microbiology
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We’ve Been Wrong About Lichen For 150 Years
Hundreds of millions of years ago, a tiny green microbe joined forces with a fungus, and together they conquered the world. It’s a tale of two cross-kingdom organisms, one providing food and the one other shelter, and it’s been our touchstone example of symbiosis for 150 years. The trouble is, that story is nowhere near…
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Arctic Microbes Are Expanding Their Homes By Making Stuff That Melts Glaciers
Humans aren’t the only ones trying their best to warm up the world like it’s a frozen pie. Bacteria are also creating particles that melt glaciers and make the world comfortable for more bacteria.
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The Totally Insane Way That Breast Milk Works
I know breast milk is good and all, but when I became a mum I was kinda shocked at how often it was cited as a cure-all for anything that ailed my newborn. That’s not just because of the nutritional value. It turns out my baby’s immune system is communicating with mine THROUGH MY NIPPLES.…
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Not Even Science Could Explain The Bacteria In My Apartment
Three years ago, I gently brushed fibre-tipped swabs against the surfaces of my tiny apartment. Microbes live everywhere, and I was gathering samples for genetic analysis — I wanted to identify my microscopic housemates.