The Microbe Moment With The Microbigals

The Microbe Moment is science stories and news for the microbe enthused hosted by microbe lover, Tess Deyett, Ph.D. and pharmaceutical microbiologist Jon Mitchell. In this microbiology focused podcast, we will give you exciting stories, horrid histories, and the most up-to-date news all through a microbial lens. We will even interview our friends and heroes, diving into their own microbial journey. Tess, Ph.D. was changed forever with her first glimpse into the unseen world. At her first microbiology class, she was instantly hooked, love at first sight. She went on to receive a Ph.D. from the University of California Riverside in agricultural microbiology. Microbigal Jon has had many microbe moments throughout his 3 degrees in health care and microbiology. Currently working for a pharmaceutical company, he is fascinated by medical microbiology and using beneficial microbes to fight pathogens and disease. Together they aim to show the world everyone has a microbe moment, a unique moment where microbes changed each person’s life for the better. With a little background in the microbial world, anyone can find their microbe moment. Come discover yours!

Bonus Episode: The US Anthrax Bioterrorism Attack During the Turn of the Century

In this Bonus episode, we talk about the Anthrax mailing attacks happening between September 18 2001 and October 12, 2001. Learn about who was affected by this attack, the new technology used to find the culprit, and who was suspected to be the culprit in the attack.   Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

10-24
54:21

Bioterrorism in the Modern Era: Soviet Russia’s Massive Bioweapon Program and the Public Unearthing of Contaminated Land

In this episode, Tess talks about the Soviet Russian bioweapons program and their director Ken Aliback. She also talks about operation Dark harvest and how people shipped contaminated soil to officials in protest to the conditions of an island off Scottland.  Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

10-17
27:44

Modern Era Bioterrorism: Soviet Russian Biological Weapons and a Japanese Cult Terrorizes the Countries Subway

In this episode, Tess talks about how Soviet Russia's biological warfare program has a major accident. Also, Julie talks about the Serin gas attach in Japan and how it was tied to a doomsday cult. Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

10-10
42:14

Bioterrorism in the Modern Era, Salad Bar Poisonings and an International Cult

In this episode, Jon talks about an outbreak of Salmonella in Oregon. What seemed like an unprecedented food poisoning outbreak eventually led to the doors of a local cult... Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

10-03
47:33

Bioterrorism in the WWII Era: The United States and England Facilities That Experimented With These Agents

In this weeks episode, we finish Bioterrorism in the WWII era. Tess talks about the US and the UK and their facilities, Fort Detrick and Porton Down, that were geared toward biological testing. Julie also goes back to Unit 731 to talk about some additional microbes that were used in the experiments. Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

09-26
45:34

Interviewing the Company Nerdcore Medical: Exploring Microbiology Board Games With DnD-Inspired Compendium

In this special episode Jon talks with Arun Mathews and Brandon Patton of Nerdcore Medical. Their company has developed the tabletop game Healing Blade: Defenders of Soma which pits bacteria against Antibiotics. But they have many other science themed games available along with study aids, posters, and clothing, just to name a few. Arun and Brandon also talk about how the company started, the process of developing games, and potential works in the future. Interested in nerdcore medical merch? check out their website Nerdcoremedical.com. you can also visit their Instagram page here.  Looking for more information about the Mycology Board Game? check it out here. You can also find Arun on Twitter (X) by searching @arunmathewsmd Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

09-18
01:11:24

Unit 731, One of the Most Alarming, Notorious, and Secret Human Testing Facility in History

In this episode, we enter the World War II era. Jon tells the tale of Unit 731, one of the most horrendous horror stories of the war. Listen as Jon tells how people were used for bioterrorism and human endurance testing. Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

09-12
40:38

Advancements in co-culturing research; an interview with Julia Swavola of Cerillo

In this episode, Jon talks to Dr. Julia Swavola, the head of Product at the company Cerillo. Julia talks with us about her experiences her career. She also talks about Cerillo,  the mission, what products the company makes and their applications, collaborations, and what's on the horizon with the company.  We wanted to thank both Julia and Cerillo for the opportunity to talk with them.   If you are interested in their products or are interested in learning more about the company checkout their website here or on Twitter (X) by searching for @cerillobio.  Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

09-05
33:28

History of Bioterrorism: Looking at the Past From the Napoleonic Era to WWI, Part 2

In this episode of the microbe moment, we continue our dive into the history of bioterrorism. Tess also talks how a Southern Physician, by the name of Luke Blackburn, sent contaminated linen to infect Union troops. Julie also tells us how German spies may have infected horses with glanders before being sent overseas to aid in WWI  Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

08-29
42:49

History of Bioterrorism: Looking at the Past From the Napoleonic Era to WWI, Part 1

In this episode of the microbe moment, we continue our dive into the history of bioterrorism. Jon talks about the Walcheren fever during the Napoleonic era, halting Britain's attempt to defend on the encroaching army. Tess also talks about Anthrax and its importance in the development of germ theory. Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

08-22
46:45

The History of Penicillin: A World-Changing Story Starting in a Small Laboratory and Ending in Global Distribution

We are back at it! We revisit the Story of Penicillin and bring you even more in more information, Starting from its initial discovery and traveling through the improbable journey of pain, sweat, and tears to mass produce this drug to save millions of lives.   Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

08-08
01:11:59

History of Bioterrorism; From an Ancient Civilization to the Black Plague? Part 2

In this weeks episode, we continue our history in bioterrorism. Julie talks about launching plague victims using catapults, and Tess talks about the culprit, Yersinia pestis. Tess also talks about spiking wine with mycobacterium leprae (leprosy). Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

06-27
43:34

History of Bioterrorism; From an Ancient Civilization to the Black Plague? Part 1

In this weeks episode, we start our season on bioterrorism!. We start in the past with Jon talks about the Hittite plague affecting the middle east and Tess talks about the use of Bacillus anthracis. This is part one of a two part episode, so stay tuned. Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

06-13
50:07

Interview with Sarah Bordenstein: a career path less traveled, research, and educating the next generation with the Wolbachia Project

In this episode Jon talks with Sarah Bordenstein, associate research professor at Pennsylvania State University as a co lead of the Bordenstein lab. She is also She is also the director of the Wolbachia project. We talk about her journey in becoming a research professor, what her lab researches, and how the Wolbachia project is teaching students about the microbe, how it affects insects, how to run molecular testing and contributing to the research of this field.     To learn more about the Wolbachia project click the link here. you can also follow them on social media by searching @WolbachiaProj on twitter or on Instagram by searching The Wolbachia Project.   If you are interested in Sarah's research, you can check out the labs website here.   Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

05-16
33:00

Exploring the Hidden World: Dr. Jake Robinson Talks About his Upcoming Book Invisible Friends

In this episode Jon Talks with Dr. Jake Robinson, an Ecologist and researcher, about his upcoming book Invisible Friends. We talk about how he got into microbiology, why drove him from writing the book, diving into some of the topics he wrote about, and much more.  If you are interested in getting a copy, you can find it on Amazon, Pleagic Publishing, or your local book store.  You can visit Jakes website here or find him on Twitter @_jake_robinson.  Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

03-21
33:40

Science Writing: The World of Medical Writing and all the other science communication related careers

Medical writing, a term you may have herd of, but what is this career?  In this episode we break down this career. What does it encompass, where can you work, what are the career tracts, does it just involve writing, and what are the skills required? These questions and more are answered too so please take a listen. We would like to thank:  Kristina Campbell and Natasha Haskey Jennifer Welsh and everyone from Micro-bites Links to resources used in this episode: American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) Writing in the  Sciences (Coursera Class) Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) How To Become a Medical Writer in 6 Steps (Plus Salary) National Association of Science Writers (NASW) Australasian Medical Writers Association (AMWA) What other careers in microbiology do you want to learn about? Let us know by sending an email or reaching out to us on social media (links below).  Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

03-14
35:32

Revolutionizing the World of Lab Coats: Talking With Dr. Derek Miller of Genius Lab Gear

In this episode, we talk with Derek Miller, the creator of the website Genius lab Gear that sells a plethora of scientific items including pocket tools, magnets, stickers, and other equipment for the lab. Derek talks about the better lab project, a passion project of his where he surveyed over 1400 people to learn about what they don't like about their lab cots. With this information, Genius Lab Gear will be selling lab coats that will be a better fit, more storage, and more comfortable for different body shapes and sizes.  To learn more about the lab coats check out the links bellow: https://geniuslabgear.com/mentalhealth https://geniuslabgear.com/lcp You can find Derek on Instagram and Twitter by searching @geniuslabgear  Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

03-07
32:30

Becoming a Scientist: Advice From Seven Research Scientists in Microbiology

Becoming a Scientist! A dream of so many but do you actually know what this means? There are so many different kinds of scientists even within the world of microbiology.  In this episode, we talk about just a few of the main scientists within microbiology including how to become a bioinformatics scientist, how to become a research scientist in microbiology, and how to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist. But don't just take our word for it. We've compiled advice from 7 expert scientists in the field. You can find the full length of each of their interviews below for a deeper dive into their careers and research:  Antonia Zhang - Senior Research Associate, Biochemistry Michael Weinstein - Sr. Bioinformatics Scientist Geof Hannigan -  Executive Director at Merck Digital Sciences Studio (Startup Accelerator), Principal Scientist at Merck Travis Gibson - Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Luis Plaza  - Medical Laboratory Scientist - And Check out his podcast Let's Talk Micro!    What other careers in microbiology do you want to learn about? Let us know by sending an email or reaching out to us on social media (links below).    Visit our website at microbigals.com where we regularly update new content, including blog posts. You can also find us on Instagram by searching for microbigals or on Twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you want to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

02-28
21:28

Our Thoughts on Academia, Industry, Misconceptions, and the Key to Career Happiness

Welcome back to another episode of The Microbe Moment! You voted on our next series and the results are in: we are focusing on different careers in microbiology! To start off, we decided to compare academia vs industry, our experiences, thoughts, and we address some myths and misconceptions that are out there.    Let us know is there are any myths that we missed that you want addressed by sending us an email or reaching out to us on social media (links bellow).    Visit our website at microbigals.com where we are updating with new content, including blog posts, regularly. You can also find us Instagram by searching for microbigals or on twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you would like to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

02-21
30:51

Astro microbiology: DaBOM Edition

It's a new year and we wanted to start it off with finishing up our section on Astro microbiology by bringing you DaBOM. In this episode Julie covers microbes that lived in outer space for 3 years outside the International Space Station, Tess talks about finding microbes by looking for sings of movement, and Jon round  the episode up by looking at Jupiter's volcanic moon Io and how life may be found there.    Visit our website at microbigals.com where we are updating with new content, including blog posts, regularly. You can also find us Instagram by searching for microbigals or on twitter @MicrobiGals. Also, if you would like to donate to our show, we have started a kofi page. you can donate on our website or visit https://ko-fi.com/microbigals.

01-31
59:24

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