The Quarterly Review of Biology (2008, 83:117) has published a very positive review of a recent book Bacillus: Cellular and Molecular Biology. An extract follows:

"The quality of the chapters is uniformly high. Together they provide a review of significant progress toward a better and deeper understanding of the physical structure and molecular biological organization and function in Bacillus subtilis. As a consequence, a truly intimate grasp of this bacterium is achieved"

Further reading: Bacillus: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Labels: bacillus, bacteriology, bacterium, book review

The Journal of Microbiological Mehods (2008) has published a review of the new Staphylococcus book. An extract is provided below:

Whereas previous books on the molecular biology of the opportunistic human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus used to cover the classical methodologies the timely book by Lindsay et al includes chapters on whole genome sequences, array technologies, the staphylococcal population structure, transciptomics and rapid diagnosis in addition to the more traditional chapters on mobile genetic elements, genetic manipulation, regulation, resistance and environmentally induced responses. This renders the book unique in its kind and as complete as one should expect a modern book on bacterial molecular genetics to be. ...

From the positive perspective: this is a book suitable for both starting and experienced staphylococcal researchers. It is both a referral handbook as explicated by some of the chapters and an adequate introductory text in others. The mixture between "hard-core science" and clinical application also is a balanced one ... the book by Lindsay et al deserves a prominent spot in the personal library of all staphylococcologists!!

Further reading: Staphylococcus: Molecular Genetics

Labels: bacteriology, bacterium, book review, Staphylococcus

A large Analytical Laboratory Network in North America is currently seeking a Senior Microbiologist. Reporting to the Senior Inorganic Manager, the post involves testing water samples for the presence of coliforms.

Requirements:
* A Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
* Two years experience in testing water samples for coliforms
* Experience in working in a Quality Assurance capacity and or process improvement background is an asset

Competitive compensation, upward mobility, a dynamic work environment, and the opportunity for personal and professional growth are provided.

Interested applicants should send a résumé to: 831-MH240@emailagent.maxhire.net

Labels: job, recruitment, situations vacant

The journal "Parasites and Vectors" (2008 1: 11) has recently published a review of the new book Leishmania: After The Genome. Here are some extracts from the review:

" ...a mandatory text for PhD students ... the editors have done well in securing high quality contributions from most of the top leishmaniasis research laboratories in the world. The composition of the text is essentially an expert set of contemporary reviews which give a snapshot of research as it stands now, shortly after completion of the Leishmania genome. Many of the reviews have annotated large data sets into comprehensive tables and information-rich diagrams, which confirm its utility as a reference text ... "

Further reading: Leishmania: After The Genome

Labels: book review, leishmania, parasites

from George W. Sundin and Jesús Murillo in Plant Pathogenic Bacteria
The concept of bacterial plasmids as gene traders is illustrative of the role of plasmids in horizontal gene transfer and specifically in the acquisition and distribution of sequences that enable rapid evolution. Plasmids are components of the horizontal gene pool and, as such, their genetic content is potentially accessible by a wide range of organisms. Most plasmids appear to ameliorate any potential negative effect on host fitness by encoding determinants of virulence and ecological fitness that can enhance adaptation to a specific niche or can influence niche expansion. The availability of multiple complete genome sequences of bacterial phytopathogens has shown the importance of horizontally-acquired gene sequences in pathogen evolution. We suspect that plasmids have played a significant role in this gene mobility and also in the delivery of acquired genes to bacterial chromosomes through plasmid integration events. The versatility of plasmids plays a critical role in the evolutionary arms race of bacterial pathogens and plants.

Further reading:

• Chapter 14 in Plant Pathogenic Bacteria: Genomics and Molecular Biology
• Plasmids: Current Research and Future Trends

Labels: bacteriology, bacterium, plasmids

Following on from their highly acclaimed book "Real-Time PCR: An Essential Guide" published in 2004, Edwards, Logan and Saunders have recently completed a new, fully updated and expanded manual entitled Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications. Publication is planned for January 2009 but the publishers hope to have copies available from October 2008.

Further details: Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications

Labels: PCR, real-time PCR