Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Death by Fungi

This is an article about the author, Nicholas Evans, I mentioned who nearly killed members and friends by accidently picking the wrong fungi and cooking it.  He was somewhat experienced at picking wild mushrooms but along with whoever was picking with him, made a near fatal mistake.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1308997/The-deadly-dish-poisoned-lives-How-The-Horse-Whisperers-Nicholas-Evans-killed-family-wild-mushrooms.html

From a quick web search I couldn't find anything more recent than 2011, at which time they were still waiting on transplants (though Evans did get one from his daughter).  Here is his official website:

http://www.nicholasevans.com/

If you google his name and search videos you will find some interviews. 

Fungi:  good and evil.

Prof.  Burke

Friday, February 1, 2013

Are we human or are we....?

Welcome to Microbiology, spring 2013.  Is microbiology relevant to your life?  I think so, of course.  But do you?  Take a look at this article, and then tell me what you think.  Notice phrases like "100 trillion bacteria".  Or the idea of carrying around 2 pounds of bacteria.  Fat vs. thin.  Heart disease and multiple sclerosis.  Autism.  Are we human, only?

Me, myself, us