LibGuides: PMA08-2 Introduction to Microbiology: Web Resources

Microbiology Websites

Algae Base AlgaeBase is a database of information on algae that includes terrestrial, marine and freshwater organisms.
Bacteria: What is Microbiology? Bacteria are single celled microbes. The cell structure is simpler than that of other organisms as there is no nucleus or membrane bound organelles. Instead their control centre containing the genetic information is contained in a single loop of DNA. Some bacteria have an extra circle of genetic material called a plasmid. The plasmid often contains genes that give the bacterium some advantage over other bacteria. For example it may contain a gene that makes the bacterium resistant to a certain antibiotic. Bacteria are classified into five groups according to their basic shapes: spherical (cocci), rod (bacilli), spiral (spirilla), comma (vibrios) or corkscrew (spirochaetes). They can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains or clusters.
MicrobeLibrary (ASM) ASM's Image Gallery, Laboratory Protocols, Curriculum Archive, and Visual Media Briefs, which were previously available at MicrobeLibrary.org. All collections feature free, original, open-access content submitted and peer-reviewed by members of the microbiology educator community. The mission of the Resource Library is to promote good pedagogy in microbiology, foster scholarly teaching, and enhance understanding about the microbial world.
Study Stacks, Bacteriology eFlashcards on Bacteriology
YouTube: How to use eVideos covering how to use bergey's manual of systematic bacteriology

Essentials of Environmental Microbiology (vidoes) "The microbial communities in the environment and their roles in ecosystems are essential to regulating natural locations on Earth. JoVE's thirteenth collection provides an introduction to these processes and communities, highlighting microbiological roles and systems including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and algae. These videos also explore common methods used to study environmental microbiology, including Gram staining, DNA extraction, the polymerase chain reaction, culturing, and enumeration techniques." JoVE is a journal of video experiments.
Food Germs and Illnesses by Type: Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control on the different bacteria that cause illnesses. Thorough information is provided on each type of bacteria.
Foodsafety.gov's Bacteria and Viruses page his page, created by the U.S. government, provides information on bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
Library of Congress: Science and Technology Selected Internet Resources in Science and Technology
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015
World Food Programme The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030, one in nine people worldwide still do not have enough to eat. Food and food-related assistance lie at the heart of the struggle to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.

HGV Database The HGV database is managed by Human Genome Variation and powered by Figshare. It is a fully searchable online database of genome variants, which have been published in the peer-reviewed Data Reports and relevant articles in Human Genome Variation. You can search and filter by different variables, including specific disease, gene, population or region.
The Human Gene Map The Human Genome Project is expected to produce a sequence of DNA representing the functional blueprint and evolutionary history of the human species. However, only about 3% of this sequence is thought to specify the portions of our 50,000 to 100,000 genes that encode proteins. Thus an important part of basic and applied genomics is to identify and localize these genes in a process known as transcript mapping. When genes are expressed, their sequences are first converted into messenger RNA transcripts, which can be isolated in the form of complementary DNAs (cDNAs). Approximately half of all human genes had been sampled as of 15 June, 1996.
The Human Gene Map The Human Genome Project is expected to produce a sequence of DNA representing the functional blueprint and evolutionary history of the human species. However, only about 3% of this sequence is thought to specify the portions of our 50,000 to 100,000 genes that encode proteins. Thus an important part of basic and applied genomics is to identify and localize these genes in a process known as transcript mapping. When genes are expressed, their sequences are first converted into messenger RNA transcripts, which can be isolated in the form of complementary DNAs (cDNAs). Approximately half of all human genes had been sampled as of 15 June, 1996.
Human Genome Central Features links to ancillary information and tools, enabling researchers to assess useful information such as the overlaps between clones, the correct genomic location of each clone, an integrated genomic sequence that merges the individual clones, and annotation of gene content.
Human Genome Database from The Institute for Genomic Research
Access to cDNA/EST (human genome) sequence & related data as well as other molecular biology databases.
KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Release The KEGG Project is an attempt to bridge the gap between the genes and their functional implications; it contains a searchable database of computerized information pathways that consist of interacting genes or molecules.
Linus Pauling and the Race for DNA Utilizing over 300 scanned documents, photographs, audio clips and video excerpts, this website narrates the breathless details of the pursuit of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Scattered throughout the project are images of a number of very important and extremely rare items, most of which are held within the Oregon State University Libraries' Ava Helen and Linus Pauling Papers, and many of which have not been previously displayed. It is expected that this website will serve as a primary reference point for individuals interested in the history of DNA.
OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) OMIM is a comprehensive, authoritative compendium of human genes and genetic phenotypes that is freely available and updated daily. OMIM is authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, under the direction of Dr. Ada Hamosh. Its official home is omim.org.

The FDA's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Share Tweet Linkedin Email Print FDA's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) presents the agency's preferred laboratory procedures for microbiological analyses of foods and cosmetics.
Foodsafety.gov's Bacteria and Viruses page his page, created by the U.S. government, provides information on bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
Food Safety and Inspection Services The Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) is a US Government organization focused on protecting the public's health by ensuring the safety of meat, poulty, and processed eggs.
Predictive Microbiology Information Portal | USDA A joint creation by the USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), this site helps to assist food companies (large and small) in the use of predictive models, the appropriate application of models, and proper model interpretation of microbes in food.

Index Fungorum The Bibliography of Systematic Mycology provides a survey of the literature encompassing the biodiversity, classification, distribution, evolution, identification, nomenclature, phylogeny, systematics and taxonomy of fungi (as defined in the previous paragraph). You can search the database using the index of cited generic names or author names.
CYBERLIBER: An Electronic Library for Mycology Mycological literature is extensive, diverse and often dispersed. The objective of this website is to facilitate access to that literature by providing bibliographic lists of references. The present version of the site provides extensive bibliographic information for mycological publications, most dating from the early 1800s to the 1980s, and covering many works in Russian and Ukrainian. As such, it complements other mycological bibliographic sources on the internet, which concentrate on recent literature and do not attempt to present Cyrillic information in its original form (for example Bibliography of Systematic Mycology and the literature database available on line from the USDA Systematic Botany & Mycology Laboratory).

Fungal Database Search the databases of BPI specimens, fungus-host distributions, literature, nomenclature, or the index to Saccardo, or perform a quick search of all the databases.

Kew - celebrating the importance of mycological research For more than a century mycologists at Kew have helped to increase our knowledge of the fungal kingdom by identifying and describing new families, new genera, new species, in Britain and overseas.
Mycology Online Fungi and the infections they cause are covered. Many photos. From a professor in Australia.
Recent Literature on Lichens Recent Literature on Lichens is a series published in The Bryologist, a journal of The American Bryological and Lichenological Society. The series aims at listing all recently published papers in lichenology, with a complete bibliographic reference, keywords, and abstract - including mention of all new scientific names and combinations.
Singer Index Database Mueller and Wu (1997) published a book summarizing many of Singer's contributions to the study of fungi (see About Hard Copy). The major part of the book consists of an index to all of the genera, species, and infraspecific taxa described by Singer, including information on the type specimen, place of deposition, and a literature citation for the type description. Now the index and a bibliography of Singer's 440 publications are presented as a searchable database. Currently we are confirming the existence of the type specimens in the herbaria as indicated in Singer's publications. If you have comments or corrections, please contact Qiuxin Wu or Gregory M. Mueller.
Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory The mission of the Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory is to increase the knowledge and application of the systematics of fungi essential to solving problems in sustainable and conventional agriculture. Research emphasis is on organisms important as pathogens that threaten the production of a safe and abundant food supply and biological control agents of insects and diseases in order to reduce the need for chemical inputs in agriculture. On-line information about plant-associated fungi is provided to users through Internet access to electronic databases. The U. S. National Fungus Collections and databases about fungi serve as unique reference resources developed for use by customers throughout the world.
WWW Virtual Library: Mycology These pages summarize internet resources of interest to mycologists (biologists who study fungi). Choose your favorite topic in the directory below or try the big hairy INDEX.

About Zika - Center for Disease Control Includes overview information, Q&A, prevention, transmission, symptoms, etc.
CIDRAP: Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy - (University of Minnesota)
A-Z List of Infectious Disease Topics
DPDx: Laboratory Identificaiton of Parasitic Diseases of Public Health Concern - (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, US) DPDx, a website developed and maintained by CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM). DPDx uses the Internet to strengthen diagnosis of parasitic diseases, both in the United States and abroad. This interactive and rapid exchange of information, allied with already available diagnostic reference resources, will enhance our capacity to address the global problem of parasitic diseases.
Internaitonal Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses The process used to study any new biological entity begins by classifying it in relation to other known biological organisms, and then giving it a name. This process of classification and naming comprises the discipline of taxonomy, and has been an integral part of biological research since at least the 18th Century when Carl Linnaeus defined the principles of modern taxonomy. Taxonomic classification is a scientific endeavor whereby biological organisms are grouped together and placed into their proper taxonomic hierarchy based on the characteristics that form a unique descriptor identifying a particular organism. This research process is driven by individual scientists who publish their work, providing their evidence for the proposed classification. As new data are obtained either on the organisms previously studied, or on related organisms, the classification hierarchy may change. The principles, procedures, and nomenclature used to name taxa, is handled by one of the international organizations charged with developing the necessary guidelines.
More than 50 CDC experts battling Ebola in Africa - (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, US) The focus of the CDC effort is on stopping the outbreak. This means finding every person who is sick with Ebola and tracing their contacts. This “contact tracing” involves finding everyone who may have been exposed to a person with Ebola and checking for signs of illness every day for 21 days. Ebola virus can remain in the body for weeks before making a person sick. If any of the people who were in contact with a person sick with Ebola develops a fever or other Ebola symptoms, that person is isolated and treated and the cycle starts again — and all of that person’s contacts must be traced and followed for 21 days.
Pandemic Flu History - (Flu.gov, US) Learn about the flu and get answers to questions.
Timeline: World History of Viral Pandemics: 412 BC - 2009 - (Natural Health News & Scientific Discoveries) A timeline of all the larger pandemics recorded throughout human history
Viral Families: DNA and RNA List of RN Virus families and DNA virus families.
Viral Genome Evolution Viral genomes are the fastest evolving entities in biology, because of their short replication time and the large quantity of offspring released per replication cycle. Evolution occurs via several mechanisms which include: Random mutation, recombination, reassortment, gene amplification/reduction; and results in quasispecies and defective interfering genomes
Viruses and Evolution - (History of Vaccines, College of Physicians of Philidephia) Just as natural selection has shaped the evolution of humans, plants, and all living things on the planet, natural selection shapes viruses, too. Though viruses aren’t technically living – they need a host organism in order to reproduce – they are subject to evolutionary pressures.
Zika Virus Fact Sheet - World Health Organization Key facts Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. Symptoms typically last for 2–7 days. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, known as congenital Zika syndrome. Infection with Zika virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including preterm birth and miscarriage. An increased risk of neurologic complications is associated with Zika virus infection in adults and children, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis.

Associations

American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
The American Society for Microbiology is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world. The mission of the ASM is to promote understanding of the central role of microbes on our planet and to apply and communicate this knowledge for the improvement of global health and the environment.
American Society for Virology (ASV)
The American Society for Virology promotes exchange of information and stimulates discussion and collaboration among virologists.
Microbiology Society
The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects and their practical uses. It is one of the largest microbiology societies in Europe with a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes and schools.
Mycological Society of America (MSA)
The Mycological Society of America is a scientific society dedicated to advancing the science of mycology - the study of fungi of all kinds including mushrooms, molds, truffles, yeasts, lichens, plant pathogens, and medically important fungi. MSA aims to promote and advance the science of mycology and to foster and encourage research and education in mycology in all its aspects
Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB)
The Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) is a nonprofit, international association dedicated to the advancement of microbiological sciences, especially as they apply to industrial products, biotechnology, materials, and processes. Founded in 1949, SIMB promotes the exchange of scientific information through its meetings and publications, and serves as liaison among the specialized fields of microbiology.
U.S. Geological Survey - Microbiology
Using microbes, scientists study environmental agents that can impact human health.

Federal Agencies and Programs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
As the United States' health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish this mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects the U.S. against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.
Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network was created to manage not just outbreak response, but surveillance and post-response activities related to incidents involving multiple illnesses linked to FDA-regulated human and animal food and cosmetic products.
Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID) | NIH/NIAID
The Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID) supports extramural research to control and prevent diseases caused by virtually all human infectious agents except HIV. DMID provides funding opportunities and a comprehensive set of resources for researchers that support basic research, preclinical development, and clinical evaluation.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) | NIH
Leading research to understand, treat, and prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases
National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods, the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on, the health of our ecosystems and environment, and the impacts of climate and land-use change. USGS scientists develop new methods and tools to enable timely, relevant, and useful information about the Earth and its processes.

Online Microbiology Exploration

Bacterial Identification Virtual Lab - HHMI BioInteractive
This interactive, modular lab explores the techniques used to identify different types of bacteria based on their DNA sequences. In the process, they learn about several common molecular biology methods, including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing and analysis. These methods are applicable in a wide variety of settings, including scientific research and forensic labs.
Online Laboratory Learning - Microbiology Lab Kits
Enter The World of Digital Lab Learning With Our Online Platform. Request a Demo Now! Giving Science Instructors The Flexibility to Teach More Courses & Reach More Students. Rigorous Review Process. Created By Experts. Customizable Courses.
Virtual Interactive Bacteriology Laboratory
A set of virtual, interactive bacteriology labs have been developed to allow the student to learn a variety tests that are done in a diagnostic microbiology