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Microbial genomics

01 May 1998 publication

The lead articles of the May 1998 issue of SGM Quarterly are on the new-look International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology; the changing face of HIV; molecular archaeology; genome sequencing; and the NHS – 50 years on.

Comment – The Food Standards Agency (p. 50)

Hugh Pennington discusses the publication of the Government's White Paper: The Food Standards Agency, A Force for Change.

Microbial Genome Sequencing – where are we now? (p. 52)

In the two and a half years since the first bacterial genome sequence was published, the field has grown rapidly. Pat Goodwin summarises the on-going microbial genome sequencing projects.

The changing face of the HIV epidemic: new rules and new problems (p. 54)

Increased quality of life due to improved drug therapy and changing patterns of infection are beginning to make fundamental changes in the epidemiology of HIV infection in the UK. Peter Balfe discusses how it is presenting yet another challenge to microbiologists.

The molecular archaeology of infectious disease (p. 56)

Phylogenetic analyses of gene sequences are providing a fascinating new perspective on when and why infectious diseases emerged in human populations. Eddie Homes describes how gene sequences can help chart the emergence of infectious diseases.

International Development Fund Report (p. 58)

Stephen Gillespie and Timothy McHugh describe a course run at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania called Recent Advances in Respiratory Infections, for the International Development Fund report.

50 years old and still going strong! (p. 60)

Tim Wreghitt reminisces about the changes in clinical virology diagnostic practice since he started work in the PHLS in 1977. Tests such as gel diffusion have now been replaced by ELISAs and molecular methods.

Personal exploration of science by first year undergraduates (p. 62)

Attending lectures is not the only way for first year students to learn about microbiology. Student Directed Learning can offer an enjoyable alternative, as explained by Roger Sutcliffe and Erica McAteer.

Exploring the unknown – microbial diversity (p. 64)

Elke Jaspers, a German PhD student, describes her visit to the famous Woods Hole Microbial Diversity course run by Abigail Salyers and Ed Leadbetter.

Food microbes – the Good, the Bad & the Ugly (p. 72)

Jane Westwell and Janet Hurst report back from several events run to raise awareness about the microbiology of food poisoning and food spoilage.

Microbiology on the road (p. 74)

Jane Westwell and Janet Hurst describe their activities as they travel the length and breadth of Britain in an attempt to promote the science of microbiology.