Fermentation: Microbial Chemical Engineers

A useful way to understand fermentation is to think of it as microbial chemical engineering at a microscopic scale.   The Fermentation Cell as a Chemical Plant In a conventional chemical factory: Raw materials enter the plant. Reactors convert them into products. Engineers control temperature, pH, mixing, and flow rates. Valuable products are harvested. The

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Dangerous Moulds in our Houses

Fungi are among the most overlooked organisms living inside our homes. While some are harmless, others can damage property, contaminate food, and seriously affect human health. Moulds and fungi thrive in damp, poorly ventilated environments and can quickly spread through walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture, and even air-conditioning systems. Understanding where household fungi grow and the

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Microbes Can Clean Polluted Soil

How Microbes Clean Polluted Soils Microbes — especially bacteria and fungi — are among nature’s most powerful recyclers. Certain species can break down toxic chemicals, absorb heavy metals, or transform dangerous pollutants into less harmful substances. This process is known as bioremediation, and it is becoming an increasingly important tool for restoring contaminated soils around the

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Microbes and Biofertilizers

Can Microbes Really Replace Chemical Fertilisers? Modern agriculture faces a difficult balancing act: producing enough food while reducing environmental damage, improving soil health, and lowering input costs. One of the most promising tools in sustainable farming is the use of biofertilisers — living microorganisms that help plants access nutrients naturally.  Biofertilisers are increasingly being adopted in

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Microbes and Gut Health

How Your Microbiome Shapes Overall Wellness The connection between fermented foods and gut health has become one of the biggest nutrition trends in recent years—and for good reason. Scientific research now shows that fermented foods do much more than improve digestion. They influence the gut microbiome, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and may even

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Zoonotic Diseases such as the Hantavirus

A cruiseship the MV Hondius has been at the centre of an international health scare since Saturday (2 May 2026), when the World Health Organisation (WHO) was informed that a rare disease caused by the Hantavirus – usually spread from infected rodents typically through urine, droppings and saliva – was suspected of being behind the

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Endophytic Bacteria and Their Important Roles

🌱 The Hidden Helpers Inside Plants When you look at a healthy plant, you probably see leaves, stems, and roots. What you don’t see is an entire hidden world of microscopic life living inside it—working constantly to keep that plant alive and thriving.  These invisible partners are called endophytic bacteria, and they may be one of

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