Clipmarks | Bacteria Clips

Kids want a hamster? Ask your doctor first

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:09:03 GMT

clipped by: rmowery

Kids want a hamster? Ask your doctor first

Group warns about risks from unusual pets like hedgehogs for tots under 5

Hedgehogs can be dangerous for young children because their quills can penetrate skin and have been known to spread a bacteria germ that can cause fever, stomach pain and a rash, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics in a new report about dangers from exotic animals.

CHICAGO - Warning: young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets — or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles, for that matter — because of risks for disease.

That's according to the nation's leading pediatricians' group in a new report about dangers from exotic animals.

Besides evidence that they can carry dangerous and sometimes potentially deadly germs, exotic pets may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw — putting children younger than 5 particularly at risk, the report says.

Tags: pets, kids, animal, exotic pets, illness

Hydrogen-Producing Bacteria Provide Clean Energy

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:21:21 GMT

clipped by: firstteam
clipper's remarks: This alternative energy source has many attractive features. Most attractive to me is that the resultant left-over after using the gas is water.

Clip Source: www.ars.usda.gov

Hydrogen-Producing Bacteria Provide Clean Energy

By Rosalie Marion Bliss
August 25, 2008

A new "green" technology developed cooperatively by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and North Carolina State University (NC State

A new "green" technology developed cooperatively by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and North Carolina State University (NC State) could lead to production of hydrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

August 25, 2008

Renewable sources of energy—such as hydrogen—that don't produce pollutants or greenhouse gases are needed to solve global energy shortages. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are nonrenewable energy sources implicated in global warming.

Tags: alternative energy, hydrogen, nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Don't Stress! Bacterial Cell's 'Crisis Command Center' Revealed

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:17:22 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: If a bacteria cell finds itself in a dangerous situation - for example, if the temperature or saltiness of the bacteria's environment reach dangerous levels which threaten the survival of the bacteria -a warning signal from the cell's surface is transmitted into the cell.

Using cutting edge electron microscopy imaging techniques the authors of the new research observed that the stressosomes receive this warning signal, and in response several proteins called RSBT break away from the large stressosome. This breakaway triggers a cascade of signals within the cell which results in over 150 proteins being produced - proteins which enable the cell to adapt, react and survive in its new environment.

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

A bacteria cell's 'crisis command centre' has been observed for the first time swinging into action to protect the cell from external stress and danger, according to new research published in Science.

The research team behind today's study says that finding out exactly how bacteria respond and adapt to stresses and dangers is important because it will further their understanding of the basic survival mechanisms of some of the most resilient, hardy organisms on Earth.

The crisis command centre in certain bacteria cells is a large molecule, dubbed a 'stressosome' by the scientists behind today's research. These cells have around 20 stressosomes floating around inside them, and although scientists knew they played an important role in the cell's response to stressful situations, the complexities of this process had not been fully understood until now.

Tags: molecular biology, bacteriology

Alligator blood 'may fight bugs'

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:41:38 GMT

clipped by: Nerfzilla

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Alligator blood 'may fight bugs'

Proteins isolated from alligator blood may lead to new antibiotics to treat "superbugs", such as MRSA.

Speaking at the American Chemical Society conference, US researchers said the discovery could also lead to treatments for severe burns and ulcers.

Alligators can suffer serious injuries during fierce territorial battles but heal quickly despite contact with bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Antibiotic resistance is on the rise yet there is a lack of new treatments.

Humans build up immunity to infection-causing organisms after coming into contact with them.

But, the Louisiana researchers said, previous work has shown alligators have a particularly strong immune system which can fight microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria without being previously exposed to them.

Bacteria think ahead...

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:32:25 GMT

clipped by: mugofcoffee

Clip Source: www.livescience.com

By Stephan Reebs, Natural History Magazine

Transmission Electron Microscopy photograph of an Escherichia coli bacterium with flagella. Micro-robots are being developed to mimic the swimming behaviour of E.coli. Credit: Monash University

Bacteria may be humble single-celled creatures, but they're sophisticated enough to anticipate regular events, such as the arrival of day, thanks to their internal circadian clocks. A new study shows that they can also anticipate and prepare for sporadic events, as long as the events are reliably preceded by a signal.

What kinds of events? Well, to colonize the gut of a mammal, Escherichia coli must first enter the warm-blooded diner's mouth, where the bacteria experience a temperature rise; a short time later, they end up in the intestines—a place with low oxygen levels, as well as fierce competition from other microscopic settlers.

would do well to anticipate low-oxygen conditions and begin to adjust metabolically from the moment they enter the mouth

Safety Before Quality

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:36:35 GMT

clipped by: northwestfoods

Clip Source: www.philly.com

Smells OK, but What About Bacteria?

Bev Bennett

When it comes to milk you may use the sniff test to tell you whether it's turned sour. Or, maybe you're warned off ground beef that's been in the fridge for a few days by its unpalatable color. However, it may be more difficult to tell whether fresh fruits and vegetables are contaminated with pathogens. After all, spinach can smell sweet and still harbor E. coli bacteria, which was the case in 2006.

Produce contamination is a relatively new problem.

"Previously we didn't consider fresh produce as an area of concern," says Catherine H. Strohbehn, PhD, registered dietitian.

Either fruits and vegetables didn't have enough nutrients for bacteria to thrive or the produce was so acidic bacteria couldn't grow, according to Strohbehn, Adjunct Associate Processor and Extension Specialist, Iowa State University Extension, Ames.

Tags: food-safety

My Synergy Hub

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:27:33 GMT

clipped by: infiniteseo
clipper's remarks: The most effective way to find the right stop snoring home remedy is to first locate the reason of your snoring.

Clip Source: www.mysynergyhub.com

Acne and Treatment

Acne affects many teenagers. While some may not get adult acne, not all are so lucky. Some adults continue to suffer from acne and it can affect their self-esteem. It can be quite distressing to live with acne. For ladies who put make-up to cover up their acne, it may actually make the situation worse. Several reasons for adult acne include stress and hormonal problems. Sometimes, medications to resolve these problems may make the situation worse.

What exactly causes acne?
It is when the skin pore or the hair follicle is blocked. This blockage is the result of skin cells that are exfoliated, but some parts of it still remains on the skin. Skin cells block the pores and sebum is trapped as a result. Hence, bacteria will build up and the skin gets inflammed.

Tags: synergy hub, health and wellness, quality product

Disinfect and Deodorize Your Clothes Without Water

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:51:10 GMT

clipped by: A53GG4

Clip Source: www.impactlab.com

Disinfect and Deodorize Your Clothes Without Water

in: Health & Fitness

The AQUA AWD-AQ1 from Sanyo disinfects and deodorizes your clothes without using water. Complete with photo.

Do you care what kind of disgusting bugs and bacteria live on your
clothes and bedding? Well, do you? Here is the world first washing machine and
dryer with "air wash" function cares. The AQUA AWD-AQ1 from Sanyo
disinfects and deodorizes your clothes without using water. It shoots
ozone-filled air to whisk away odors and bacteria. It also recycles the
water it uses for rinsing and disinfects it using the selfsame ozone.
It even has special modes to fight against mode, add steam, and even
wash without detergent. It will be out in March for $2200.

Tags: tech

Sanyo Aqua AWD-AQ1 Ozone Washing Machine

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:47:50 GMT

clipped by: A53GG4

Clip Source: www.thegadgetblog.com

Sanyo Aqua AWD-AQ1 Ozone Washing Machine

Sanyo’s new washing machine converts air to ozone, and uses it to clean your clothes. Ozone has a strong oxidation action, which either destroys or disassembles the cell walls of bacteria. This allows for eliminating bacteria, odors, and dirt (organic matter) from your clothes. The oxidated ozone simply returns to oxygen, making it easy on the environment. The machine also has a “normal” washing cycle that uses water recycled from the rinse cycle and ozone together, leading to a big reduction in water use when compared to more conventional machines.

Sanyo Electronics announced the “Aqua AWD-AQ1″ drum-style washing machine, which features an “Air Wash” function that converts air to ozone to eliminate bacteria and odor from clothing. It purifies water it has already used through a recycling process, allowing it to have the industry’s #1 position for the conservation of water. It is scheduled to be released on March 11th for about 262,500 yen.

Tags: tech

Teaching Bacteria to Behave

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:53:53 GMT

clipped by: Mohir

Clip Source: www.technologyreview.com

Single-celled organisms could be "trained" to deliver drugs.

A century after Pavlov's dog first salivated at the sound of a bell, researchers are saying that single-celled organisms such as bacteria can be "trained" to react in a similar way. Rather than use complex networks of nerve cells, or neurons, bacteria can "learn" to associate one stimulus with another by employing molecular circuits, according to a multidisciplinary team from Germany, Holland, and the United Kingdom.

This raises the possibility that bioengineers could teach old bacteria new tricks by having them act as sentinels for the human body, ready to spot and respond to signs of danger,

The basis for the claim is that single-celled organisms are able to associate stimuli that are applied simultaneously, according to the theoretical model produced by Chrisantha Fernando at the U.K.'s National Institute for Medical Research, in London, and his collaborators.

Tags: bacteria, technology, cellular, medicine

The "Did you know?" for today

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:08:16 GMT

clipped by: pcmkrfn

Clip Source: www.unnecessaryknowledge.com

Grapes explode when you put them in the microwave.

The symbol on the "pound" key (#) is called an octothorpe.

Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is the longest word in the English dictionary. It refers to a lung disease caused by inhaling particles from volcanoes.

In 1972, a group of scientists reported that you could cure the common cold by freezing the big toe.

Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies room during a dance.

Craven Walker invented the lava lamp, and its contents are colored wax and water.

Between 1902 and 1907, the same tiger killed 434 people in India.

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were the two left-handed Beatles.

Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ?.

55.1% of all US prisoners are in prison for drug offenses.

A family of 26 could go to the movies in Mexico city for the price of one in Tokyo.

Even Royal Eugenicists Can't Stop GM Foods

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:55:53 GMT

clipped by: katsteevns
clipper's remarks: -Professor Norman Ellstrand, ecological geneticist at the University of California, and Dr. Harash Narang, a microbiologist at the university of Leeds have both echoed Prince Charles' assertion that GM foods are a potential ecological disaster, along with dozens of other scientists and researchers who admit that GM foods have not been properly tested. [link]

Clip Source: www.corbettreport.com

Even Royal Eugenicists Can't Stop GM Foods

British government tells Prince Charles to prove GMOs are a problem

James Corbett
The Corbett Report

18 August, 2008

-Attempts to create GM peas were abandoned when it caused allergic lung damage in mice. [link]

-Rats fed on GM soy ended up stunted, dead or sterile in a two-year scientific study. [link]

-GM oil seed rape was never approved in Britain after trial results showed it would be harmful to the environment and wildllife. [link]

-A four-year German study found that GM genes could jump the species barrier and cause bacteria to mutate. [link]

-A scientific study found that Bt corn disturbed numerous biological parameters in test rats, including significant changes in organ weight and urine chemistry. [link]

-GM foods are created using Antibiotic Resistant Marker (ARM) genes which can lead to the creation of antibiotic-resistant diseases. [link]

NASA's Roadmap to 2058

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:16:19 GMT

clipped by: skwirlinator

Clip Source: www.space.com

50 Years in Space: NASA's Roadmap to 2058

Some Predictions

Now for the uncertainty. Try this out for size, in 2058:

NASA is still around and narrowly focused on exploration and the goal of extending human presence throughout the solar system. The first humans have long since landed on Mars and there is a thriving science colony near the moon's south pole.

Construction has begun on a radio telescope on the moon's far side and the lunar base has been established for years as one of the nation's centers for excellence in fusion and alternative energy research.

While proof of life - ancient and bacteria-sized - exists throughout the solar system, there is still no sign of intelligent life in the universe, not that NASA is looking.

In the meantime, the commercial space world by 2058 has become a major component of the space program, bigger and busier and more productive than NASA and the military combined.

Suborbital hops as thrill rides

Tags: nasa's roadmap to 2058, nasa, space, future, technology

20 Reasons You Should Stop buying Bottled Water

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:23:51 GMT

clipped by: boozich

Clip Source: www.webdesignschoolsguide.com

High Cost

Not Healthier Than Tap Water

Tap Water in Disguise

Excess Packaging

Not Biodegradable

Hurts the Public Water System

Water is Going Corporate

No Fluoride

Fecal Matter

Smoker’s Lips

Tap Water Tastes as Good

Public Water Has Higher Standards

Bottles Breed More Bacteria

Unsustainable Growth

Water Shortages

Wasted Fossil Fuels

Approximately 1.5 million gallons of oil are used each year to make plastic water bottles. That is enough to run 100,000 cars for a whole year

Pollutants and Pesticides

High Sodium

Chemicals in Plastic Bottles

No Date on Bottles

no way of knowing how long a bottle of water has been sitting on shelves. Old bottled water, particularly if it has been kept at or below room temperature, is very susceptible to bacterial growth and the leeching of harmful chemicals from plastic.

drink up

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:43:38 GMT

clipped by: redheadplantguy

Clip Source: www.narrehat.dk

E. coli

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in faeces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of Poop.

However, we do not run that risk when drinking wine (or rum, whiskey, beer or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember:

Water = Poop

Wine = Health

Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.

Tags: interesting facts