have stepped in time and again as solutions to many of humanity's challenges ! Besides stirring up that tasty batch of bread and beer, here are 5 ways microbes have helped biotechnology take the leap forward.
Read MoreOur current pandemic, COVID-19, is caused by a novel coronavirus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is now present on all continents except Antarctica. But I’m sure you’re sick of hearing about this pandemic, so let me tell you about some others that have had an unforgettable impact on our world.
Read MoreWe’re excited to be launching two new education resources on the IMD website. One is for learning about the microbes in mud and another for sourdough bread.
Read MoreMicrobes are found everywhere in nature. They play important roles in every facet of our lives, often without us even noticing. From the milk you add to your morning coffee to that well-deserved glass of wine in the evening, microbes are essential in our food industry.
Read MoreIn the past half decade probiotics have exploded onto the market claiming to cure everything from depression to obesity. And although it may seem microbes are newly discovered gold mines of limitless potential, these little microbial helpers have been impacting, shaping, and driving human history long before we knew of their existence.
Read MoreWhat would we do without you, little guys!?
Microorganisms, or microbes as they’re also known, are… you guessed it: microscopic organisms!
Read MoreThroughout history, women microbiologists have been conducting groundbreaking research in the shadows of revered male scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. Women microbiologists have had to overcome significant obstacles in their fields to achieve the opportunities that came easy to their male counterparts because of their gender, while some women microbiologists never received credit for their work.
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