
Jennifer Tsang
Jennifer Tsang is a science editor and freelance science writer. She has completed a Ph.D. in microbiology and studied antimicrobial resistance as a postdoctoral fellow. She writes for her own microbiology blog called The Microbial Menagerie. While not thinking about science, she enjoys reading a good book, photographing nature and cities, finding her zen in yoga and running, and playing clarinet. You can follower her on Twitter.
Return of the Phages - A Forgotten Remedy Makes a Comeback
These days, we can use social media to find just about anything we’d want—apartments, jobs, the latest viral videos…or even a virus-based treatment for bacterial infections.
Zombie Ants: Microbial Mind-control Deep Within the Rainforest
The zombie fungus, Ophicordyceps unilateralis, hides deep within tropical rainforests and parasitizes upon ants from the Camponotini tribe. They turn ants into fungus-producing machines by manipulating gene expression that alter the ant’s sensory response, musculature, and nervous system.
The Leaf-cutter Ant’s 50 Million Years of Farming
Ants have learned to farm 50 million years ago, way before humans did. Their crop of choice? Fungus.
Paintings are a canvas for microbial life
As paintings age, they accumulate volatile hydrocarbons, dead or living cells, dust that breed fungal spores, and bacteria. This agglomeration of material serves as a nutrient source for a number of microbes and leads to biodeterioration.
Out of sight, but not out of mind: the microbial world of caves
How did life as we know it come to be and how can caves help us understand the microbial world? Here, we take a look at how cave microbes give us clues into the evolution of aerobic life, extremophiles, and antimicrobial resistance.