As a microbiologist, mom, and science communicator I am THRILLED that so many books are beginning to be written and published on beneficial microbes and microbiomes, especially human gut microbiomes. Microbes are essential to our health and the health of our planet.
June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus is a beautifully illustrated, non-fiction picture book chronicles the scientist, June Almeida, and her scientific process of identifying and naming viruses, specifically the group of “crowned” coronaviruses. June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus. By Suzanne Slade Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli Published by Sleeping Bear Press (April 2021), Ages 4-8. “I wanted to give young readers more confidence in the (pandemic) world we live in by educating them about an important, influential, but unknown woman scientist – June Almeida.” Suzanne told me. Like all of us, Suzanne felt unsettled by the COVID pandemic Spring 2020. She searched for answers. A National Geographic article about June Almeida provided answers and inspiration. Learning that coronaviruses were discovered 30 years ago by a “forgotten woman scientist”, Suzanne knew she had to bring June’s story to the world. Suzanne Slade put her other book projects on hold. Sleeping Bear Press brought Elisa Paganelli on board and this amazing, inspiring picture book biography was born. I am so thankful they did. June Almeida, Virus Detective! perfectly captures how a dedicated, passionate scientist brings forth new understanding to the
Motivating college students toward COVID vaccinations must include campus peer influencers listening and giving accurate, memorable, and clear information. Swag wouldn’t hurt either. “Vaccines will soon be available for all Maryland adults – when will you get yours? a) I’ve already gotten it b) ASAP c) Eventually d) When they make me e) I won’t My sample size was small ~ 40 students in my General Microbiology class. We’re over halfway through the semester and they are used to my passion for microbiology and concern for their success as well. The poll was anonymous, one of the ways I like to start class to build community and check in with students during these crazy virtual times. I was shocked. A quarter of the students were in the last 2 categories – “When they make me” or “I won’t”! WHAT? These students have had their fun, activity-packed college career upended by a pandemic! Online classes rip away existing structure, can be isolating, and requires much more preparation and time on the instructor and students. Students with mental health crises are skyrocketing. Grandparents and parents are dying of COVID. They are struggling. We as faculty are struggling. Yes, half of the students
Only a few dayson Kickstarter left to get Doctor Li and the Crown-Wearing Virus, a kids book about the pandemic.
The Perfect Predator tells the story of two world-renowned, globetrotting HIV research scientists almost defeated by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This harrowing, first-hand narrative takes a reader bedside throughout Tom’s seemingly futile battle with a multi-drug resistant bacterial infection. It lays bare the couple’s struggles.