Microbiology

The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes the COVID-19 disease. Spike proteins and glycans enable the virus to infect us and are research targets for the creation of vaccines.

Llamas produce tiny versions of antibodies known as nanobodies. These might be helpful in dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 infection.

Organoids are small and simplified versions of organs that are made from stem cells. They may help scientists to create much better treatments for some diseases.

Tardigrades are strange creatures that can survive extreme environmental conditions. Recent discoveries have revealed impressive abilities of the animals.

Autophagy is the removal of damaged or harmful cell components. Lysosomes are vital in this activity. Autophagy is usually helpful but is sometimes problematic.

This article will provide a brief introduction and explanation of cells and provide information on how they were first discovered.

Bacteria contain structures that perform specific jobs and resemble the organelles found in eukaryotic cells. The organisms are more complex than once realized.

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. They don't infect our cells, but they're found in bacteria living in our gut. Here they may affect our lives.

Learn the different groups of protozoans, as well as characteristics, structure, examples, and images of the different types. This article also includes informative videos about the different diseases brought about by parasitic protozoans.

Throughout the world there exists numerous viruses and diseases capable of inflicting serious harm (or death) on the human population at large. This article explores the 10 deadliest and most dangerous viruses known to currently exist in the world.

Stentor is a microscopic and single-celled predator. At least one type makes relatively complex decisions. Studying it may help scientists understand our cells.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that lives in our body and is sometimes dangerous. It's usually harmless in the digestive tract, but this isn't always true.

What causes one person to have clear skin and another person to have severe, cystic acne? Discover the genetics behind the development of this skin condition, in addition to understanding how different treatment options work.

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism that can infect the cornea of the eye and cause Acanthamoeba keratitis. This disease is most common in contact lens users.

Antibiotics interfere with vital activities in bacteria. Unfortunately, microbes are becoming resistant to the drugs. Arylomycins may be helpful in this situation.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a bacterium found on skin and mucous membranes, often in biofilms. Some strains are harmless and others are resistant to antibiotics.

Dictyostelids (also called social amoebas or cellular slime molds) start life as ameboid cells but join to form a multicellular grex or slug when food is scarce.

Planarians are flatworms with an amazing ability to regenerate. Scientists are investigating this ability and hope to apply their discoveries to human biology.

Plasmodium vivax is said to be a less serious cause of malaria than P. falciparum, but it can be deadly. It may become dormant in the body and later become active.

Some species of Saprolegnia kill fish. One species of Phytophthora caused the potato famine in Ireland. Oomycetes are interesting but often harmful organisms.

This article is an in-depth review of cells, meant to help high school and college students gain a better understanding of this chapter of biology.

People worry that deadly viruses like Ebola could turn into airborne forms that could cause a worldwide epidemic. But there are reasons to think it is unlikely.

This article explains with clear text, illustrations and videos all about diffusion, osmosis, active transport, surface to volume ratio and the temperature and concentration gradients in cell biology.

One species of bacteria in the genus Yersinia causes bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. Others cause foodborne illness. One type might aid cancer treatment.

A summary of the structure and function of collagen. Artificial synthesis of collagen, its limitations and practical applications are also discussed.

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause disease is a serious problem. Soil contains bacteria, some of which make chemicals that may act as new antibiotics.

True plants are currently seen as non-animal organisms that make up the kingdom Plantae. However, there are organisms—like cyanobacteria—that belong to other kingdoms but have plant-like characteristics.

Guide to the different tests you can perform on unknown bacteria to identify it. These methods are really important in many fields when you are faced with an unknown sickness or contamination.

Prions are misfolded proteins that form inside the body or enter the body from the outside. They alter other proteins and can cause serious diseases, including CJD.

Bacteria can be impressive. Some live in extreme habitats, produce light or electricity, communicate with other bacteria, and act as predators and magnets.

An amoeba is an interesting one-celled creature. Amoeboid organisms live in the environment and in our body. Some species are harmless, but others cause disease.

While both cause infection and disease, viruses and bacteria are entirely different! Read all about them and more here.

Chemosynthetic bacteria are organisms whose primary source of energy comes from the chemical reactions of inorganic molecules.

Onchocerciasis is caused by a nematode in a blood-sucking fly and perhaps by Wolbachia bacteria in the nematode. Severe itching and blindness can be symptoms.

Adult and induced pluripotent stem cells can produce different types of specialized cells. Doctors may one day use them to repair injuries and treat diseases.

Want to learn about microbes? Fun and safe experiment for growing fungi and bacteria using home made potato sucrose gel (recipe included).

This article offers an introduction to various members of the kingdom Protista. Colorful photos and videos are included. Designed for students or anyone wanting to learn more.

Why do cells divide? Are mitosis and cell cycle the same thing? What are the stages of the cell cycle? What are the stages of mitosis? This article answers all these questions.

Many bacteria form colonies called biofilms that contain cells embedded in a slime. The bacteria communicate via quorum sensing and are often hard to destroy.

A growth or a culture medium is composed of different nutrients that are essential for microbial growth—here are some that are used in microbiological laboratories.

Our innate and our acquired immune system contain lymphocytes. They play a vital role in fighting infections. NK (natural killer), B, and T cells are lymphocytes.