@jtsangwrites.bsky.social
Freelance science writer, microbiologist at heart.
Blogging at The Microbial Menagerie microbialmenagerie.com
Content marketing for life science companies
https://linktr.ee/jennifertsangwrites
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialLuckily we haven't gotten the flu (yet), but it reminded me of this blog post I wrote a few years ago. Here it is, freshly updated microbialmenagerie.com/when-should-... #MicroSky #FluSeason
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialIt was the end of September and I got a dreaded preschool message: a case of the flu in one of the classes... which led to two more cases in the school. This happened right before a trip with my family and of course, since we normally get our flu shots in October, none of us were protected yet.
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialIt was lovely to talk to you both! Looking forward to seeing what's next for Bald's eyesalve.
@friendlymicrobe.bsky.socialReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.socialThank you so much @jtsangwrites.bsky.social for this lovely article on our #Ancientbiotics research 💜 #MicroSky
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialThe team reconstructed this remedy and found it was able to kill biofilm bacteria (depending on species) using multiple mechanisms of action. One of the coolest findings was that it was difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance to it (and did better than modern antibiotics in this regard).
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialCan a 1,000 year old remedy teach us something about modern antimicrobials? I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with @friendlymicrobe.bsky.social and @tosinorababa.bsky.social to learn about their work on Bald's eyesalve.
Details on my blog: microbialmenagerie.com/balds-eyesal...
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialApparently I really love Halloween. 👻 🎃
I'm in the process of updating my fall/Halloween blog posts on The Microbial Menagerie and I have ~8 posts that wrote related to fall or Halloween. I came across this fun one from 2021 and thought I'd share.
@cdelawalla.bsky.socialReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.socialA beacon of government efficiency! Defunding and destabilizing the STEM workforce to fund the STEM workforce!
@pavelpayne.bsky.socialReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.socialI'm really excited to share my latest research paper with the world. It has been a long and bumpy road to finish this project and get it published, but finally, it is out!
@simonahuwiler.bsky.socialReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.social#AMR superbugs are getting tougher, but predatory bacteria like B. bacteriovorus can hunt them down! We show that model bacterium E.coli 🦠can escape these ‘living antibiotic’ by evolution, mainly through OmpF porin loss. This comes at a cost. Details at: tiny.cc/2qpa101
#MicroSky, #Evolution
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialTo celebrate microbial nerdiness all year long, I curated microbiology related awareness days and historical events in microbiology into one calendar.
Find it below + links to add it to your calendar.
@microbiologysociety.orgReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.socialIt’s International Microorganism Day! For a third year running, some of our Champions have told us about their favourite microbes and our very talented Champion, Eliza Wolfson, has brought these to life with her illustrations! @eliza-coli.bsky.social @femsmicro.org
@jtsangwrites.bsky.social😠All my hobbies took a downward turn since taking on a canine and a little human.
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialThere is someone who lives in the next building and they practice French horn for hours and it's just lovely to listen to while working, even though half the time it's scales and other foundations. I find it very calming and therapeutic.
@artologica.netReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.socialAttention #sciart people! The ASM agar art contest is open. Deadline is October 21 🧪🧫
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialOh these are very cute. I crocheted a few microbes before but not nearly as lovely as these.
@maryseberkhout.bsky.socialReposted by @jtsangwrites.bsky.social🦠Also sharing my submission for the #MicrobeArt2026 competition for #InternationalMicroorganismDay on bluesky!
On the 17th of September, we celebrate the microbes that shape our lives in so many ways.
I crocheted the IMD mascots Riso, Bac, Saca and Gillus.
@femsmicro.org #microsky
@jtsangwrites.bsky.social(If I ever go back to the bench, I may still use a Bunsen burner for the vibes and to pop bubbles from agar plates.)
@jtsangwrites.bsky.socialThe Bunsen burner may have been one of these examples. New research finds that a Bunsen burner is only effective to prevent contamination in certain cases.
My latest for The Scientist:
www.the-scientist.com/a-bunsen-bur...
@jtsangwrites.bsky.social🔥 Bunsen burner, yay or nay?
As researchers, we develop certain habits where when something worked the first time, you do it again, even if you can't truly prove a link. This is how I started turning off the AC when doing certain tasks or holding my breathe when opening certain samples.