Mastering biotech lab safety: tips for handling chemicals, heat, and microbes

As a student, the biotechnology lab is the place where you bridge the gap between classroom concepts and the real-world techniques used in research labs around the world. However, as an educator, you have to be mindful of the potential…

Bacteria Watch: Microbe Levels in Local Bodies of Water

As you know if you're a regular reader of this blog, April is Citizen Science Month. We think that hands-on projects that get students out of the classroom and into their communities are a key part of learning. We have…

Water Watch: A Microbial Most-Wanted List


Most microbes are harmless or even beneficial, but a small subset—pathogens—can wreak havoc on human health. One of the most common ways people encounter pathogens is through contaminated water. While many water sources undergo treatment that eliminates over 99.9% of…

Best of the Best – Identifying coliform bacteria in water samples

Water quality is a critical factor for public health. Water is essential for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. This means that water testing and monitoring are essential to ensure that a community stays healthy. In fact, disease outbreaks have been repeatedly…