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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

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

Why is Microbiology the Field of the Future?

Why is Microbiology going to be one of the most important fields of study in the future?  Why do I think ALL bio majors should take micro?  Read this article from the Wall Street Journal to find out.  What do you think?  How does micro apply to every aspect of our lives?  How is it changing the medical field?

As an aside, how much more of this article do you think you understand now that you are taking micro compared to before?  Do you see the value of this course in your life and career?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443684104578062734031207640.html

Quorum sensing

Watch Bonnie Brassler as she talks about bacterial communication and her work with bioluminescent bacteria.  Dr. Brassler was named the North American Laureate for the 2012 L'Oreal/UNESCO awards.



What is a quorum?

How do bacteria know a quorum has been reached?

What did you learn that was new to you?

What else would you like to know?

Flu 2012-2013

  From  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/images.htm

Here are a few additional links about this year's flu season to be.  Now that you have learned a bit in class, does this information make more sense to you?  Do you understand why the flu vaccine is important and why it is new every year? 

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2012/09/28/it-flu-shot-time-new-strains-expected-in-2012-flu-season/

 Will you get the vaccine?


http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm

 Hooray!  A CA strain is part of this year's vaccine.  Isn't CA notorious enough as it is?

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/vaccine-selection.htm

Check out this youtube on osmosis.  This would actually be cool to try at home (not dangerous, no explosions!).  Thanks to Karen (who will get 2 points extra credit for submitting something I use on the Blog, hint, hint, on Ex. #1).  Comment any ideas about how you might adapt or revise this--what else could you try?  I'm thinking, what would happen if you used colored water?  What do you think?