Ask a microbiologist!

[serge546]

Hello everyone. So, I need to work on my thesis all day today but could use occasional breaks. Thus, in the spirit of recent, great threads by Naraoia and Maxwell, here is the microbiological version of ask a scientist!

Disclaimer: I am a bacteriologist by trade (which is a huge field on its own) but do know some stuff about viruses, protozoa, fungi, archaea, etc.. Feel free to ask anything relating to microorganisms and I will answer to the best of my ability.

 

[Jro]

What would you recommend as an entry level textbook for someone who has had basic science classes (eg - genchem, orgo, biochem, genetics, etc.)? What about a pop science book for the pops?

 

[serge546]

Hey Jro!

I have read three general microbiology books and by far the one I liked the most was "Foundations in Microbiology" by Kathleen Park Talaro. It is well put together and covers a wide range of topics in microbiology.

It also offers case files of illness at the start of chapters which is a nice touch.

Some good pop science books related to microbiology would be "The Demon in the Freezer" or "The Hot Zone"

"The Demon in the Freezer" deals with Smallpox. It explains its history, its extermination, how it's handled in labs and the bioterrorism aspects of the virus. It is written for the layperson to understand but it is still a very interesting read for the science initiated.

"The Hot Zone" Deals with Ebolavirus, if I remember correctly.

Hope that helps!

 

[Jro]

Thanks Serge, sounds perfect.