Archive

Category Archives for "Health"

Where to Learn Microbiology Course Online?

Living matter cycles between soil and atmosphere while energy flows in an ecosystem enabling the gaseous and nutrient exchange between microbes. Living organisms that break down the dead and decayed matter and turn that into useful resources and nutrition for plants are called microorganisms or microbes. They can be observed by a microscope and this study is called microbiology. 

Research surrounding the character of microbes like evolution, behavior, physiology, and pathology is addressed in microbiology. Understanding microorganisms has helped mankind in medical advancements in drug formulations and the development of vaccines, and other important industries such as the food and beverage sector. 

Microbiology is now available in a virtual education format. Students can consider an online microbiology course taught by Dr. Sean Elliot

Useful and harmful microbes

Microbial action can be both useful and harmful depending on the type of microorganism, time, temperature, and other conditions. Bacteria and fungi help in decomposing the dead matter and turn it into organic manure rich in nutrients for plants. During the process of decomposition inorganic molecules are released into the atmosphere. Animals and humans depend on the plants that grow in the rich organic soil for nutrition. When they die, the cycle of living matter continues thus making it possible to convert dead back as fossil fuels, and other organic compounds that are essentially useful for the sustenance of life on the planet. 

Germs are harmful to humans, animals, and plants and cause diseases. They enter inside the body of the living organism and cripple its physiological functions that are required to sustain a healthy being. For instance, bacteria cause diarrhea, pneumonia, cholera, and plague. Chickenpox, cold, flu, and measles are spread by viruses. Fungal attack results in athlete's foot, ringworm, and skin infections. Food is spoiled by the spread of mold, fungus, and bacteria. 

Importance of microbiology studies

Microbiologists help in understanding the unseen microbes and help in devising strategies to counter their harmful impact and use them as bio-synthesizers in various fields like fertilizers, hemp textile processing, leather tanneries, and the food industry. Some of the areas where microbiology research has benefitted are:

  • Pharmaceutical industry

Pharma innovation in drug development underwent seachange when microbiology was introduced as a significant phase in formulating essential antibiotics, steroids, and vaccines. Antibiotics are produced by microbes as part of their metabolic cycle. This antibiotic substance is extracted in lab conditions and used in making the required drugs that help humans and animals combat infections. 

Vaccines help in fighting viral communicable diseases like the recent coronavirus. Polio and smallpox diseases are eradicated from the world through effective vaccination schedules followed by governments around the globe. Microbiology helps in preventing microbial contamination during the storage and handling stages of essential medicines. 

  • Biotechnology

The application of microbiology in the biotech industry is prevalent in every phase. Biotechnologists use microbes in processing products for a range of sectors like food, diet supplements, textile manufacturing, paper, disease prevention, alternate fuels, environment monitoring, and waste management. Using microbial action in food processing is an age-old practice, now used at a larger scale in food processing industries. 

Microbial biotech aids in genomics and DNA mapping to understand human diseases and conducive conditions that spread contamination. Genetic engineering is used to alter microbes' DNA to produce viable drugs and vaccines. 

Study hacks and tips

A science subject with an exhaustive syllabus presses the need for consistent and organized methods of studying. When a student learning microbiology devises a timetable to study microbiology regularly, a bit of syllabus is completed periodically and in time to revise again. Attending classes and taking notes helps students clear their doubts with the course instructor. When taking notes one can highlight or annotate the important points for future reference and review. One can make ready reckoner notes in short points, use mnemonics, and flashcards to memorize the lengthy syllabus easily. 

Online course for microbiology

Microbiology is subdivided broadly into two categories - pure and applied microbiology. Based on this classification many microbiology courses serve the purpose of teaching a few main areas as addendum courses that are even used for continuing education purposes. Most of such courses are online, and few of them are available as free courses often designed for self-paced learning. Here is a list of online courses in microbiology that one can pursue from anywhere:

  1. Harvard University

Harvard University offers many certification courses in microbiology that deal with applied science and are useful for anyone preparing for industry-related jobs. Most of these courses are free. A certificate attested by the university can be obtained with payment of a minimum fee by the desirous students. The topics covered under these free online certifications programs are: 

  • Case studies in functional genomics

  • Introduction to bioconductor

  • Advanced bioconductor

  • Food fermentation - the art of cooking with microbes

  • Cell Biology

Harvard’s commitment to offering the best concepts in science to learners without discrimination and helping people access the knowledge pool has enabled these microbiology courses to be available as audio tracks online. 

  1. MIT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a pioneer in virtual education that offers free online microbiology courses. Its course on cell therapy and its applied uses help in understanding stem cell therapy for microbiologists and researchers. Other cell therapies like CAR-T are the new age solutions for therapeutics in tissue culture and the development of lost limbs and organs. The course teaches not just the microbiology aspect but even the engineering and analytical chemistry behind the application of cell therapy. 

  1. CDCP Elearning series

Centers for disease control and prevention offers eLearning series in microbiology courses that are comprehensive and can be used as continuing education units. The courses offered are devised by fellow researchers with quantified experience in the given subject. A few topics that are part of the eLearning microbiology series are:

  • Basic microscopy

  • Routine microscopy 

  • Preparing culture media

  • Biochemicals and gram-positive and negative ID

Most of these courses are based on pure microbiology and will help in comprehending the basics

Conclusion:

Microbiology is exhaustive, however, help is available, and one should not deter from approaching a professor if they don’t understand the subject.

How Camomile Tea Helps With Eczema

Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases in existence. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, it is a condition of the skin that manifests as severe itching. It also causes dryness and thickening of the skin. The origin of the skin condition is yet to be discovered. However, its onset leads to recurring dryness and itching. The itchiness that results from the illness creates such an uncomfortable sensation that if left untreated, can lead to severe issues. The treatment of this condition involves the use of steroid creams and medicinal plants. Camomile is one of the most common treatments. On this blog post, we discuss camomile as a treatment for atopic dermatitis and its other benefits. 

Continue Reading

How To Get Rid Of Subclinical Acne Naturally

Subclinical acnes are the pimples or bumps that are usually seen on the forehead. There are times that they can appear vert slow, but there are also instances wherein they appear in large quantities. Some subclinical acne does not have any color, but there are some that are reddish in color. This problem is considered as displeasing, which is why more and more people are wondering on how to get rid of subclinical acne.

Continue Reading

How To Get Rid Of Sebaceous Filaments

Clear skin is what everyone is looking to achieve. There are plenty of face washes and masks available on the market that aim to get rid of pimples and blackheads while keeping your face clean. However, even if you have relatively clear skin, you may notice these blackhead-like clogs in your pores that seem to appear no matter how clean you keep your skin.

These are known as sebaceous filaments and while they resemble blackheads, they are quite different and need to be treated differently. Here, you’ll find more information on these skin occurrences while also learning how to get rid of sebaceous filaments.

Continue Reading

How Long Does Klonopin Stay In Your System

Also known as clonazepam, Klonopin is a benzodiazepine used to calm panic disorders and to treat seizures. It is a strong medication with certain side effects and contraindications and is not meant for use in people under the age of 18. The medication is quite effective and, because of that, is sometimes abused by people with addiction problems. If you are taking Klonopin or are thinking about taking Klonopin, the information here will help you learn more about the drug and will also answer the commonly asked question, “how long does Klonopin stay in your system?”

Continue Reading
1 2 3 6