Microbiology

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.

The world's ecosystems are underpinned by a complex community of single-celled organisms. fundamental to the healthy functioning of both aquatic and terrestrial food webs.

Cancer is an emotive word, but what is it? What causes a normal, somatic cell to turn cancerous? What are our defences against this foe, and are they all useless? Find answers to these questions and some excellent sources to start your own research.

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.

Take a closer look at microscopy! Learn the differences between an electron and light microscope, know your resolution from your magnificaiton and learn how to correctly use a microscope.

Immunology is the complex study of the immune system and its associated functions. Immunity is how the body attempts to prevent disease. This article will briefly discuss the types of immunity, vaccines, problems with the immune system, and more.

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.

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 looks at the basic similarities and differences between animal and plant cells, and the functions of different organelles, and how cells are adapted to perform certain functions.

Social amoebas are also known as cellular slime molds and dictyostelids. They start life as separate ameboid cells but join to form a multicellular grex or slug when food is scarce. The grex has some interesting abilities.

Bacteria in the genus Yersinia have major effects on our lives. One species causes bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. Others cause foodborne illness. One may eventually help to treat cancer.

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.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that can live in our body and is sometimes dangerous. It's usually harmless in the digestive tract, but this may not always be true.

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

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.

Stentor is an interesting, single-celled predator. At least one species makes relatively complex decisions. Studying it may help scientists understand the behaviour of our cells.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a bacterium found on skin and mucous membranes. It's often harmless, but some strains have become resistant to antibiotics and are potentially dangerous.

Investigative skills play an important part in learning practical biology. Experiments are important in the scientific method. This article teaches good experimental design for young biologists.

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

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.

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.

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause disease is a serious problem. Soil contains many bacteria, some of which may help us by making new antibiotics.

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.

Researches have discovered evidence showing that complex life may have first evolved in lakes, rather than in oceans as was previously believed.

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

Saprolegnia and Phytophthora are water molds. Some species of Saprolegnia kill fish. One species of Phytophthora caused the nineteenth-century potato famine in Ireland.

Bacteria naturally develop resistance to antibiotics, and the unnecessary use of antibiotics in meat production and the treatment of human disease is accelerating this process.

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.

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, single-celled organism that can infect the cornea of the eye. It causes a disorder called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is most common in contact lens users.