Monday, December 29, 2014

Monday, December 8, 2014

BacterioFiles 194 - Squirrel Sequence Stops Similar Sickness

Thirteen-lined ground squirrel
This episode: Remnants of viral infection left behind in squirrels' genome may protect them from incoming viruses!

Download Episode (9.3 MB, 10.1 minutes)

Show notes:
Journal Paper

Other interesting stories:
  • Marine photosynthetic bacteria could be good, easy continuous biofuel producers
  • Immune system and gut bacteria have complex interactions
  • What happens to gut community when pathogens infect
  • Bacteria and fungi may lower their defenses when interacting (paper)
  • Parasite from cats could help immune system fight cancer


  • Post questions or comments here or email to bacteriofiles@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

    Subscribe at iTunes, check out the show at TwitterMicrobeWorld, or Facebook

    This show features music from Mevio's podsafe Music Alley.

    Monday, December 1, 2014

    BacterioFiles 193 - Milk Modifies Monkey Microbes

    TH17 levels in two groups
    (Ardeshir Fig 3)
    This episode: Being raised with their mother and breastmilk vs. bottle-fed in a nursery significantly affects macaque microbiomes and their immune system profile!

    Download Episode (7.7 MB, 8.4 minutes)

    Show notes:
    News item/Journal Paper

    Other interesting stories:
  • Figuring out which gut microbes correlate with susceptibility to C. difficile problems (paper)
  • Phage communities in mouth may be linked to dental health (paper)
  • Fecal transplant restores diverse gut community that looks like donor's (paper)
  • Modified E. coli could help weight loss by reducing appetite (paywall)
  • Bacterial symbionts in mosquitoes could prevent dengue transmission


  • Post questions or comments here or email to bacteriofiles@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

    Subscribe at iTunes, check out the show at TwitterMicrobeWorld, or Facebook

    This show features music from Mevio's podsafe Music Alley.