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Author: Jennifer Tsang

collage of crocheted microbes

Knitting and Crocheting Microbes

Posted on November 26, 2022February 27, 2024 by Jennifer Tsang

I learned to crochet a few months ago for one reason: to make microbes. Though I have been knitting since I was a middle schooler, it wasn’t until this year that I learned to crochet. I learned the basics – how to chain, how to single crochet, etc. It turns out that after understanding a…

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa on blood agar showing beta hemolysis

Blood and Bacteria: Blood Agar Reveals How Microbes “Consume” Blood

Posted on October 31, 2022October 31, 2022 by Jennifer Tsang

Hearts, brains, and blood. These are some of the ingredients used to grow bacteria. Since the introduction of agar to bacterial cultivation methods by Fanny Hesse, microbiologists have been creating variations of agar medium to accommodate microbes that have different requirements for growth. The ingredient up for discussion today: blood.

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What is a Microbe? Why “Microbe” Is Difficult to Define

Posted on August 2, 2022August 2, 2022 by Jennifer Tsang

What is a microbe? On the surface, it seems easy to define. Many would say a microbe is an organism that is microscopic, one that is invisible to the naked eye. Many also include bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, protists, and even prions in the realm of microbiology. But, there are numerous nuances that challenge the…

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kefir in a jar with fruit

The Microbiology of Milk Kefir [Plus, How to Make Kefir at Home]

Posted on May 28, 2022July 2, 2022 by Jennifer Tsang

Originally published Jan 20, 2017. Updated May 22, 2022. We can thank microbes for the tangy flavor and the effervescent creamy texture of kefir. If you’re new to kefir, it’s similar to yogurt. Both are made by fermenting milk. To my taste buds, kefir is like an intensified form of yogurt, effervescent and wonderfully tart…

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Equipment used to make early forms of penicillin

Do You Really Need to Finish That Course of Antibiotics?

Posted on May 8, 2022May 8, 2022 by Jennifer Tsang

“Finish the entire course of antibiotics you were prescribed, even if you feel better.” You may have been told this by your doctor or have this saying deeply ingrained in your mind from infections past. You may also have been told that if you don’t finish your full course of antibiotics, your infection could come…

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Agar Plates Animal Microbiome Antimicrobial Resistance Applied Microbiology Blog News and Updates Built Environments COVID-19 Fermented Foods Fungi Human Microbiome Infectious Diseases Meet a Microbe Meet a Microbiologist Microbes in the Environment Microbial Physiology Microbiology Books Microbiology History Microbiology Poems Microbiology Research Updates Science Communication Vaccines

Top Posts

  • A Microbiologist’s Guide to Yogurt + Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe
  • Blood and Bacteria: Blood Agar Reveals How Microbes “Consume” Blood
  • Knitting and Crocheting Microbes
  • Can You Use a Pressure Cooker as an Autoclave? Science Says Sure, in Some Situations
  • A Bacterium You Can See With the Naked Eye

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