Bacteria
PS Picks: Molly Osberg's Grim Picture of Life in America Without Health Insurance
PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine's staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.
In the Microbiome, Competition Does a Body Good
The dog-eat-dog world of human gut bacteria keeps stomachs stable and bodies healthy, new research suggests.
Fighting Antibiotic Resistance, One Drug at a Time
A new study proposes optimizing sequences of antibiotics, turning evolution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How Does Staph Spread in Hospitals?
New research sheds light on the spread of staph infections—and might provide some useful tips for its prevention.
Who's Really to Blame for the Black Death?
New research refutes the claim that European rodents are responsible for the Black Death.
Don't Panic Over This Latest 'Superbug'
If recent history is any indication, we're well-equipped for this scary new bacteria.
The Entire Indian Subcontinent Needs a Stool Transplant
It’s an outlandish idea, but until we take seriously the legitimate fears of a post-antibiotic world, outlandish ideas are all we have.
How Much Vaccination Is Too Much Vaccination?
Knowing when—and not just how—to vaccinate is important in fighting off bacteria, research shows.
Evolutionary Explosions Help Bacteria Beat Immune Systems
Scientists have discovered bacteria evolving at a rate never before witnessed.
Fecal Donor Banks Are Possible and Could Save Lives
Defrosted fecal matter can be gross to talk about, but the benefits are too remarkable to tiptoe around.
The Germ Theory of Democracy, Dictatorship, and Your Cherished Beliefs
Is culture just a side effect of the struggle to avoid disease?
That Armpit Odor Says a Lot About Who You Are
And not just how many times a day you shower.
Living in a Bacterial World: Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Everywhere
The good news: Antibiotics didn't create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The bad news: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is everywhere.
Our Destiny Lies Not in Our Stars, But in Our Bacteria
Think you know all about evolution (assuming you accept it)? We have a gut feeling there's more to it than you think.
Defeating Bacteria From the Inside Out
The world’s most ubiquitous organism could save millions of lives — if only they could get a new tryout.
Was Lou Gehrig's ALS Caused by Tap Water?
A toxic molecule found in pond scum may trigger neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Parkinson's. Could a group of scientists, led by a botanist, hold the key to a cure?
Among Antibiotics, Resistance Knows No Bounds
A microbiologist on the front lines of antibiotic resistance sees a lot of ways to improve the search and development of new antimicrobials.
ARCHIVE Says Home Is Where the Health Is
Peter Williams, an architect turned advocate, touts an unacknowledged connection between design and well-being.
Bacteria Capable of Standing Up and Moving Vertically
Researchers discover very specific patterns in the movement of bacteria, which has important implications for the treatment of infections.
Bacteria Facts to Interest & Surprise You
Emerging research shows that bacteria have powers to engineer the environment, to communicate and to affect human well-being. They may even think.
Bacteria Working in the Shadows
As Valerie Brown has shown, bacteria are indeed us. But while we know who we are, who are these microscopic allies (and enemies)?
Bacteria Working in the Shadows: Brevibacterium linens
Bacteria Working in the Shadows: Brevibacterium linens
Bacteria Working in the Shadows: Lactobacillus
Bacteria Working in the Shadows: Lactobacillus