Joyful Microbe

Welcome to the Joyful Microbe Resources page! Below you’ll find resources from Joyful Microbe and others that are helpful for educators, enthusiasts, and science communicators. These resources aim to make microbiology accessible, engaging, and fun for everyone. Dive in and discover the fascinating world of microbes! Resources from Joyful Microbe 7 Ways to Enjoy Microbes in Your Daily Life Guide F…

A fun, simple science activity you can do at home or in the classroom As an educator, have you ever thought, “I just want a cool and fun science experiment I can do with my students”? Or are you looking for the next class pet but want something more low maintenance? Or maybe you simply want to try out some microbiology at home. A Winogradsky column is a very cool and fun experiment that lets you …

Quick Start Guide to Using the Microscope Get Up and Running with Your Microscope Fast Price: $7 GET THE GUIDELooking for a microscope guide for beginners? The Quick Start Guide to Using the Microscope offers a clear step-by-step introduction to using a light microscope (with pictures!), empowering you to master your microscope fast. If you just got a microscope and are excited to use it, but… - …

Joyful Microbiology Activities ebook 10 fun and simple microbiology activities you can do at home or in the classroom Price: $9 GET THE EBOOKDo you want your students or your own kids to have a better understanding of germs and microbes? Are you looking for fun microbiology activities for your elementary, middle, or high schoolers? Or maybe you simply want to learn more about the microbial world …

Agar is a crucial tool used daily in most microbiologists’ work. It’s the stuff that goes in Petri dishes for microbes to grow on. But many microbiologists are unaware of how this substance became so important in the field. A woman named Fanny Angelina Hesse played a significant role in this story, yet she remains largely unknown in microbiology. Dr. Corrado Nai is making it his mission to change…

Oysters can be risky to eat raw, but what microbes are actually responsible? Is there more to it than just chance? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Rachel Diner, Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis researching aquatic microbes, to find out. Here, we discuss the hidden world of bacteria in oysters, exploring the roles these organisms play in the environment and their impact on human h…

This article is a guest post contributed by Ossila Ltd. In microbiology, keeping things clean is essential. Microbes are everywhere: in the air, on your hands, and on every surface. That makes working with specific organisms challenging, especially when you only want to grow or study one without any contamination from others. Scientists working with microbes must be careful not to introduce any u…

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 microbiome and mycobiome — the fungal community i…

The activity below was contributed by Kristina Campbell during our podcast interview. Understanding the microbial world can start right in your own kitchen, where the ingredients you choose can profoundly affect your gut health. During a podcast interview with Kristina Campbell, microbiome science writer and author of Gut Health for Dummies, she shared this simple activity for making an emulsifie…

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Kristina Campbell. “Gut health” has become a massively popular topic in wellness circles. The idea of improving well-being through the gut microbiome — which science tells us is closely tied to digestion, immunity, and even mood — is equally exciting and confusing. With so much information, it can be challenging to discern trustworthy sources…

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 science writer known for her expertise in the mic…

This page contains affiliate links — see my disclosure policy. This page contains affiliate links — see my disclosure policy. Hey microbe friend! If you enjoy how I share about the microbial world, I'd love it if you would support me. Subscribe to receive the weekly newsletter, and you’ll be the first to hear about the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and resources!

While many scientists played pivotal roles in the antibiotic revolution and deserve celebration, some contributors remain overshadowed by others, which is the case for the story of streptomycin. Elizabeth Bugie Gregory, a microbiologist whose work was integral to discovering this life-saving antibiotic, is one such unsung hero. This article delves into her significant contributions and the histor…

Google the word microbiology, and the first few images you’ll see are Petri dishes containing solid growth media, also known as agar plates. Microbiologists use these plates containing food to grow the microorganisms they study. A key ingredient in solid growth media is called agar. It is the solidifying agent. This ingredient originated from a relatively unknown person — her name does not come t…

The activity below was contributed by Dr. Barry Goldman during our podcast interview. Beneath our feet lies a hidden universe. Soil is home to a vast array of microorganisms, each playing a crucial role in the health of our planet’s ecosystems. These tiny microbes are too small to see with the naked eye, but they perform essential functions like decomposing leaves and recycling nutrients. One ama…

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Dr. Barry Goldman. Imagine a world where agriculture relies on the power of microbes to grow healthier crops. What if the key to sustainable farming is not found in a laboratory but beneath our feet, hidden within the soil? For farmers, agricultural scientists, and sustainability … The post Agricultural Microbiology: Exploring the Benefits of…

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 … The post Coloring the Microbial World: Drs. Sarah W…

The activity below was contributed by Holly Stuart during our podcast interview. This post contains affiliate links — see my disclosure policy. Microbes are tiny organisms that play crucial roles in our ecosystems, often unseen by the naked eye. They are present in various environments, including aquatic ecosystems. While many students may not have the … The post Exploring Microbes in Your Fish T…

The article below is based on a podcast interview with Holly Stuart. This post contains affiliate links — see my disclosure policy. Have you ever wondered how we can make science education more inclusive and engaging? Imagine having the power to explore the microscopic world in the palm of your hand, without the intimidating cost … The post Exploring the Microbial World with Foldscope: Affordable…

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 world with an affordable, simple, and durable microsc…