Special Features: Overview
Written by Dr. T. M. Wassenaar Friday, 06 March 2009 09:29
Each special feature file treats a specific aspect of bacteria that may be outside the mainstream of most bacteriologists. In these files the author has included links that are only loosely related to bacteria per se, but that nevertheless may be of interest to the reader.
Currently, the following Special Feature Files are available:
Bacteria and crime. Bacteria are related to crime in various ways, There are some interesting things to read.
Bacterial diseases in history: bacteria that cause disease have been with us for a long time. Historial documents describe epidemics from the past and archeological findings can sometimes reveal what diseases humans have suffered from.
Bioterrorism. Some bacteria cause diseases severe enough to be 'exploitable' for bioterrorists. Read that this is easier said than done.
Bacteria and insects. You may not think of bacteria having anything to do with insects, but there is a lot to tell about the two. Whether bacteria are beneficial to their insect host, or cause them to suffer from disease, micro-bugs love bugs!
Images of bacteria. This museum doesn't contain images of bacteria, but here is the place to find the most beautiful or interesting images available on the web.
Microbial ecology. A specific scientific division deals whith how various organisms live together. Bacteria are part of the ecosystem they occupy, and microbial ecology investigates these ecosystems.
The Plague. The plague, also called the Black Death, that raged through Europe in the 14th century was caused by a bacterial infection. Read about one of the most severe epidemics in history.
Wine and vinegar making: what role do bacteria have in making wine and vinegar? Find out if bacteria are helpful, or making life difficult.
Bacteria and plants. Bacteria can cause disease in plants, just like they do in animals. But some bacteria treat their plant host well, and are even required for the plant to remain healty.
The Special Feature files listed above have been created with financial support from the Waksman Foundation for Microbiology.
Special Feature files can be ordered on demand. Contact the Curator of the Virtual Museum if you want a Special Feature File produced on your behalf.
Last Updated on Monday, 07 November 2011 20:48