Talmudic Question #115
Is global warming likely to result in a significant net increase, decrease, or no substantial change in the microbial biomass on Earth?
Other Posts
Black Death for Corals
The Polymicrobial Pathogenesis of Black Band Disease
by Daniel P. Haeusser — This June Disney released the anticipated Pixar Animation Studios sequel 'Finding Dory' to earn the largest animated film opening receipts in North America ever. The popularity of the original 'Finding Nemo' in 2003 led to reportedly increased demand for clownfish like Nemo for pets; some concerned environmentalists worry that...Bacterial Physiology and Virulence: The Cultures Converge
by Fred Neidhardt — Growth dominates the attention of many bacteriologists. It has done so for over a century, inspiring explorations into the complex biochemistry and physiology that produce new cells able to grow, survive harsh environments, and live to grow another day.
You Should Be in Films
by Elio — Scanning electron micrograph of a Staphylococcus biofilm on the inner surface of a needleless connector. I spent my career growing bacteria in liquid media. I wasn't aware that my bacteria were planktonic, any more than the character in Moliere's play Bourgeois Gentleman was conscious that he had been speaking...
Talmudic Question #86
Given that so many kinds of bacteria are intimately associated with animals and plants, why are so relatively few pathogenic?
Leaf-Cutters Get Their Fix (nitrogen fix, that is)
by Elio — Ants span a great distance within the human psyche, from being insignificant little nuisances to occupying a prominent place in the biological scheme of things. They surely deserve the latter. Not only do they make up a large proportion of the animal biomass (up to 25% of the total in the tropics), but their social qualities...
Peer Pressure Induces Biofilm Production
by S. Marvin Friedman — Bacteria are expert census takers. Using chemical signals they can recognize when they are in a crowd, and then they respond with appropriate collective behaviors. This census taking, termed quorum sensing, activates such diverse cellular processes as bioluminescence, virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and sporulation. Pathogens often construct…
