Bøker utgitt av American Society for Microbiology

Since its introduction in 1997, the purpose of Food Microbiology: Fundamentals and Frontiers has been to serve as an advanced reference that explores the breadth and depth of food microbiology. Thoroughly updated, the new Fifth Edition adds coverage of the ever-expanding tool chest of new and extraordinary molecular methods to address many of the roles that microorganisms play in the production, preservation, and safety of foods.Sections in this valuable reference cover material of special significance to food microbiology such as:* stress response mechanisms, spores, and the use of microbiological criteria and indicator organisms* commodity-oriented discussion of types of microbial food spoilage and approaches for their control* the major foodborne pathogens, including diseases, virulence mechanisms, control measures, and up-to-date details on molecular biology techniques* state-of-the-science information on food preservation approaches, including natural antimicrobials and the use of bacteriophages in controlling foodborne pathogens* beneficial microbes used in food fermentations and to promote human and animal health* updated chapters on current topics such as antimicrobial resistance, predictive microbiology, and risk assessmentThis respected reference provides up-to-the-minute scientific and technical insights into food production and safety, readily available in one convenient source.

Following the historic trail of microbiology from its beginnings in the 17thcentury to its key role in addressing global challenges in the 21stcentury, the author recounts the fascinating story of how microorganisms were discovered, cultivated in the laboratory, classified and manipulated to become cures as well as deadly weapons. His focus is on the last decades of the 20thcentury that sparked the ongoing transformation of microbiology into a molecular science, and opened up the field of microbial ecology, of which the microbial communities (or microbiomes) that live on the inside and on the outside of humans as well as every other organism are but one striking example. The style of presentation is transparent and colloquial to make this book a useful introduction for students and junior researchers. It is, on the other hand, sufficiently referenced to meet scholarly standards.

The go-to-read to dive into research conduct and to understand why it is difficult to do well. This book tells stories and provides examples of 'good' and 'bad' behavior and research in science.

Principles and practices of effective management, planning, and administration, as they apply to the clinical laboratory. A laboratory is no different from any other organization except in its ultimate goal of effective, compassionate healthcare for patients, the ultimate customers. Managerial leadership, personnel, communications, and financial planning and management are all considered from the unique viewpoint of the clinical lab. Current trends in technology and future developments, especially in the critical field of pandemic preparedness, are discussed.

The definitive guide for identifying fungi from clinical specimensWith a new team of authors, Larone's Medically Important Fungi, Seventh Edition, continues the longstanding tradition of high-quality content to expand your knowledge and support your work in clinical mycology by:* Providing detailed descriptions of the major mycoses as viewed in patients' specimens by direct microscopic examination of stained slides* Offering a logical step-by-step process for identification of cultured organisms, utilizing detailed descriptions, images, pointers on organisms' similarities and distinctions, and selected references for further information* Covering more than 150 of the fungi most commonly encountered in the clinical mycology laboratory, including new entries for Emergomyces, Metarhizium anisopliae, Rasamsonia argillacea, Rhinocladiella mackenziei, Schizophyllum commune, and Thermothelomyces thermophilus* Presenting details on each organism's pathogenicity, growth characteristics, relevant biochemical reactions, and microscopic morphology, illustrated with photomicrographs, unique and elegant drawings, and color photos of colony morphology and various test results* Explaining changes in fungal taxonomy and nomenclature that are due to information acquired through molecular taxonomic studies of evolutionary fungal relationships* Providing basic information on molecular diagnostic methods, e.g., nucleic acid amplification and sequencing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and other commercial platforms* Including an extensive section of easy-to-follow lab protocols, a comprehensive list of media and stain procedures, guidance on collection and preparation of patient specimens, and an illustrated glossaryWith Larone's Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification, both novices and experienced professionals in clinical microbiology laboratories can confidently identify commonly encountered fungi.

Revenge of the Microbes"What is antibiotic resistance, and why should I care?"Two decades after the first edition of Revenge of the Microbes: How Bacterial Resistance Is Undermining the Antibiotic Miracle warned of the looming threat of antibiotic resistance, it is now upon us. Not only has the spread of antibiotic resistance continued unabated, but the emergence of multidrug-resistant "superbugs" is poised to set medical progress back centuries. Several distinct biological, social, economic, and technological factors have resulted in us only barely keeping pace with these new threats.In this edition of Revenge of the Microbes, the authors detail the intricacies of the antibiotic-microbe arms race. Beginning with a historical perspective on antibiotics and their profound impact on both modern medicine and present-day society, they review our current arsenal against infectious diseases and the various ways pathogens evade or overcome them. The authors examine the practices and policies driving the discovery and development of new antibiotics, what happens to antibiotics once they are released into the environment, how antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolve and spread, and the urgency for finding alternative approaches to combating infections. This discussion of the controversies surrounding antibiotics will empower readers--citizen scientists, policy makers, pharmaceutical researchers, and medical professionals alike--to generate informed opinions on antibiotic usage and stewardship as we contend with fewer effective antibiotics.Reader-friendly and comprehensible, this new edition of Revenge of the Microbes engages a diverse audience of scientists, clinicians, educators, students, lawyers, environmentalists, and public health advocates as it explores the ever-changing landscape of the antibiotic resistance crisis.For anyone interested in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this is a completely approachable 360-degree view of a very complex topic. The authors don't dilute the science but manage to deliver it in language and examples that everyone can digest. Don't miss the "Points to Ponder" at the end of each chapter. These thought-provoking nuggets will inspire creative thinking even in the most experienced AMR authorities.-- JEAN B. PATEL, PhD, D(ABMM), Principle Scientist, Scientific Affairs, Microbiology, Beckman Coulter; former Science Team Lead, Antibiotic Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit, CDC

Germ Theory: Medical Pioneers in Infectious Diseases,SECOND EDITIONFrom the ancient worlds of Hippocrates and Avicenna to the early 20th century hospitals of Paul Ehrlich and Lillian Wald to the modern-day laboratories of François Barré-Sinoussi and Barry Marshall, Germ Theory brings to life the inspiring stories of medical pioneers whose work helped change the very fabric of our understanding of how we think about and treat infectious diseases.In beautifully crafted narratives, author Robert Gaynes describes and presents compelling stories, including* How Edward Jenner, the pioneer of vaccination, faced down scores of naysayers* How a chance discovery led Louis Pasteur to the idea that the virulence of microbes can be altered* How scientists in France, the Netherlands, and Denmark produced penicillin during World War 2 while keeping their efforts hidden from the NazisThe second edition features three new chapters based on interviews with Nobel Laureates François Barré-Sinoussi and Barry Marshall, and former NIAID Director and medical advisor to seven U.S. presidents Anthony Fauci, detailing fascinating accounts from their careers, including their groundbreaking work in the areas of HIV, peptic ulcers, and COVID-19, respectively.Winner of a CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title award for its first edition, Germ Theory is required reading for anyone training or working in the field of infectious diseases or with an interest in microbes, the history of medicine, or how new discoveries can bring about paradigmatic shifts in thinking.

To Catch a VirusTrace the evolution of diagnostic virology from yellow fever to COVID-19Join expert storytellers John Booss, Marilyn J. August, and Marie Louise Landry in a journey through the history of viral epidemics and the detective work of those determined to identify the culprits and treat the infected.From the identification of the first virus in the late 1800s to the molecular techniques that enabled the rapid recognition of and vaccine development for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, viral diagnostic methods have progressed over the past century to become a formidable tool in human health care. This collection of gripping historical narratives covers a range of fascinating outbreaks and public health challenges, from yellow fever and smallpox to AIDS and COVID-19. This new edition chronicles the ongoing story of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the people, the pathogen, and the progress in the diagnostic laboratory and clinical settings that has touched every aspect of global health.The many photographs and rich biographical sketches of key figures, diagrams of diagnostic procedures, micrographs of virus-infected cells, timelines, and a new glossary of key terms make To Catch a Virus compelling reading. This book serves as an excellent resource for courses in virology, immunology, microbiology, and public health.As the world struggles with the ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, To Catch a Virus is an insightful and superbly told story that chronicles the incredible metamorphosis of diagnostic virology and the technological advances that now make it possible to quickly and accurately detect and monitor the many disease-causing viruses that plague humankind. A stimulating, informative, and absorbing read that is highly recommended.--Richard L. Hodinka, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; former Director, Clinical Virology Laboratory, Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaTo Catch a Virus provides a beautifully written and compelling story of scientific discovery. It carefully traces the understanding of viral diseases from the turn of the twentieth century to the present. For general readers the authors provide timely and expert guidance to the extraordinary advances in diagnosis, surveillance, and therapeutics that constitute the silver lining in the otherwise somber years of COVID-19. For anyone wishing to understand the challenges confronting virologists and their accomplishments to date, this work is the place to start.--Frank M. Snowden, PhD, Andrew Downey Orrick Professor Emeritus of History, Yale University; former Chair, Program in History of Science and History of Medicine, Yale University

Explore the fascinating world of microbes with this comprehensive, advanced undergraduate-level textbook Microbial Physiology: Unity and Diversity takes readers on a captivating journey through the intricate and often underappreciated world of microbial physiology, emphasizing both the common features that unify microbes and the diversity that makes them unique. In Part I: Unity, the book lays a strong foundation in the basics of microbial physiology. Delve into the three domains of life, get an intimate look at the metabolic pathways that fuel the microbial world, and take a deep dive into the cellular components that constitute a microbe. Further, explore the principles of cellular growth, bioenergetics, and the mechanics of respiration and fermentation. The Unity section concludes with a comprehensive discussion of regulation at posttranslational and gene levels, paving the way for a rich understanding of microbial function. Part II: Diversity, takes the reader into the broad and versatile world of microbial metabolism, exploring the range of energy sources and metabolic pathways microbes employ. This section leads readers through topics such as autotrophy, phototrophy, chemotrophy, and microbial contributions to the carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen cycles. The complexity of microbial cell envelope structures, transport processes, and protein transport are explored, along with bacterial motility, chemotaxis, and the phenomenon of quorum sensing. The section concludes with an exploration of stress responses and the diverse lifestyles that bacteria can adopt. Microbial Physiology: Unity and Diversity will engage readers with its accessible yet thorough treatment of this critical field of microbiology. Each chapter contains detailed illustrations that concisely explain complex topics and concludes with robust end-of-chapter questions that not only test understanding but also provide an opportunity for readers to dig deeper into the content. This book is a must-have for students studying microbiology, as well as researchers and professionals keen to brush up their knowledge or explore new facets of microbial physiology.

Since 1994, Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA has introduced students to the fast-changing world of molecular biotechnology. With each revision, the authors have extensively updated the book to keep pace with the many new techniques in gene isolation and amplification, nucleic acid synthesis and sequencing, gene editing, and their applications to biotechnology. In this edition, authors Bernard R. Glick and Cheryl L. Patten have continued that tradition, but have also overhauled the book's organization to Detail fundamental molecular biology methods and recombinant protein engineering techniques, which provides students with a solid scientific basis for the rest of the book. Present the processes of molecular biotechnology and its successes in medicine, bioremediation, raw material production, biofuels, and agriculture. Examine the intersection of molecular biotechnology and society, including regulation, patents, and controversies around genetically modified products. Filled with engaging figures that strongly support the explanations in the text, Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA presents difficult scientific concepts and technically challenging methods in clear, crisp prose. This excellent textbook is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in introductory biotechnology, as well as, courses dedicated to medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial biotechnology applications.

Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases Second Edition The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are the most common infections of the world's poor, but few people know about these diseases and why they are so important. This second edition of Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases provides an overview of the NTDs and how they devastate the poor, essentially trapping them in a vicious cycle of extreme poverty by preventing them from working or attaining their full intellectual and cognitive development. Author Peter J. Hotez highlights a new opportunity to control and perhaps eliminate these ancient scourges, through alliances between nongovernmental development organizations and private-public partnerships to create a successful environment for mass drug administration and product development activities. Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases also Addresses the myriad changes that have occurred in the field since the previous edition. Describes how NTDs have affected impoverished populations for centuries, changing world history. Considers the future impact of alliances between nongovernmental development organizations and private-public partnerships. Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases is an essential resource for anyone seeking a roadmap to coordinate global advocacy and mobilization of resources to combat NTDs.

An examination of the various chemical and physical antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization methods used for infection prevention and contamination control. Serves as a reference for microbiologists, chemists, facilities managers, health care professionals, infection and contamination control practitioners, application engineers, and students.

Principles of Virology, the leading virology textbook in use, is an extremely valuable and highly informative presentation of virology at the interface of modern cell biology and immunology. This text utilizes a uniquely rational approach by highlighting common principles and processes across all viruses. Using a set of representative viruses to illustrate the breadth of viral complexity, students are able to under-stand viral reproduction and pathogenesis and are equipped with the necessary tools for future encounters with new or understudied viruses.This fifth edition was updated to keep pace with the ever-changing field of virology. In addition to the beloved full-color illustrations, video interviews with leading scientists, movies, and links to exciting blogposts on relevant topics, this edition includes study questions and active learning puzzles in each chapter, as well as short descriptions regarding the key messages of references of special interest.Volume I: Molecular Biology focuses on the molecular processes of viral reproduction, from entry through release. Volume II: Pathogenesis and Control addresses the interplay between viruses and their host organisms, on both the micro- and macroscale, including chapters on public health, the immune response, vaccines and other antiviral strategies, viral evolution, and a brand new chapter on the therapeutic uses of viruses. These two volumes can be used for separate courses or together in a single course. Each includes a unique appendix, glossary, and links to internet resources.Principles of Virology, Fifth Edition, is ideal for teaching the strategies by which all viruses reproduce, spread within a host, and are maintained within populations. This edition carefully reflects the results of extensive vetting and feedback received from course instructors and students, making this renowned textbook even more appropriate for undergraduate and graduate courses in virology, microbiology, and infectious diseases.

Principles of Virology, the leading virology textbook in use, is an extremely valuable and highly informative presentation of virology at the interface of modern cell biology and immunology. This text utilizes a uniquely rational approach by highlighting common principles and processes across all viruses. Using a set of representative viruses to illustrate the breadth of viral complexity, students are able to under-stand viral reproduction and pathogenesis and are equipped with the necessary tools for future encounters with new or understudied viruses.This fifth edition was updated to keep pace with the ever-changing field of virology. In addition to the beloved full-color illustrations, video interviews with leading scientists, movies, and links to exciting blogposts on relevant topics, this edition includes study questions and active learning puzzles in each chapter, as well as short descriptions regarding the key messages of references of special interest.Volume I: Molecular Biology focuses on the molecular processes of viral reproduction, from entry through release. Volume II: Pathogenesis and Control addresses the interplay between viruses and their host organisms, on both the micro- and macroscale, including chapters on public health, the immune response, vaccines and other antiviral strategies, viral evolution, and a brand new chapter on the therapeutic uses of viruses. These two volumes can be used for separate courses or together in a single course. Each includes a unique appendix, glossary, and links to internet resources.Principles of Virology, Fifth Edition, is ideal for teaching the strategies by which all viruses reproduce, spread within a host, and are maintained within populations. This edition carefully reflects the results of extensive vetting and feedback received from course instructors and students, making this renowned textbook even more appropriate for undergraduate and graduate courses in virology, microbiology, and infectious diseases.

A unique visual reference for the diagnostic microbiology laboratory, conceived by a team of authors with decades of classroom and laboratory experience.

*Completely revised and updated *Reflects the new face of pathogenesis research with coverage of microbial ecology and pathobiology of different bacterial diseases *Snapshots of each organism appear at the beginning of the chapter in which it is covered *Summary sections are presented as outlines and tables.

Provides comprehensive coverage of all gram-positive pathogens, including genome data. Appeals to clinicians, infectious disease specialists, and instructors and students seeking a single reference source on gram-positive bacteria.

Outbreak: Cases in Real-World Microbiology, 2nd Edition, is the newest edition of this fascinating textbook designed for introductory microbiology students and instructors. Thoroughly revised, this collection of case studies of real-world disease outbreaks, generously illustrated in full color, offers material that directly impacts college-level students, while the book's unique presentation offers instructors the flexibility to use it effectively in a number of ways. More than 90 outbreak case studies, organized into six sections according to the human body system affected, illustrate the wide range of diseases caused by microbial pathogens. The studies are presented at differing levels of difficulty and can be taught at all undergraduate levels. Each case study includes questions for students to think about, discuss, and answer, and the book includes an appendix that directs students to the specific reference material on which each case was based, providing the opportunity to investigate further and to apply the reference content to the case being studied. Each of the six sections of the book concludes with a College Perspective and a Global Perspective case study. The College Perspective provides a direct and practical link between the microbiology course and the daily lives of students. The Global Perspective connects students with outbreaks that have occurred in countries around the world to facilitate understanding of the social, religious, economic, and political values at play in the treatment and prevention of infectious disease. At the end of every section, detailed descriptions offer concise yet complete information on each disease involved in that section.

The single most comprehensive and authoritative textbook on bacterial molecular geneticsSnyder & Champness Molecular Genetics of Bacteria is a new edition of a classic text, updated to address the massive advances in the field of bacterial molecular genetics and retitled as homage to the founding authors.In an era experiencing an avalanche of new genetic sequence information, this updated edition presents important experiments and advanced material relevant to current applications of molecular genetics, including conclusions from and applications of genomics; the relationships among recombination, replication, and repair and the importance of organizing sequences in DNA; the mechanisms of regulation of gene expression; the newest advances in bacterial cell biology; and the coordination of cellular processes during the bacterial cell cycle. The topics are integrated throughout with biochemical, genomic, and structural information, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of modern bacterial molecular genetics and its relationship to other fields of modern biology.Although the text is centered on the most-studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, many examples are drawn from other bacteria of experimental, medical, ecological, and biotechnological importance. The book's many useful features include* Text boxes to help students make connections to relevant topics related to other organisms, including humans* A summary of main points at the end of each chapter* Questions for discussion and independent thought* A list of suggested readings for background and further investigation in each chapter* Fully illustrated with detailed diagrams and photos in full color* A glossary of terms highlighted in the textWhile intended as an undergraduate or beginning graduate textbook, Molecular Genetics of Bacteria is an invaluable reference for anyone working in the fields of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, medicine, molecular biology, and biotechnology."This is a marvelous textbook that is completely up-to-date and comprehensive, but not overwhelming. The clear prose and excellent figures make it ideal for use in teaching bacterial molecular genetics."--Caroline Harwood, University of Washington

Biological safety is a critical requirement when working with or around infectious disease agents. To prevent exposures and keep staff and patients safe, laboratories and health care facilities rely on personal protective equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering controls. In an instant, however, a single inappropriate human behavior can negate any of these safeguards. This reference provides an important call to action for anyone who relies on safety plans to consider carefully the humans who must follow those plans. Written by an expert in behavioral biosafety training, Prepare and Protect offers a common-sense program for addressing and reducing the risk factors of human behavior. Learn how to Examine the safety culture of your organization and its approach to risk Motivate the compliance, adherence to rules, and community thinking that keep everyone safe Evaluate, validate, and verify SOPs and staff competence Create safety plans and safety training programs that connect outcomes to behaviors Provide leadership that translates the containment philosophy from words to actions The critical message of this book is illustrated and enriched by personal accounts from infectious disease pioneers, from lab safety directors and trainers to the researchers and health care workers directly affected by infectious hazards. If your work involves pathogenic microbes--whether treating patients in a hospital emergency department or conducting research in a biosafety level 2 or higher laboratory--or overseeing those who do these jobs, this resource will teach you how to develop a culture of biosafety through behavior.

Bacteria and Intracellularity clearly demonstrates that cellular microbiology as a field has reached maturity, extending beyond the strictly cellular level to infections of various organs and tissues. Decades of intense investigation into host-bacterial pathogen interactions have highlighted common concepts in intracellularity but also very diverse mechanisms underlying the various infections produced by bacteria. This book offers a wide-ranging look at the latest studies, including: foodborne pathogens, including how, when, and where bacteria interact with the gut and its microbiota infections of the urogenital tract, endothelial barriers, and the nervous system major advances in work with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. leprae subcellular microbiology, including metabolism of infected cells, nuclear biology, and microRNAs endosymbionts, in particular the latest work with Wolbachia and its effect on insect transmission of viral pathogens research into cell autonomous defense pathways that has led to major insights into immunology and innate immunity the latest developments in technology, for the next steps in the study of intracellularity All facets of cellular physiology, within the entire scope of cells and host tissues, can be targeted by pathogens. This book offers to researchers, students, and laboratorians a valuable overview of the state of current research into the cellular microbiology of host-pathogen interactions.

Protein transport into and across membranes is a fundamental process in bacteria that touches upon and unites many areas of microbiology, including bacterial cell physiology, adhesion and motility, nutrient scavenging, intrabacterial signaling and social behavior, toxin deployment, interbacterial antagonism and collaboration, host invasion and disruption, and immune evasion. A broad repertoire of mechanisms and macromolecular machines are required to deliver protein substrates across bacterial cell membranes for intended effects. Some machines are common to most, if not all bacteria, whereas others are specific to Gram-negative or Gram-positive species or species with unique cell envelope properties such as members of Actinobacteria and Spirochetes.Protein Secretion in Bacteria, authored and edited by an international team of experts, draws together the many distinct functions and mechanisms involved in protein translocation in one concise tome. This comprehensive book presents updated information on all aspects of bacterial protein secretion encompassing:* Individual secretory systems-Sec, Tat, and T1SS through the newly discovered T9SS* Mechanisms, structures, and functions of bacterial secretion systems* Lipoprotein sorting pathways, outer membrane vesicles, and the sortase system* Structures and roles of surface organelles, including flagella, pili, and curli* Emerging technologies and translational implicationsProtein Secretion in Bacteria serves as both an introductory guide for students and postdocs and a ready reference for seasoned researchers whose work touches on protein export and secretion. This volume synthesizes the diversity of mechanisms of bacterial secretion across the microbial world into a digestible resource to stimulate new research, inspire continued identification and characterization of novel systems, and bring about new ways to manipulate these systems for biotechnological, preventative, and therapeutic applications.

The field of oral microbiology has seen fundamental conceptual changes in recent years. Microbial communities are now seen as the fundamental etiological agent in oral diseases through their interface with host inflammatory responses. Study of structured microbial communities has increased our understanding of the roles of each member in the pathogenesis of oral diseases, principles that apply to both periodontitis and dental caries.Against this backdrop, the third edition of Oral Microbiology and Immunology has been substantially expanded and rewritten by an international team of authors and editors. Featured in the current edition are:* links between oral infections and systemic disease* revised and updated overview of the role of the immune system in oral infections* thorough discussions of biofilm development and control* more extensive illustrations and Key Points for student understandingGraduate students, researchers, and clinicians as well as students will find this new edition valuable in study and practice. The field of oral microbiology has seen fundamental conceptual changes in recent years. Microbial communities are now seen as the fundamental etiological agent in oral diseases through their interface with host inflammatory responses. Study of structured microbial communities has increased our understanding of the roles of each member in the pathogenesis of oral diseases, principles that apply to both periodontitis and dental caries.Against this backdrop, the third edition of Oral Microbiology and Immunology has been substantially expanded and rewritten by an international team of authors and editors. Featured in the current edition are:* links between oral infections and systemic disease* revised and updated overview of the role of the immune system in oral infections* thorough discussions of biofilm development and control* more extensive illustrations and Key Points for student understandingGraduate students, researchers, and clinicians as well as students will find this new edition valuable in study and practice.

Many girls want to become scientists when they grow up, just like many boys do. But for these girls, the struggle to do what they love and to be treated with respect has been much harder because of the discrimination and bias in our society. In Women in Microbiology, we meet women who, despite these obstacles and against tough odds, have become scientific leaders and revered mentors. The women profiled in this collection range from historic figures like Alice Catherine Evans and Ruth Ella Moore to modern heroes like Michele Swanson and Katrina Forest.What binds all of these remarkable women are a passion for their work, a zest for life, a warm devotion to mentoring others--especially younger women--and a sense of justice and fairness that they are willing to fight tirelessly to obtain. Each story is unique, but each woman featured in Women in Microbiology has done so much to expand our knowledge of the natural world while also making it easier for the next generation of scientists to work collaboratively and in an atmosphere where people are judged by their intellect, imagination, skill, and commitment to service regardless of gender or race.Women in Microbiology is a wonderful collection of stories that will inspire everyone, but especially young women and men who are wondering how to find their way in the working world. Some of the names are familiar and some are lesser known, but all of the stories arouse a sense of excitement, driven by tales of new, important scientific insights, stories of overcoming adversity and breaking boundaries, and the inclusion of personal tips and advice from successful careers. These stories are proof that a person can live a balanced and passionate life in science that is rich and rewarding.