Photo credit: by Vanessa Ryan, Flickr: EOL Images. CC BY-NC-SA Introduction The word fungus usually evokes images of mushrooms and toadstools. Although mushrooms are fungi, the forms that a fungus may take are varied. There are over 100, species of described fungi and probably over 200, undescribed. Most fungi are terrestrial, but they can be found in every…
Living organisms have the following characteristics in common: Movement - they can move and change their position. Reproduction – they can make more of the same kind of organism as themselves. Sensitivity – they can detect or sense and respond to them. Growth - they can permanently increase their size or by increasing the number or size of their cells. Respiration…
Foodborne illness is the term used when you are sick because of food and drink containing harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, toxins or natural contaminants. It s often referred to as food poisoning. If you think you have an illness caused by food, seek medical attention from your doctor. Symptoms of foodborne illness Symptoms may include: nausea or…
The microbes alter the gut so that only certain species can follow them. Whatever the cause of the different enterotypes, they may end up having discrete effects on people’s health. Gut microbes aid in food digestion and synthesize vitamins, using enzymes our own cells cannot make. Dr. Bork and his colleagues have found that each of the types makes a unique balance…
Bacteria are alive, can be helpful and most are harmless. That’s right, one type of these tiny single celled critters dwells in your gut, assisting in digestion of food. There exists however, harmful types of infectious bacteria that have the potential to make you feel extremely unwell. These puppies can reproduce with lightning speed, and potentially release…
Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by camel from, AL. camel Wonders , “ How do bacteria breathe? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, camel! You wake up in the morning and immediately know something is wrong. Your throat is and your head hurts something fierce. The minute you move, you start to cough. Just standing up causes your stomach to rumble and threaten…
Corals are sessile animals that take root on the ocean floor. It s no wonder that many people think corals are plants! Corals are sessile, which means that they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor, essentially taking root like most plants do. We certainly cannot recognize them by their faces or other distinct body parts, as we can most other…
