LibGuides: Microbiology: Media

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Bacteria Killers (53:13) One hundred years ago, the scientist Félix d’Herelle discovered the existence of the bacteriophage, a mysterious "bacteria killing" virus. As antibiotics are becoming less efficient in fighting increasingly strong bacteria, will phage therapy become the science of tomorrow? This story takes us from the banks of the Ganges to the shores of the Black Sea in Russia and Georgia, from Paris to the United States, as it retraces the discovery of bacteriophages, viruses that only infect bacteria, destroying them by reproducing using the bacteria’s own cellular mechanisms. With antibiotics today showing signs of ineffectiveness, there is now renewed interest in phages. They are being used in clinical trials worldwide and continue to fascinate scientists. In the fight against microbes using synthetic biology, research into phages takes us to the depths of the oceans to discover the key role they play in regulating our planet’s climate.
Bacterialand (51:54) One day, microbes will eliminate our dirt and garbage, filter our exhaust systems, and help make self-cleaning clothing possible. This program takes viewers on a global journey—from the U.S. to Iceland, Sweden, India, China, Senegal, and Australia—to meet the world’s leading specialists in bacteriology and discover the incredible abilities of the microscopic life-forms they study. Employing state-of-the-art imaging technology and animation, the program illustrates how bacteria have learned to adapt to harsh environments and how they can be found in a vast array of human-made products and materials, including medicines, pesticides, plastics, solvents, and even electroacoustic speakers. (52 minutes)
Fighting the Microbes: The History of Antibiotics (29:43) The prescription of antibiotics is a medical tightrope walk. The drugs save lives, but, because of overuse, may soon usher in a new era of super germs. This program outlines the discoveries of bacteria and penicillin and sheds light on the frightening emergence of multiresistant, often deadly microbes during the last six decades. Presenting interviews with researchers who are deeply involved with the issue—including Tufts University microbiology professor Stuart Levy and Eva Nathanson of the World Health Organization’s Stop TB Program—the film examines the implications of antibiotic-enhanced livestock feed and the dangers that staphylococcus poses to hospital patients. Viewer discretion is advised. Contains footage of injections, surgeries, and open wounds. (30 minutes)
Microbial Diversity (28:11) Microbial diversity far surpasses all other diversity on the planet. This session examines recent studies of microbes including extremophiles, the comparisons of Bacteria and Archaea, and the formation and life cycle of biofilms.
Microorganisms Open your students’ eyes to the hidden worlds of monerans, protists, and fungi with Microorganisms. After watching this video, they’ll be able to explain exactly what a microbe is, identify each general type of microorganism by its characteristics and functions, and describe the hazards and benefits of microbes. Microorganisms may live at the root of the evolutionary tree, but they’ve been around for billions of years, are found everywhere in nature (including the human body!), and are crucial in helping maintain the atmosphere, assisting in digestion and decomposition, and more. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. Correlates to National Academy of Sciences National Science Education Standards and the American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks for Science Literacy. A Cambridge Educational Production. (19 minutes)
PBS NOVA What's Living in You? (53:03) Whether they make you fat, fart, or freak out, microbes play a central role in your life. Right beneath your nose—on your face, in your gut, and everywhere in between—trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi are so abundant in your body, they outnumber your human cells. But these aren’t just nasty hitch-hikers. Many are crucial to your survival.
TEDTalks To Detect Diseases Earlier, Let's Speak Bacteria's Secret Language Full Video (11:42) Bacteria "talk" to each other, sending chemical information to coordinate attacks. What if we could listen to what they were saying? Nanophysicist Fatima AlZahra'a Alatraktchi invented a tool to spy on bacterial chatter and translate their secret communication into human language. Her work could pave the way for early diagnosis of disease -- before we even get sick.

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Path of Light (bottom to top) in a Light Microscope