The activity below was contributed by Dr. Kelsey Wood during our podcast interview. Ever wonder why your lettuce looks wilted or discolored? It might be the work of a sneaky thief called downy mildew! This microbe weakens lettuce plants without directly killing them. Lettuce downy mildew from organic spring mix. Photo captured through a jeweler’s loop to magnify it. Photo by Dr. Kelsey Wood. In the following microbiology activity, you and your kids (or students) will put on your detective hats and head to the grocery store to see if you can spot downy mildew in action. Like any detective, you ..read more

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Dr. Kelsey Wood. Have you ever noticed yellowish patches or fuzzy white growths on your lettuce? These could be signs of downy mildew, a plant disease that weakens lettuce and other leafy greens, making them vulnerable to other problems. Downy mildew is a plant pathogen that infects vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and even your favorite herbs. It can appear in your garden and on your store-bought produce, and it’s a significant problem for farmers. But what is downy mildew, how does it cause disease, what is the scope of its impact on ag ..read more

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Dr. Andrea Etter. Fresh eggs, happy hens, and a connection to nature. These are just a few of the reasons why backyard chicken keeping is gaining popularity. But before you jump on the coop bandwagon, there’s one crucial factor to consider: microbial risks. While the thought of fresh eggs might be tempting, concerns about Salmonella and other bacterial pathogens are worth considering. So, are backyard chickens friend or foe? In this blog post, we’ll tap into the knowledge of Dr. Andrea Etter, an assistant professor specializing in food mic ..read more

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Dr. Andrea Etter. Imagine this: you’re at the grocery store, picking out fresh chicken for dinner. But have you ever stopped to think about the journey that chicken takes, from the farm to your dinner table, and how to ensure it’s safe to eat? Chicken is a popular protein source, but foodborne illness is a real concern because it can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause unpleasant illness if not handled properly. Even with regulations in place, some chicken still tests positive for bacteria. Additionally, the ..read more

While many microbes bring benefits, pathogens are the focus when ensuring food safety. This episode dives into practical tips for enjoying chicken, whether you buy chicken or eggs from the store or raise your own chickens for eggs in your backyard. Photo courtesy of Dr. Andrea Etter. Join food safety expert Dr. Andrea Etter as she shares insights into preventing foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. Dr. Etter is an assistant professor specializing in food microbiology and food safety at the University of Vermont. From her vast knowledge, you’ll learn how to ..read more

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Dr. Aayushi Uberoi. Your skin isn’t just a barrier. It’s a thriving metropolis teeming with billions of microscopic citizens — bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoans, and even viruses! This hidden world called the skin microbiome, plays a crucial role in your health, from maintaining that radiant glow to keeping harmful invaders at bay. While scientists are still piecing together the intricate puzzle of the skin microbiome, one thing is clear: it’s essential for healthy skin. Understanding its diverse residents and their interactions holds t ..read more

Have you ever stopped to think about the bustling world of life thriving right on your skin? Billions of microscopic organisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome, call this complex ecosystem home, playing a vital role in our health. Dr. Aayushi Uberoi, skin microbiome researcher Many of us are unaware of the intricate dance between our skin and its microbial residents. This delicate balance can tip, potentially leading to various health concerns. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of the skin microbiome with microbiologist Dr. Aayushi Uberoi. Dr. Uberoi shares her res ..read more

The activity below was contributed by Michael Shamash during our podcast interview. Welcome to the fascinating and intricate world of the human microbiome. In this activity, we are embarking on a creative exploration to craft model phages with clay, but before we dive into the hands-on part, let’s unravel the science behind these intriguing creatures and their vital role in our microbial ecosystem. In the microbiome, which is essentially a bustling city of trillions of microorganisms residing within our bodies, bacteria often steal the spotlight. This is understandable, as extensive research h ..read more

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Michael Shamash. In the intricate world of the human microbiome, where trillions of microorganisms live within our bodies, we often hear mostly about the bacteria. And this is mostly due to the fact that most studies have focused on identifying them and understanding their vital role in maintaining our health. But there’s a group of microbes in the microbiome that scientists are beginning to learn more about: the viruses, collectively known as the virome. Interestingly, most gut viruses are bacteriophages, which target bacteria rather than ..read more

Have you ever thought about the trillions of invisible, microscopic entities inhabiting your body right now? While much of the microbiome spotlight shines on bacteria, there’s a hidden side to this story that many people overlook. Michael Shamash, gut virome researcher In this podcast episode, we discuss the lesser-known residents of our microbiome: viruses. These tiny but potent entities are fundamental players in our gut’s ecosystem. And Michael Shamash, a microbiology researcher studying these viruses, shares all the profound roles they play in our gut and our overall health. After listenin ..read more