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Let me say at the outset of this post that I have a PhD in Bacteriology and admittedly less than objective when it comes to the topic of microbiology education and improving the public understanding of science. However, in today’s New York Times Science Times section there were no fewer than five articles that required some knowledge of microbiology to understand the implications about what was written.

1. Vaccination is Steady, but Pertussis is Surging
2. Really? The Claim: More Sugar Leads to More Cavities
3. Steep Drop Seen in Circumcisions in the U.S.
4. Patterns: Medicare Coverage Drives Antibiotic Use
5. Vital Signs: Nipple Piercings Add to Risk of Abscesses

While it doesn’t require a PhD to decipher the information in this article a basic understanding of microbiology would allow readers to understand the significance and future implications of the material that was presented. For example, in the article about nipple piercings; anybody who has taken an introductory microbiology class knows that bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes can cause pus-laden infections and if left untreated can result in potentially life-threatening abscess formation. Sugar and cavities? Microbiology 101 students all know that bacteria like S. mutans (that live in everyone’s mouths) ferment sugars and produce lactic acid that degrades tooth enamel and can cause cavities. And, most entry level microbiology students understand that the overuse of conventional antibiotics is largely responsible for the emergence of multiple drug resistant bacteria like multiple drug resistant S. aureus MRSA) and vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE).

The point that I am trying to make is that bacteria are all around us; some do good things like fix nitrogen to improve crop yields and produce oxygen during photosynthesis while others cause devastating acute and chronic infections. Nevertheless, the lay public is largely ignorant about the microbes on and around them. Most of my friends, many of whom have advanced degrees in their fields, don’t know the difference between a virus and a bacterium and believe that it is okay to treat a cold with antibiotics! How can people modify their behaviors to effectuate change to improve their lives if they lack a rudimentary understanding of the factors responsible for conditions that afflict them?

Don’t get me wrong—we don’t need more PhD microbiologists. However, requiring all high school biology students and maybe biology degree students to have a firm understanding of the fundamental principles of microbiology would be a great start toward improving the lives of many Americans!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!

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Professor Vincent Racaniello, a BioCrowd co-founder, blogger and host of the increasingly popular This Week in Virology (TWIV) podcast series made an anguished plea in a recent post on his Virology Blog to help promote American science literacy. “If you are writing a book, article, toy label, or anything having to do with viruses, and you are not sure of the science, feel free to contact me for advice. I will check the facts for free, because my goal is for everyone to get the science right” said Professor Racaniello.

Vincent expressed his sentiments in a post entitled “Even Toy Makers Should Get it Right” which takes a company to task (Giant Microbes) for manufacturing  “an influenza virus toy” (yes you heard it correctly) and mistakenly presented incorrect information about the influenza virus in the toy’s promotional materials and on its label (an image of the incorrect materials is displayed in the upper left hand corner of this post) . 

While only a toy, I agree with Vincent that it is imperative that all relevant facts about an infectious agent ought to be correct to insure that lay people, many of whom will never read another thing about viruses in their lives, get scientifically correct information. That is the essence of science literacy!

I have known Vincent for over 35 years and I think he is one of the brightest and most unassuming world class scientists that I know (yeah I know a few). One of the things I like most about Vincent is that he is a stickler for detail and (for as long as I have known him), never draws a scientific conclusion unless it there is incontrovertible proof that it is the correct conclusion.  While I routinely rail against self-focused and uncaring academics, Vincent is exactly the opposite. His unwavering commitment to teaching and increasing the public awareness of viruses, and science in general, is second to none. And when he says, please feel free to contact him for help he truly means it and will do everything possible to help you find what you need. Having said that (yes, I know you hate that phrase Vincent; btw so does Larry David), if any of you aspiring young scientists out there need a role model, I highly recommend that you keep Vincent in mind. And, if you need virology help or want to chat with him you can find him on twitter @profvrr or of course, at the BioCrowd!

Until next time....

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!

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Several weeks ago, I blogged about a growing need to improve the American public’s perception and understanding of the life sciences if the US wants to remain competitive in science and technology. Much to my delight, there was an article this Sunday’s NY Times entitled “Microbes R Us” which explores the evolutionary relationship with bacteria and humans. It was written by Dr. Olivia Judson an evolutionary biologist and author of “Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation: The Definitive Guide to the Evolutionary Biology of Sex,” which was made into a three part television program.

While the evolutionary relationship between bacteria and humans isn’t as titillating as the biology of sex, the article sheds light on the importance of bacteria and how genetic changes in bacteria that normally inhabit the human intestinal track can have a positive impact on human nutrition and health. Many lay people believe that bacteria are “bad” because certain species can cause serious and potentially life threatening diseases. However, the benefits, advantages and uses of bacteria e.g., to make food, antibiotics and other medicines, far outweigh their negative impact on society. 

Articles like the one written by Ms. Judson, offer the public unqique insights into  the amazing and often fascinating world of microbiology. I hope that a few aspiring young scientists read the article and tell all their friends about it!

Until next time....

Good Luck and Good Reading!!!!!!

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