Image in the public domain.
While popular swimming holes are commonly tested for bacteria, few are tested for protozoans. This audio story discusses the problem of protozoan-caused illnesses for swimmers in rivers, lakes and ponds. The story distinguishes between different types of microbes, and is an excellent introduction to classification of microorganisms and/or classification in general.
Story Length: 4:41
© 2007 National Public Radio, Inc.
AIR DATE: 07/19/2007
Scientists have now figured out the genetic code to one of the oldest known plagues. This public radio story describes what may have been the first outbreak of bubonic plague in Europe in the 6th century CE, 800 years before the Black Death struck in 1347. You learn how scientists discovered that the “Justinian plague” was actually a first outbreak of bubonic plague in Europe, and where it came from.
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Dinoflagellates (tiny marine microbes) are extremely common and important for aquatic ecosystems. This public radio story introduces the world of dinoflagellates in a very creative way – through song and a show production! You will learn that dioflagellates can be beautiful if they are involved in bio luminescence but they can also be deadly, when they are involved in red tide.
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The study of genes is moving toward a new frontier. There is a new field studying the little known field of microorganisms. Microbes run every process on earth. And a human is made up of 90% bacteria, or microorganisms. And yet we know very little about microbes. This public radio story looks closely at the microscopic microbes.
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Scientists are creating bacteria batteries in an effort to use waste water to create electricity. This public radio story is about how the microbes from sewage can be harnessed to create microbial fuel cells. The process could provide ways to provide energy in remote place for very little money.
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