TWiM #20: Facebook for bacteria

TWiM #20: Facebook for bacteria

Author: Vincent Racaniello November 17, 2011 Duration: 1:07:51

On episode #20 of the podcast This Week in MicrobiologyVincent, Michael, and Elio follow up on the outbreaks of E. coli in Germany and cholera in Haiti, then discuss genes that confer self-identity to Proteus mirabilis.


Dive into the fascinating world of bacteria, viruses, and fungi with This Week in Microbiology. Hosted by Vincent Racaniello, a professor of microbiology & immunology, this regular audio journey explores the latest research, news, and stories from the vast universe of microbes. Each episode feels like sitting in on a lively discussion among experts and colleagues, where complex topics are broken down with clarity and enthusiasm. The conversations are informal and engaging, designed to be understood by anyone with curiosity, whether you're a professional researcher, a student, or simply someone intrigued by the invisible forces that shape our health and planet. Building on the accessible style of Racaniello's other popular science shows, this podcast demystifies the latest scientific papers, emerging infectious diseases, and the everyday roles of microorganisms in a way that is both substantive and surprisingly entertaining. You'll hear genuine dialogue, questions from listeners, and diverse perspectives that make the science feel immediate and relevant. Tune in to discover how the smallest forms of life have some of the biggest stories to tell, all through a podcast that treats microbiology not as a distant textbook subject, but as a dynamic and ever-evolving narrative happening right now, all around us.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 354

This Week in Microbiology
Podcast Episodes
TWiM #144: Did eukaryotes invent anything? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:04
The TWiMers discuss how changes in domestic laundering affect the removal of microorganisms, and assembly of a nucleus-like structure during viral replication in bacteria. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Elio…
TWiM #143: E-scaffolds and receptor transfer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:42
Vincent, Michael, and Michele explain the use of an electrochemical gradient to eliminate bacterial biofilms, and how phage susceptibility can be transferred by exchange of receptor proteins. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, M…
TWiM #142: A membrane-thickness caliper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:37
Vincent, Elio and Michele wind up a year of microbial podcasts with a story about the lack of resistance to a crop antifungal compound, and how a bacterium uses a molecular caliper to measure membrane thickness. Hosts: V…
TWiM #141: Nutritional immunity and polymicrobial infections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:54
Jennifer joins Vincent, Elio, and Michael to talk about the work of her laboratory on how a respiratory virus enhances bacterial growth by dysregulating nutritional immunity. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Elio Schaechter, a…
TWiM 140: Small town, big science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:13
Host: Vincent Racaniello Guests: Marie Antonioli, Bryan Hansen, Forrest Jessop, Kyle Shifflet and Jim Striebel At the Hamilton, Montana Performing Arts Center, Vincent speaks with three local high school graduates and tw…
TWiM #139: Frackibacter and sticky fingers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:27
The TWiM team discusses microbial DNA found on ATM machines in New York City, and how hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, alters microbial ecosystems deep in the Earth. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Elio Sch…
TWiM #138: Learning to love uranium and the A-baum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:09
The TWiM team brings you a bacterium from a Colorado field site that grows on uranium, and copper resistance in the emerging pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Elio Schaechter,…
TWiM #137: The battle for oxygen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:54
Highlights of the Recent Advances in Microbial Control meeting in San Diego, and expansion of a gut pathogen by virulence factors that stimulate aerobic respiration. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Elio Schaechter, Michael Sc…
TWiM #136: Diderms and then monoderms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
Them TWiM team discusses the importance of neutrophils in microbial infections, and evidence that ancient bacteria had two cell walls. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Elio Schaechter, Michael Schmidt, and Michele Swanson. Sub…
TWiM #135: Unruly individuals and their unruly friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:41
Links for this episode Dysbiosis of microbiome in critical illness (mSphere) Consequences of sewage spill into aquatic environment (App Env Mic) EPA recreational water guidelines (pdf) VRE following sewage spill (Outbrea…