October 6 - 9, 2010 Prato Conference on the Pathogenesis of Bacterial Diseases of Animals
Prato, Italy
Established by the ARC (Australian Research Council) Centre of Excellence in Structural and Functional Microbial Genomics to bring together researchers working in areas relevant to the mechanisms by which bacteria cause disease in animals.
Further information

Labels: conference, conferences, microbiology conference

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a human gamma herpes virus that is best known for being the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis in man. A fascinating feature of this virus is its ability to persist in the host and it is estimated that more than 95% of adults are carriers of the virus. Importantly, EBV can transform latently infected primary cells from healthy individuals into cancerous ones, thereby causing important human cancers such as B-cell neoplasms (e.g. Burkitt's lymphoma and Post-transplant lymphomas), certain forms of T-cell lymphoma, and some epithelial tumours (e.g. gastric carcinomas). Understanding viral latency, what triggers viral reactivation and the mechanism of transformation of normal host cells into malignant cells are critical for the development of strategies for the prevention and control of this intriguing virus and related cancers.

from Epstein-Barr Virus: Latency and Transformation

Labels: Burkitt's lymphoma, EBV, Epstein Barr Virus, infectious mononucleosis

The Cyanobacteria
"There is not much that isn't covered in this book, and the editors and authors have managed to produce a survey that is comprehensive and readable. It manages the difficult feat of having enough up-to-date and in depth information for the specialist yet covering the basics in way comprehensible to the beginner and those from other fields of study." from The Biochemist (2009).


Further reading: The Cyanobacteria: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Evolution

Labels: blue green algae, book review, cyanobacteria

Real-Time PCR

"... written by international authors expert in specific technical principles and applications ... a useful compendium of basic and advanced applications for laboratory scientists. It is an ideal introductory textbook and will serve as a practical handbook in laboratories where the technology is employed."

from Christopher J. McIver in Australian J. Med. Sci. 2009. 30(2): 59-60

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

Labels: book review, books, PCR, qPCR, real-time PCR, rtpcr

"... a major strength of this book is that it covers many diverse aspects of V. cholerae ecology, epidemiology, adaptation and evolution. The chapters on genomics and evolution, population genetics and emerging clones present up to date information and relevant references for further exploration of these topics. In addition, there is a chapter on molecular ecology that discusses what is known about the evolution of toxigenic V. cholerae strains and how they survive in the environment, a topic which is extremely timely ... I found this book to be a great resource for describing the current state of the art of V. cholerae molecular biology on a wide range of topics, both medically and environmentally relevant. Thus, this book is valuable reading to anyone involved in the field of cholera research."

from Dr. Diane McDougald, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia in Microbe (formerly ASM News) American Society of Microbiology

Further reading: Vibrio cholerae: Genomics and Molecular Biology

Labels: cholera, cholerae, vibrio, vibrio cholerae

"... covers aspects of clostridial molecular biology ranging from ... the biology and genetics of clostridial toxins, to new directions, such as the use of clostridia in tumor therapy, and it contains contributions from prominent researchers in the field of clostridia research ... useful for newcomers to the field who seek a broad review of the topic or for undergraduate students."

from Allison Wroe and Thamarai Schneiders in Clinical Infectious Diseases 2009 49: 486

Further reading: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic Era

Labels: book review, books, clostridia, clostridium

This excellent book provides the first comprehensive review of Acanthamoeba, with particular emphasis on its biology and pathogenesis. ... This outstanding book presents the current state of research on every aspect of this organism, detailing major advances ... This excellent compilation will serve as an essential reference for parasitologists, microbiologists, immunologists, and physicians ... as well as an invaluable reference for new and experienced researchers who wish to better understand this fascinating organism. This book is the definitive guide to current research on this increasingly important organism. ... This excellent book would be also an indispensable acquisition for every institutional library ... will be in demand for many, many years.

from Zdzislaw Swiderski, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland in Acta Parasitologica 2009 54(3): 288

Further reading: Acanthamoeba: Biology and Pathogenesis

Labels: Acanthamoeba, book review, books, parasitology books