Using Microbes to Generate Electricity?

We all have learned that in the cell, or pretty much anywhere, every part is different. That uniqueness can differ in size, shape, DNA, etc. Well, in proteins, it's the same thing. Every different type of protein has a special shape, that when the amino acids join together, that structure helps to better complete it's function. Well, scientist have recently discovered the exact molecular structure of proteins which enable bacterial cells to transfer electrical charges.
This means that scientist can now start creating microbial fuel cells, or "bio-batteries". Scientist can also start making microbial agent that could help clean-up oil and uranium pollution.

Opinion

This is a really big breakthrough that these scientist have made. We know that bacteria are organisms that can reproduce very fast, some at a rate of about every 20 minutes! Imagine what could be done with this discovery... making natural and clean energy that could also be applied to clean the waste out of our environment. We have been trying to find clean energy like this for years, and hopefully, now that the doors are open to it, people will be able to find other applications to it. They have now found a new energy source that can benefit us in many ways.

By Daniel Pena

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152337.htm

Our Newest Weapon Against MRSA?

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/10/a_new_way_to_attack_pathogens.html

Scientist seem to be on their way to stops certain pathogens from causing as much damage as they normal do. They have succeed in stopping MRSA (a form of the flesh eating bacteria) in lab mice. MRSA is a antibiotic (or some of it's strains are) resistant. This is a new technique that they are hoping to develop could help fight these other wise incurable disease. MRSA is responsible for more deaths then AIDS every year and scientist and doctors are desperate to find a way to fight this "super bug" and they might have just found their answer. The RNA of the bacteria is what controls each strain and scientist have found away that renders it unable to reproduce new RNA. This molecule is called RNPA1000 and seems to stop MRSA.


I think that this is by far one of the most interesting things I've heard about in a long time. I have been interested in MRSA and other forms of the flesh eating bacteria for a few years now. I strongly support these scientist in their research. With bacteria like MRSA on the rise and virtually unstoppable it would be life saving to be able to stop it. I highly hope that their research proceeds to a point that they can test this new theory on humans. We maybe on our way to curing a super bug and possible other antibiotic resistant strains as well.


, Lauren (Ren) Stogner

Bacteria In Your Stomach Helping Your Brain?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201083928.htm

According to a new study done the bacteria found in your stomach may help brain development and play a key role in your body's ability to function. To test this theory a group of scientist used lab mice. They found that the mice with out the bacteria weren't as safe and did more dangerous things then the ones with it. In humans after birth there is a critical time during brain development that these bacteria are need to help regulate the other hormones and help balance. As of right now though the only thing certain on adults (not babies) are on mice. Human's haven't yet be tested.

I'm honestly not surprised that these 'germs' are connect to brain development. The right bacteria have always been found to be important in bodily functions. One of the main uses in the intestines and stomach. The body is a complex serious of systems constantly working together; even without our knowledge. Evolution has made it so that there are checks and balances for all these "problems" our body faces everyday can be taken care of (for the most part). I think it is cool that we are learning more about these bacteria and the important roles they play, because the more that we know about our bodies, the more likely were are to be able to fix them.

I really do hope that these studies prevail and humans can be tested soon.

- Lauren (Ren) Stogner