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Joyful Microbe

Justine Dees, PhD

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All about the microbes we encounter in our daily lives (with or without realizing it). The Joyful Microbe podcast helps you see how bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa live everywhere around us and constantly impact our lives. Host Justine Dees, PhD talks to microbiology experts of all kinds to share the amazing variety of these fascinating microorganisms. Usually, we think of infections, but microbiology is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.
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1. Barbara Calloway - Prayer For Families 2. Victory Worship feat. Vanessa Howell - What a Beautiful Agnus Dei 3. Damara Melissa - Where I Wanna Be 4. Rachel Kerr - Artist in Me 5. Tamela Mann - He Did It For Me 6. Aaron Lavell - Saved by Grace 7. Caleb Carroll - Jesus In Me 8. Elevation Worship - You Really Are 9. Brooke Ligertwood - Ancient Gates 10. Elevation Worship Feat. Jonsal Barrientes - Same God 11. Rachel Kerr - Glory 12. Psalmist Raine & The Refresh Tea - As It Is in Heaven 13. Ry ...
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Can drinking alcohol impact our gut health? It sure can. Since our gut health is so crucial for our overall health, this episode focuses on the connection between alcohol consumption and the microbial component of our gut health, the gut microbiome. In this episode, I spoke with microbiology researcher Andrew Day about how alcohol disrupts the gut …
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Gut health has become a major topic in wellness, influencing everything from grocery choices to discussions on social media. Research increasingly shows the gut microbiome’s role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. But with so much information available, it’s hard to separate science from trend. In this episode, I talk with Kristina Campbell, a …
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Have you ever stopped to think about the teeming world hidden beneath your feet? It's not just dirt down there; it's a vibrant ecosystem teeming with microbes! These unseen organisms play a critical role in our daily lives, impacting everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe. In this episode, we'll delve into the fascinating world of so…
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Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore. In fact, one unique coloring book is bringing the fascinating world of bacteria to life for all ages. In this Joyful Microbe podcast episode, we’re exploring "Coloured Bacteria from A to Z" with the scientists behind this delightful educational resource. Whether you're a parent looking to spark your chil…
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Understanding microbes is an essential part of appreciating the natural world and our environment. But exploring microbiology using a traditional microscope comes with the potential barriers of cost and complexity, sometimes preventing hands-on learning experiences in schools and communities. Imagine having the power to explore the microscopic worl…
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Plastic waste in our oceans is a significant problem, but some bacteria might offer a solution. Did you know that certain bacteria can break down plastic? Plastic pollution affects wildlife and can even enter our food and water. As plastic production increases, finding better ways to manage this material is essential. Current recycling methods are …
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Have you ever noticed the colorful growths on trees and rocks but weren't sure what they were? Lichens are all around us yet often overlooked. They play important roles in ecosystems and can even indicate air quality. Many people don't fully understand these symbiotic organisms or appreciate their significance. In this episode, you'll learn about t…
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Have you ever noticed little white fluffy spots or yellowish patches on your lettuce at the grocery store? This could be downy mildew, a microbe that infects lettuce and other leafy greens. This microbe might not be well-known, but it's of great importance due to its effects on the agriculture industry and the food we buy. It poses a significant ch…
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While many microbes bring benefits, pathogens are the focus when ensuring food safety. This episode dives into practical tips for enjoying chicken, whether you buy chicken or eggs from the store or raise your own chickens for eggs in your backyard. Join food safety expert Dr. Andrea Etter as she shares insights into preventing foodborne illnesses c…
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Have you ever stopped to think about the bustling world of life thriving right on your skin? Billions of microscopic organisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome, call this complex ecosystem home, playing a vital role in our health. Many of us are unaware of the intricate dance between our skin and its microbial residents. This delicate bal…
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Have you ever thought about the trillions of invisible, microscopic entities inhabiting your body right now? While much of the microbiome spotlight shines on bacteria, there's a hidden side to this story that many people overlook. In this podcast episode, we discuss the lesser-known residents of our microbiome: viruses. These tiny but potent entiti…
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Are you curious about how microbes are involved in creating a more sustainable world? Those tiny, often-overlooked organisms hold a remarkable secret — the power to break down chemicals through biodegradation. Imagine a world where plastics and other challenging compounds, often seen as environmental villains, could be transformed into environmenta…
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Lab coats are an integral part of the world of microbiology, serving as a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). When we envision a microbiologist at work wearing their crisp lab coat, we often associate it with professionalism and scientific rigor. However, the reality is that lab coats, while essential, don't always live up to expect…
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Are you a science educator who wants to spark curiosity in your high school students with microbiology? In this world of information overload and digital distractions, capturing the attention of today's learners might seem like an uphill battle. That’s why, in this podcast episode, I chatted with Clara Marcelín, a seasoned high school science educa…
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Have you ever caught a whiff of something and wondered, "What in the world is responsible for this?" Well, the world of microbes might hold the answer. These tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, have the remarkable ability to produce smells that range from delightful to downright repulsive. It's a world where the nose becomes a gateway to a …
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In a world where news articles claim that your water bottle has more bacteria than a toilet seat, it's natural to worry about microorganisms making you sick. However, it’s important to embrace the microbial world around us because they play crucial roles in our lives, and without them, we would be in bad shape. So, in this episode of the Joyful Mic…
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In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of algae and biotechnology with Dr. Kyle Lauersen. He is an Assistant Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia and leads a research group focusing on engineering algae for useful purposes. We cover everything from the basics of algae and their…
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I'm thrilled to announce that in this podcast episode, I read the introduction chapter of my brand new ebook, Joyful Microbiology Activities. This book has been a labor of love, and I'm so excited to share it with you. Microbiology is a fascinating subject studying organisms that are often viewed negatively as “those gross and scary germs.” However…
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Dr. Jake Robinson is a microbial ecologist at Flinders University and researches microbes, ecosystems, social equity issues, and ways to conserve and restore nature. He studies how microbes can benefit human health and not just cause disease. He is also the author of the new book Invisible Friends. He came on the podcast to discuss a variety of top…
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We are celebrating, microbe friends! This month marks the 4th anniversary of Joyful Microbe!!! I’ve had such a blast creating articles, podcast episodes, and other resources to help you enjoy microbes in your daily lives and spread knowledge about the microbial world with others. In this episode, I’m featuring ideas and tips about microbiology educ…
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A vast number of microbes live on our skin, in our gut, and almost everywhere else you can imagine on and in our bodies. Collectively, these microbes are called the human microbiome and play a crucial role in our health and well-being. Different locations on our bodies contain a specific set of microbes, which are individual microbiomes, i.e., the …
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Tardigrades are beloved microorganisms. These little water bears hide in moss, lichen, and bark of trees. When kids discover tardigrades, it often sparks an interest in science. If you haven’t personally experienced finding a tardigrade under the microscope, I promise it makes a significant impact. In this podcast episode, you’ll get the chance to …
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Fermented foods like beer, wine, bread, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kombucha are delicious to eat and fun to make at home. And we can give credit to microbes for the wonderful flavors of these foods. The process of fermentation is when microbes transform food so that it extends its shelf life, improves the taste, or makes it beneficial to consume. In t…
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The K-12 curriculum does not cover microbiology much at all. But this area of science matters. Children need a complete understanding of the microorganisms that play roles in our health, like the microbiome, and diseases, like germs. That way, they’ll carry these concepts into adulthood, ultimately helping keep them healthier. Despite the lack of m…
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Need the perfect playlist? I got you covered!!!! Stream & Share Below: http://afrocaribbeanvibesmix.com/ 1. Barbara Calloway - Prayer For Families 2. Victory Worship feat. Vanessa Howell - What a Beautiful Agnus Dei 3. Damara Melissa - Where I Wanna Be 4. Rachel Kerr - Artist in Me 5. Tamela Mann - He Did It For Me 6. Aaron Lavell - Saved by Grace …
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How do you explain microbiology to a child? It’s an abstract topic since you can’t readily see microbes due to their size. So, to help your kids visualize microbes, you can read them a children’s book specifically about microbiology. I’ve featured a few excellent microbiology books for kids before on Joyful Microbe. But after I found out about Dr. …
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The words bacteria and beauty are not usually associated. But some bacteria make beautiful colors that span the entire rainbow. And one type of bacteria called Streptomyces coelicolor makes an antibiotic with a lovely blue pigment. This blue-colored antibiotic, called actinorhodin, inspired microbiologist Dr. Vineetha Zacharia, a postdoctoral resea…
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Dr. Sarah Wettstadt is the founder of the BacterialWorld blog and loves sharing about bacteria and all of the amazing things they do in the world. So I know you’ll enjoy hearing this episode where we talk about the superpowers bacteria have and how bacteria can help us save the world. In this episode, you will learn about… 4 bacterial superpowers 3…
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If it rained where you are today, you may have noticed that delightful earthy smell. It’s wonderful, right? Well, you can thank microbes for making a chemical called geosmin. But what is geosmin, what microbes make it, and why? Here, I’ll answer those questions, share a few places you may encounter geosmin without realizing it, and hopefully not di…
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The field of microbiology spans many areas of study, with some focusing on microbes living in different environments, like the ocean, the desert, the soil, and...space. Microbes actually can survive in space. But what types of microbes do this? And how? So, I talked with space microbiologist Marta Cortesão about her research and asked her these que…
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What’s something from the microbial world you can go outside and almost be guaranteed to see? I’ll give you a hint. They are those gray, green, yellow, orange, red, and other colorful splotches on trees and rocks. I once even saw one while I was mountain biking. It was growing on an old boot! Those are lichens. But what are these things we call lic…
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We talk about microbes on this podcast. But let’s face it. If you don’t see a picture of them, it’s difficult to imagine what’s going on in the microbial world. That’s why microscopy is so helpful. It allows us to actually see the invisible communities of bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses, archaea, and protozoa. But sometimes, art does a better job o…
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Imagine the last time you were sick and needed antibiotics...now imagine that you took the antibiotic, but the infection didn’t go away. The antibiotic didn’t work. And then the next one didn’t. And then the next one, all the way until none of them worked. It happens. And although I’ve never personally experienced this, I’d think it would be terrif…
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What if doctors could use microbes to treat infections? It might seem counterintuitive at first because, well, aren’t the microbes the problem? Not really. Our bodies have microbes living in and on them, which is a good thing. These organisms, called the human microbiome, help keep us healthy. Because of the amazing benefits of having these microor…
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The mouth is an ecosystem full of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and protozoa. Although this ecosystem contains many different microbes, in this podcast episode, I’ll be focusing on bacteria. The human mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species. But what role do they play in tooth decay? And how can we prevent it? In this episode, you will learn…
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When you picture a microbiologist, what do you imagine? Someone looking through a microscope? Maybe someone in a lab doing research? In your mind, are they wearing a white coat? Microbiologists work in so many different types of jobs. You might be surprised about some of the places you will find microbiologists working. So, I brought my friend Shel…
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Do you love audiobooks? How about audiobooks about microbes? Finding time to sit down and read a book can be difficult. But audiobooks provide the perfect solution to this dilemma, allowing you to read books and learn on the go. It’s great that you can read books while doing the boring stuff like getting ready in the morning, doing the dishes, clea…
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How do you get people interested in microbiology? Microbiology can be quite abstract since it is the study of organisms we most of the time cannot see without the aid of a microscope. Someone who has a passion for helping people discover a love for microbes is Dr. Dave Westenberg. I brought Dave onto the Joyful Microbe podcast because of his passio…
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Did you know that microbes live in some surprising places like hot springs, inside of salt, and at the bottom of the ocean? These organisms that love extreme environments are called extremophiles. Dr. Adrienne Kish is an Associate Professor of Microbiology at the National Museum of Natural History (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle) in Paris, Fr…
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Do you ever notice fungi in your daily life? They are everywhere. Dr. Matt Kasson came on the Joyful Microbe podcast to tell us how awesome fungi are and how we can enjoy them in our daily lives. He is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Mycology at West Virginia University that studies fungal diseases in forests, how millipedes interact …
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Join microbiologist Justine Dees, PhD on a journey into the microbial world. The Joyful Microbe podcast is a show all about the microbes we encounter in our daily lives. In this episode, she introduces herself, explains why she is creating this podcast, and tells what the Joyful Microbe will be about. JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrob…
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