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 challenge for farmers by potentially wiping out entire crops. If we unknowingly purchase lettuce or herbs infected with downy mildew from the organic section, we might end up with unappealing produce.

Understanding downy mildew can help us make informed choices at the store and gain insight into the challenges faced by farmers in controlling this pathogen.

So, in this episode we'll learn about downy mildew from plant pathology researcher Dr. Kelsey Wood. She'll explain what this organism is, how to identify it, and the latest research aiming to control it in a more sustainable way. We'll also cover its life cycle, genetics, and impacts on agriculture. Tune in to discover this intriguing plant pathogen.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What downy mildew is and its life cycle
• Why downy mildew is not a fungus
• How downy mildew spreads
• Downy mildew’s impact on agriculture
• Spotting downy mildew in your local grocery store
• Discovering a highly resistant lettuce variety
• At-home microbiology activities: grocery store hunt and vinegar wash experiment

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/downy-mildew-kelsey-wood/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/downy-mildew-activity/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/mold-vinegar-wash-activity/

JOYFUL MICROBE TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/

JOYFUL MICROBE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/

SUPPORT JOYFUL MICROBE: https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/

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 caused by bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. Dr. Etter is an assistant professor specializing in food microbiology and food safety at the University of Vermont. From her vast knowledge, you’ll learn how to prepare chicken at home safely and even keep your own backyard chickens.

By understanding basic food safety practices, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones while not forgetting the many positive roles of microbes in our lives.

Dr. Etter will equip you with strategies for safe chicken handling, from effective cooking techniques to proper backyard coop hygiene.

Join us as we explore food safety. I hope this empowers you to make informed choices for safe chicken handling.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Dr. Etter's background and path to food microbiology
• Food safety from grocery shopping to meal consumption
• Common pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken
• Salmonella and Campylobacter risks and prevention strategies
• Handling and food safety of raw store-bought chicken
• Microbial risks of backyard chickens and tips for safe raising practices

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/chicken-safety-andrea-etter/

JOYFUL MICROBE TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/

JOYFUL MICROBE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/

SUPPORT JOYFUL MICROBE: https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/

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 balance can tip, potentially leading to various health concerns. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of the skin microbiome with microbiologist Dr. Aayushi Uberoi.

Dr. Uberoi shares her research on how the skin microbiome strengthens our largest organ's crucial barrier function. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of skin microbes.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Dr. Uberoi's journey to microbiology
• The skin's barrier functions and ecosystem
• The role of the skin microbiome in health and disease
• Microbiome changes in skin disorders
• Potential for novel skin microbiome-based therapies
• Antibacterial soap misconceptions
• At-home microbiology activity: Accessible Microscopy: Discovering Microbes with a Foldscope

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/skin-microbiome-aayushi-uberoi/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/foldscope-activity/

JOYFUL MICROBE TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/

JOYFUL MICROBE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/

SUPPORT JOYFUL MICROBE: https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/