Courses

Explore the fascinating world of cave microbiology through this captivating 24-minute video featuring Hazel Barton, a renowned microbiologist and spelunker. Discover the thrilling aspects of Barton's research as she ventures into caves across five continents, braving sticky mud, underground camping, and rope climbing in pursuit of studying Earth's tiniest organisms. Learn about her groundbreaking work in examining microbial responses to starvation and the energetic interactions of bacteria in cave environments, which could potentially lead to cures for antibiotic-resistant diseases. Gain insights into the life of a National Speleological Society Fellow and NSF CAREER Award recipient as she coordinates an active undergraduate research laboratory. This World Science Festival presentation offers a unique glimpse into one of the coolest jobs in science, combining adventure and cutting-edge microbiology research.

Dive into the fascinating world of sourdough microbiology in this hour-long interview with Elizabeth Landis, a sourdough microbiologist who analyzed over 500 different starters. Explore the intricate relationships between yeast and bacteria, discover how they affect dough rise rates and aromas, and learn about the diverse microbial communities that create the "rainbow of sourdough." Gain insights into factors influencing starter composition, including flour types, feeding schedules, and environmental conditions. Uncover the science behind creating and maintaining a healthy sourdough culture, and understand how variables like salt, chlorinated water, and temperature impact fermentation. Whether you're a home baker or a professional, this in-depth discussion will enhance your understanding of the microscopic world that makes sourdough so unique and delicious.

Explore the groundbreaking contributions and challenges faced by early African American microbiologists in this 33-minute conference talk from Microbe 2017. Delve into the lives and work of pioneering scientists such as William Augustus Hinton, Ruth Moore, and Jane Hinton. Discover how these trailblazers overcame barriers and made significant advancements in the field of microbiology. Gain insights into their experiences, research, and lasting impact on the scientific community. Learn about the importance of diversity in scientific progress and the historical context of their achievements.

Join a 57-minute webinar led by Dr. Christie Vermeiren, Deputy Medical Director and Clinical Microbiologist at Shared Hospital Laboratory, exploring how artificial intelligence and digital imaging are revolutionizing clinical microbiology workflows. Learn about the integration of BD Kiestra™ TLA instrumentation with advanced informatics and AI-powered applications to enhance laboratory operations and improve efficiency. Discover how automated colony picking, MALDI-TOF target slide preparation, and specialized applications for urine culture and MRSA detection are standardizing specimen processing and optimizing culture incubation. Gain insights from Dr. Vermeiren's extensive experience as a Fellow of the Canadian College of Microbiologists and her involvement in diagnostic testing research, while understanding how these technological advances contribute to more timely and accurate microbiology laboratory results.

Explore diverse career opportunities in industry and biotechnology through this 59-minute panel discussion featuring three accomplished microbiologists. Learn from Lauren Saunders, Ph.D. from Ceres Nanosciences, Nymisha Avadhanam, Ph.D., PMP from Diasorin Group, and Irina Shilova, Ph.D. from Bayer Crop Science as they share their professional journeys and insights into working in the biotechnology and industrial sectors. Discover the various pathways available for microbiologists transitioning from academia to industry, understand the skills and qualifications needed for different roles, and gain valuable perspectives on career development in biotechnology companies. The panelists discuss their experiences across different areas including nanotechnology applications, diagnostics, and agricultural biotechnology, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities available in the microbiology industry landscape.

Explore diverse career options for microbiologists beyond academia in this informative panel discussion featuring experts from industry, government, and biotech. Gain insights from Elizabeth Walker, Ph.D., a Cell Culture Development Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific; Dane Samilo, Ph.D., a Senior Science Policy Analyst at the Department of Defense; and Jaspreet Mand, Ph.D., a Senior Scientist at LysisLogic Scientific Inc. Learn about their career trajectories, daily responsibilities, and the skills required to succeed in non-academic roles. Discover how to leverage your microbiology expertise in fields such as biotechnology, science policy, and industrial research. Understand the challenges and rewards of transitioning from academia to industry or government positions. Get valuable advice on networking, skill development, and job search strategies for aspiring microbiologists looking to explore alternative career paths.

Explore the world of pathology through a virtual careers talk featuring three medical professionals. Hear from an infection doctor, a histopathology trainee, and a medical microbiologist as they share insights into their roles and daily responsibilities. Gain valuable information about career paths in pathology, ask questions, and discover the diverse opportunities within this field of medicine. Designed for students aged 13 to 18, this 47-minute video provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners and consider pathology as a potential career choice.

Watch a myth-busting talk delivered by Dr Sarah Pitt, Clinical Microbiologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton, during the National Pathology Week event that challenges the misconception that pathologists don't need good communication skills. Learn from an experienced professional representing the Institute of Biomedical Science as she debunks this common myth about the pathology field. Part of a nine-video series exploring various myths and misconceptions about pathology careers, gain valuable insights into the true nature of communication requirements in pathology practice and discover why effective communication is essential for success in this medical specialty.

Explore the fascinating journey of how life emerged and evolved on our planet in this comprehensive lecture from the RED Astrobiology training school. Delve into the fundamental processes and conditions that led to the origin of life, examining the key evolutionary milestones that shaped Earth's biological diversity over billions of years. Learn from expert microbiologist Donato Giovannelli as he presents cutting-edge research and theories about life's earliest beginnings, the development of complex organisms, and the interconnected relationships that drove biological evolution on our planet.

Attend a one-hour webinar on Treponema screening challenges and diagnostic strategies presented by Dr. Vincent Streva, a board-certified clinical microbiologist and Director of Infectious Disease Diagnostics at Northwell Health. Explore key aspects of Treponemal screening from a New York City laboratory perspective, including methods to address rising incident rates, benefits of the "reverse algorithm" screening approach, current testing challenges, and future improvements in diagnostics. Learn about increasing incident rates mitigation strategies, advantages of IgG/IgM assay followed by non-treponemal testing, ongoing diagnostic hurdles, and future needs in Treponema screening. Gain valuable insights into this critical area of infectious disease diagnostics and earn PACE credits upon completion.

Explore the art of forging connections in a disconnected world through this inspiring TEDx talk by Nikita Sharma. Delve into the power of empathy, communication, and inclusion as Sharma unravels pathways to bridge divides and cultivate meaningful relationships. Learn how to foster a more connected and compassionate society from this seasoned professional, who brings her diverse experience as a microbiologist, motivational speaker, and advocate for body positivity and women's rights. Discover insights on resilience, overcoming failure, and recovering from significant injuries, drawing from Sharma's role as the founder and director of the Silver Linings Organization. Gain valuable perspectives on creating positive impact and building connections in an increasingly disconnected world.

Discover the surprising truth about our relationship with microbes in this enlightening TEDx talk by microbiologist Medha Bhaskaran. Explore the concept of "we are because they are" and learn why welcoming microbes into our lives is essential for our well-being. Challenge the notion of excessive cleanliness and understand the benefits of allowing a little dirt in our daily routines. Gain insights from Bhaskaran's extensive experience in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as her work as a health writer for leading newspapers. This thought-provoking presentation, delivered at TEDxSIBMBengaluru, offers a fresh perspective on the microbial world and its impact on human health.

Explore the requirements and challenges of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in this expert-led seminar presented by Dr. David Jenkins, Chair of the Royal College of Pathologists' Joint Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology Specialty Advisory Committee and Consultant Medical Microbiologist at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Gain valuable insights into the critical role of PPE in healthcare settings, understand the complexities of implementation, and learn about the latest developments in protective measures. Introduced by virologist and College Fellow, Professor Will Irving, this 44-minute seminar is part of a comprehensive series examining COVID-19's implications and impact on pathology.

Explore the controversial idea that our war on germs may have gone too far in this thought-provoking lecture by microbiologist B Brett Finlay. Delve into the potential benefits of exposure to dirt and microbes for human health, drawing insights from Finlay's book "Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Child Healthier." Examine the balance between hygiene practices, antibiotic use, and the importance of maintaining a diverse microbiome. Learn about the latest research in microbiology and its implications for child health and development. Gain a new perspective on the role of microorganisms in our lives and consider how a more nuanced approach to cleanliness might benefit overall well-being.

Explore how collaboration between industry and academia accelerates the adoption of new diagnostic technologies in this recorded educational webinar presented by The Royal College of Pathologists in partnership with Roche Diagnostics. Learn from expert speakers including consultant chemical pathologist Dr Bernie Croal, consultant medical microbiologist Dr Nick Brown, consultant neuropathologist Dr Zane Jaunmuktane, and consultant clinical scientist Dr Ian Godber as they discuss bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical implementation. Gain insights into the practical aspects of bringing innovative diagnostic solutions from development to frontline medical use through this hour-long presentation featuring perspectives from both academic and industry professionals.

Explore the complexities of reconciling genotypic and phenotypic susceptibility tests in this 41-minute American Society for Microbiology podcast. Delve into the advantages and challenges of both testing methods, understand why discrepancies occur, and learn how clinical microbiologists should handle conflicting results. Gain insights from experts Dr. Patricia Simner and Dr. Jennifer Dien Bard on comparing test accuracies, interpreting results for gram-negative organisms, and collaborating with other healthcare teams. Discover recommendations for implementing and interpreting genotypic and phenotypic testing in clinical microbiology laboratories to improve patient care and antimicrobial stewardship.

Explore the critical issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in this thought-provoking TEDx talk. Discover how bacteria are rapidly developing resistance to antibiotics, leading to increased deaths and healthcare burdens. Learn from Dr. Srijan Jindal, a multi-award-winning microbiologist, as he explains why AMR could become the next, potentially more deadly pandemic. Gain insights into the actions individuals can take to combat the development of AMR, preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics, and potentially save millions of lives. Delve into Dr. Jindal's expertise as he shares his passion for science and discusses his work in developing rapid point-of-care diagnostic kits for Urinary Tract Infections to reduce the rise of antimicrobial resistance.

Explore the fascinating world of vaccines and their potential to combat viruses and diseases in this captivating Christmas Lecture from The Royal Institution. Join epidemiologist Jonathan Van-Tam, vaccine scientist Teresa Lambe, and microbiologist Sharon Peacock as they delve into the inner workings of these medical marvels. Discover how vaccines are revolutionizing the fight against viruses and learn about their promising applications in battling diseases like cancer. Gain insights from Van-Tam's extensive experience as a Deputy Chief Medical Officer and advisor to the UK Government. Originally broadcast on BBC4, this 59-minute lecture offers a comprehensive look at the cutting-edge science behind vaccine development and its impact on public health.

Explore how microbiologists analyze fossilized feces to support archaeological hypotheses about pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures in this 32-minute talk from the American Society for Microbiology. Learn about the evaluation of 1,500-year-old coprolites from Vieques, Puerto Rico, which provided evidence of two distinct ethnic populations with divergent backgrounds, including one from the Bolivian Andes. Discover the process of analyzing bacteria and fungi in ancient feces, understand the importance of diet differences, and delve into key findings related to corn consumption and parasites. Gain insights from experts Jessica Rivera and Raul J. Cano as they discuss the intersection of microbiology and archaeology in uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations.

Explore the personal journeys of renowned scientists in this 90-minute virtual event hosted by The Aspen Institute. Delve into the origin stories of world-class microbiologists, esteemed epidemiologists, and other pandemic experts as they share how they fell in love with science and discovered their passion for discovery. Inspired by Lauren Gunderson's play "The Catastrophist" about virologist Dr. Nathan Wolfe, this engaging dialogue illuminates the intersections of science and storytelling, offering unique insights into the motivations and experiences that drive scientific pursuits. Gain a deeper understanding of the human side of scientific endeavors and the power of curiosity in shaping careers dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.