Microbiology Today August 2007 - Food and water

This issue explores the microbes that inhabit our food and water, from disease-causing viruses to friendly bacteria. The threat of contamination is global but with new tools to identify microbes there may be a bright future ahead.

Viruses in the water
Peter Wyn-Jones gives us an overview of viruses that persist in drinking and recreational water. They may have been the cause of outbreaks of disease and there are new methods of detection being used to combat the problem.

Fruits and vegetables that make you sick
The safety of leafy vegetables has gained attention due to several recent outbreaks of disease. Robert Mandrell considers whether this is due to changes in growing and production or the evolution of pathogens.

Rapid molecular detection of food- and water-borne diseases
Cantilevers and lid devices are cheap, disposable devices to measure the quality of food and water and could soon be available to the producer. Anja Boisen describes this new technology, which can detect harmful microbes.

Probiotics - weapons in the war against gut pathogens
Today's definition of 'probiotics' is rather different to its 1970s counterpart. Luc De Vuyst and Gwen Falony explain how certain bacteria can promote health and highlight the occasional misuse of this information.

Science in the fight against water-borne disease
Joan Rose outlines some of the powerful tools science has produced to ensure the safety of our water. There is potential to eradicate some major diseases in the future and to re-evaluate our 'water ethics philosophy' to minimize the global danger of water contamination.

The aesthetic microbe
For centuries, microbes have been a canvas, as well as an inspiration for artists. Simon Park guides us through the modern renaissance of ProkaryArt and EukaryArt as the boundaries between microbiology and art become increasingly blurred.

Comment: Bovine TB and badgers
The Independent Scientific Group on cattle TB has completed an extensive field experiment to determine the effect of badger culling on bovine tuberculosis. Chris Cheeseman relates the findings and explains why culling may not be the solution.

Schoolzone
The next generation of scientists: Claire Willis talks about the Teacher Scientist Network and Lucy Goodchild gives an account of the MiSAC 2007 competition.

Gradline
Contemplating a career in science communication? Jane Westwell has the lowdown.

Hot off the Press highlights some new developments in microbiological research published in the Society's journals - Microbiology, Journal of General Virology, International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology and Journal of Medical Microbiology. Topics covered include:

• Multicellular, magnetotactic bacteria
• Advances in norovirus research
• Improving cholera risk assessment
• Peptide antibiotic against C. difficile

Last updated 29 October 2007