It’s been a while since I did spooky microbiology stories back in 2021. Then, I nerded out about zombie worms that melt away bones and use microbes to help them gain nutrients, vampire bacteria that feast upon other bacteria, and zombie fungi that take over the minds of ants. But this time, I’m bringing you…
Author: Jennifer Tsang
When should I get my flu shot? Here’s what science says.
Pharmacies and doctors start booking flu vaccine appointments in late August, long before the number of flu cases are on the rise. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October. But most years, flu cases don’t peak for a couple months. So why September or October?
Meet a Microbe: Anaplasma phagocytophilum
We’re deep into tick season in the Eastern US. As dog parents, we give our pup monthly flea and tick medication and check her for ticks if she’s been in fields or wooded areas. We thought we were in the clear, but when we went to the vet one time, her routine bloodwork came back…
The Snotty Science Behind Daycare Respiratory Illness Transmission
It’s the season of respiratory illnesses and with COVID-19, RSV, and flu abound, it’s hard to make it to spring unscathed. Stories in the news talk about the recent rise in respiratory virus activity over the holidays (here, here, and here) and how respiratory symptoms just won’t seem to subside. A winter full of respiratory…
From Microbes to Manuscripts: A Q&A with Microbiologist and Children’s Book Author, Lindsey Millar
Whoosh! That’s the sound we hear as we journey into the wonderful world of the small in a new microbiology children’s book by Lindsey Millar. Today, we chat with Lindsey on about her process for creating books, the switch from the lab bench to science communication, and more!