Silicon
01 August 1997 publication
The lead articles of the August 1997 issue of SGM Quarterly are on silicon microbiology; macro- vs micro-ecology; microbial risk of transfusion; and computer-assisted learning.
The neglected microbiology of silicon (p. 83)
Silicon microbiology is more interesting than is generally recognised. It has even been suggested that silicon-based autotrophy exists. Milton Wainwright discusses what little is known about how micro-organisms interact with silicon.
Macro- vs micro-ecology – the need for understanding and collaboration (p. 86)
So often it is what we see around us that appears to be of the greatest importance. The immediately visible world is made up of plants, animals and fungi. Why consider anything else? And yet, as Harriet Jones explains, it is what we cannot see that is proving to be more of a puzzle than what we can see.
Microbial risks of transfusion – a distorted perception? (p. 88)
Media attention to the infectious complications of blood transfusion has never subsided since the dramatic days of the identification of AIDS. Subsequent interest has encompassed HCV and now HGV and the possible relevance of CJD. Yet, paradoxically, blood has never been safer. John Barbara tackles the subject.
Learning technology for microbiologists (p. 90)
Mike Tait reports on the Education Group Symposium at Heriot-Watt University.