42:3 August 2015 42:3 August Circadian rhythm in fungal fungal in rhythm Circadian chloroplasts of The origins The squid–vibrio symbiosis Infrared sheds light on host–pathogen interaction blue the of out appearing strategies Antimicrobial Light TODAY

Microbiology Today 42:3 August 2015 Light

18/05/2015 08:52:49 Trident Trident Doctor of Doctor is written specifically specifically is written Angela Edwards, Angela formerly of Trident Technical Technical of Trident formerly Francis Marion Francis Pryor, Greg is student-friendly: its text, figures, and figures, its text, is student-friendly: www.garlandscience.com College, South Carolina, USA, South Carolina, College, Anthony Strelkauskas, Strelkauskas, Anthony electronic resources have been carefully designed to help designed to been carefully have resources electronic keep them and concepts difficult understand students material. in the interested ancillary package with a robust is supported The textbook incorporate allow them to which will easily instructors for Students lectures. their into approach new the book’s will professions in the healthcare careers towards working Approach. with Microbiology: A Clinical success achieve Veterinary Medicine, Oregon, USA Medicine, Oregon, Veterinary edition of the new Edition, First As with the successful Approach Microbiology: A Clinical It is clinically- and allied health students. pre-nursing for as its and uses the theme of infection throughout relevant foundation. Microbiology Beatrix Fahnert, USA, Beatrix South Carolina, College, Technical UK, University, Cardiff Strelkauskas, Jennifer USA, University, For more information please contact [email protected] contact please information more For 630 illus 630 illus

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Journal: Journal: Microbiology Today Microbiology Essential Generics: Chloramphenical Ad Chloramphenical Generics: Essential 04/12/2014 12:06 CHL25060 O65995 MOVIANTO: ALLIANCE: AAH: CHL600B PIP: 106-5796 CAPSULES

CHLORAMPHENICOL 1 2 3 Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. be found at information can also be reported to Essential events should Adverse Generics on 01784 477167. distension, pallid cyanosis, vomiting, progressing to vasomotor collapse, distension, pallid cyanosis, vomiting, progressing to vasomotor of irregular respiration and death within a few hours of the onset symptoms. Overdose: Stop chloramphenicol immediately if signs of adverse events oral develop. Treatment is mainly supportive. If an allergy develops, Baby antihistamines may be used. In severe overdosage e.g. Gray Resin Syndrome, reduce plasma levels of chloramphenicol rapidly. increase haemoperfusion (XAD-4) has been reported to substantially chloramphenicol clearance. Pack size and Price: 60 capsules £377.00 Legal Category: POM. Market Authorisation Number: PL17736/0075. Market Authorisation Holder: Chemidex Pharma Limited, 7 Egham UK. Business Village, Crabtree Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RB, Date of preparation: October 2014. for See Chloramphenicol Capsules Summary of Product Characteristics full prescribing information. References: 1. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. Chloramphenicol. [Online]. Available from: http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed 18th August 2014]. 2. Fluit, A.C., Wielders, C.L.C., Verhoef, J., and Schmitz, F.J. Epidemiology and susceptibility of 3,051 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from 25 university hospitals participating in the European SENTRY Study. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2001; 39(10): 3727-3732. 3. Weigel LM et al. High-level vancomycin-resistant lm. Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) associated with a polymicrobial biofi Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Published online ahead of print on 30th October 2006. http://aac.asm.org/cgi/reprint/AAC.00576- 06v1.pdf. (Accessed on 22nd August 2011). 4. Kelly, C., LaMont, T. Patient information: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Clostridium cile). www.uptodate.com. 2011. 5. Feder. H, Chloramphenicol: What diffi we have learned in the last decade. Southern Medical Journal. 1986; (79)9: 1129-34. 6. Ensminger, P., Counter, F., Thomas, L., Lebbehuse, P. Susceptibility, resistance development, and synergy of antimicrobial cile. Current Microbiology. combinations against Clostridium diffi 1982; 7: 59-62. 7. Poilane, I., Bert, F., Cruaud, P., Nicolas-Chanoine, MH., Collignon, A. Interest of the disk diffusion method for screening cile isolates with decreased susceptibility to antibiotics. Clostridium diffi Pathologie Biologie (Paris). 2007; 55(8-9): 429-33. 8. Cattoir, V., Ould-Hocine, ZF., Legrand, P. Antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium cile clinical isolates collected from 2001 to 2007 in a French diffi university hospital. Pathologie Biologie (Paris). 2008; 56(7-8): 407-11. 9. Brazier, JS., Levett, PN., Stannard, AJ., Phillips, KD., Willis, AT. Antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of clostridia. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 1985; 15(2): 181-5. 1,2 1,2 1,2 6-9 1,2 1,2 1 4 5

Effective against serious Effective against infections including: Oral levels comparable to i.v. levels to i.v. comparable Oral levels cile with C.diffi implicated Rarely Widely distributed throughout the body, including CSF including the body, throughout distributed Widely C.diffi cile C.diffi E. coli Neisseria Legionella Rickettsia MRSA VRSA H. infl uenzae H. infl Typhoid

For further information, please contact: Essential Generics, 7 Egham Business Village, Crabtree Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RB, UK For further information, please contact: Essential Generics, 7 Egham Business Village, Crabtree Road, Abbreviated Prescribing Information Chloramphenicol Capsules BP 250mg Presentation: Hard Gelatin Capsules. particularly Indications: Typhoid fever and life-threatening infections, uenzae, where other antibiotics will those caused by Haemophilus Infl ce. not suffi Posology: For oral administration. doses. For Adults and elderly: 50 mg/kg body weight daily in 4 divided be doubled severe infections (meningitis, septicaemia), this dose may Children: initially, but must be reduced as soon as clinically possible. Not recommended. Contra-indications: Known hypersensitivity or toxic reaction to used chloramphenicol or to any of the excipients. Should not be active for the prophylaxis or treatment of minor infections; during liable to immunisation; in porphyria patients; in patients taking drugs by breast- depress bone marrow function; during pregnancy, labour or feeding mothers. Special warnings and precautions for use: Use only if other treatments are ineffective. Use should be carefully monitored. Reduce dose and monitor plasma levels in hepatic or renal impairment; in the elderly; and in patients concurrently treated with interacting drugs. Interactions: Chloramphenicol prolongs the elimination, increasing the blood levels of drugs including warfarin, phenytoin, sulphonylureas, tolbutamide. Doses of anticonvulsants and anticoagulants may need to be adjusted if given concurrently. Complex effects (increased/ decreased plasma levels) requiring monitoring of chloramphenicol plasma levels have been reported with co-administration of penicillins and rifampicin. Paracetamol prolongs chloramphenicol half-life. Chloramphenicol may increase the plasma levels of calcineurin inhibitors e.g. ciclosporin and tacrolimus. Barbiturates such as phenobarbitone increase the metabolism of chloramphenicol, resulting in reduced plasma chloramphenicol concentrations. In addition, there may be a decrease in the metabolism of phenobarbitone with concomitant chloramphenicol use. There is a small risk that chloramphenicol may reduce the contraceptive effect of oestrogens. Chloramphenicol reduces the response to hydroxocobalamin. Chloramphenicol is contra-indicated in patients taking drugs liable to suppress bone marrow function e.g. carbamazepine, sulphonamides, phenylbutazone, penicillamine, cytotoxic agents, some antipsychotics including clozapine and particularly depot antipsychotics, procainamide, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, propylthiouracil. Pregnancy and Lactation: The use of chloramphenicol is contra- indicated as the drug crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. cant effect Effects on ability to drive and use machines: No signifi on driving ability. Undesirable Effects: Reversible dose related bone marrow depression, irreversible aplastic anaemia, increased bleeding time, hypersensitivity reactions including allergic skin reactions, optic neuritis leading to blindness, ototoxicity, acidotic cardiovascular collapse, nausea, vomiting, glossitis, stomatitis, diarrhoea, enterocolitis, Gray Baby Syndrome particularly in the newborn, which consists of abdominal EG/CH/JAN/2015/09 23884_Chloramphenicol Ad_Micro Today_AW.indd 1 Editorial

2015 is the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. This International Year intends to bring together groups to provide solutions to global challenges in areas such as energy, education, agriculture and health. Light is so very crucial to our existence, it is woven into the very fabric of our lives and our being. It is composed of a myriad of wavelengths, energies and colours, and as a species we have evolved to capture, split and create light.

ersonally, I have a dual am intrigued by the concept that intact microbial cells in order to improve and relationship with light. I am aware chloroplasts are microbes ‘captured’ increase our ability to identify pathogens. Pthat I often take its presence by other cells. Phoebe Tickell and This development reflects the fact that for granted; it only emerges into my Richard G. Dorrell provide an insight the metabolic state of can be consciousness when it disappears and into this process and explain how we determined from absorption patterns from we return to darkness at night. For rely on plants and algae to make use this part of the spectrum. Michelle Maclean, millennia, societies have learnt to use of light energy, through the process of John G. Anderson and Scott J. MacGregor this relentless pattern of light and dark photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria (‘blue- describe how bacterial inactivation using to mark existence and measure time. green algae’) invented the main form violet-blue light has emerged as an area of This cadence of light and dark plays of photosynthesis we see today, and it interesting research. Although less biocidal a vital role in providing the inherent is used by a wide range of eukaryotes, than ultraviolet (UV) light, visible violet- drivers for the circadian rhythms that from unicellular algae and giant blue light (the narrow wavelength band underpin our daily lives. These rhythms seaweeds in the oceans to plants that centred on 405 nm) has proved effective for are not restricted to humanity but flourish on land, and common to all inactivation of a range of microbial species, pervade the microbial world. Hans E. these organisms are the cyanobacteria- which is generating interest in healthcare Waldenmaier, Anderson G. Oliveira, like chloroplasts. In many ways this and food facilities. Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap and relationship can be considered as the Capturing scientific images is a Cassius V. Stevani have written an article ultimate symbiosis. Tim Miyashiro’s fundamental part of enhancing scientific that describes the circadian rhythm that article outlines a symbiotic relationship knowledge and understanding. Kevin underpins fungal bioluminescence. They that has facilitated our understanding Mackenzie provides a commentary that illustrate how studies on the Brazilian of how symbioses between animals outlines how this process has changed and mushroom gardneri is and bacteria developed and evolved. developed over time, as our ability to use revealing clues about ‘how’ and ‘why’ It describes how bioluminescence is light to capture images reflects modern fungi produce light. emitted by populations of a marine advances and new technologies. Humanity has studied, tested, bacterium called Vibrio fischeri housed This edition of Microbiology Today understood and described how the within a dedicated structure called not only looks forward to the future but it fundamental energy of light can be the ‘light organ’ of the bobtailed squid, provides an understanding of how historical captured and transformed into the Euprymna scolopes. steps in microbial evolution underpin the basic building blocks of life. It is this Light has revolutionised medicine, very essence of our modern lives. elemental feature of light that was and this is pertinent to microbiology and one of the reasons that I chose to human health. Tom Grunert discusses Laura Bowater study biochemistry. The biochemistry how we can take advantage of the Editor of chloroplasts has always held an infrared region of the spectrum to [email protected] enduring fascination for me and I provide a unique fingerprint signature of

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 89 Contents

Microbiology TODAY Articles Circadian rhythm in fungal 98 bioluminescence: nature’s bright idea Hans E. Waldenmaier, Anderson G. Oliveira, Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap & Cassius V. Stevani The how and why of ’s luminescence.

Going green through co-operation: 102 the origins of chloroplasts Phoebe Tickell and Richard G. Dorrell Endosymbiosis and the evolution of photosynthesising eukaryotes.

The curious meeting of two partners: 106 the squid–vibrio symbiosis Tim Miyashiro An illuminating host–microbe model aiding discovery.

Infrared sheds light on host–pathogen 110 interaction Tom Grunert A tool to better understand bacterial metabolic processes.

New antimicrobial strategies 114 appearing out of the blue Michelle Maclean, John G. Anderson & Scott J. MacGregor Violet-blue light technology to inactivate microbes. 42:3 August 2015 Features Regulars 118 The Society’s journals move to a new 89 Editorial online platform and get a fresh look and 92 Council 2015 feel 93 From the President Find out how our publishing platform and branding have changed. 94 From the Chief Executive 122 Microbiology Matters 95 News Our policy activities and agenda have been reviewed with our members. 120 Conferences 124 – Playing with light Schoolzone 134 Reviews Three intriguing experiments using light. Editor Dr Laura Bowater 127 XIIIth Annual UK Workshop on Archaea Managing Editor Ruth Paget An overview of the workshop and the plans for next year. Editorial Board Phil Aldridge, David Bhella, Helen Brown, Alan Cann, Lorena Fernández-Martínez, Ian Henderson, Paul Hoskisson, 128 How can Society grants support your Gavin Thomas Address Society for General Microbiology, Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger career? Street, London WC1N 2JU T +44 (0)20 7685 2683 E [email protected] Get some ideas and find out when you can apply. Design Ian Atherton, Corbicula Design (www.corbiculadesign.co.uk) Printed by Charlesworth Press, Wakefield 130 Primary School outreach: inspiring © 2015 Society for General Microbiology young minds with science ISSN 1464-0570 The views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Society; nor can University of Oxford’s outreach activities in Manchester. the claims of advertisers be guaranteed. 132 Membership Q&A Suparna Mitra, senior research scientist, tells us about her career. FSC Logo

133 Best of the blog A round up from earlier in the year. Light micrograph of a filamentous blue-green algae 135 – View from a microscope Comment (Cyanophycophyta), called Kevin Mackenzie Oscillatoria sp. Sinclair Stammers / Kevin outlines how microscope imaging has changed. Science Photo Library Council 2015

Executive Officers President – Professor Nigel L. Brown University of Edinburgh, c/o Society for General Microbiology, Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU; [email protected] General Secretary – Dr Evelyn M. Doyle School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, Ireland; [email protected] Treasurer – Professor Chris Thomas School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT; [email protected]

Elected Members Professor Andrew Davison MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Research, Church Street, Glasgow G11 5JR; [email protected] Dr Stephen Diggle School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD; [email protected] Dr Pat Goodwin C3 Collaborating for Health, c/o Society for General Microbiology, Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU Professor Ian R. Henderson Division of Immunity & Infection, University of Birmingham Medical School, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2QU; [email protected] Professor David Pearce Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 8ST; [email protected] Dr Mike Skinner Section of , Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary’s Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG; [email protected]

Chairs of Committees Communications Committee – Dr Paul A. Hoskisson Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE; [email protected] Finance Committee – Professor Chris Thomas See “Treasurer” above Professional Development Committee – Dr David Whitworth Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences Room S22, Cledwyn Building, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion SY23 3FG; [email protected] Policy Committee – Professor Maggie Smith Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD; [email protected] Publishing Committee – Professor Charles Dorman Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; [email protected] Scientific Conferences Committee – Professor Mark Harris School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT; [email protected]

92 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk From the President

This edition of Microbiology Today comes at an important time for the Society. Next month’s Annual General Meeting will consider a series of announcements and decisions. We will learn who has been successful in the elections to Council, Committees and Divisions, and we will find out who the next President will be. Ian Atherton

he major decision for members University of Aberdeen, and was Chief strategy. Our conferences would be to make is on the recommendation Scientific Adviser for Scotland before sorry or expensive affairs without the Tfrom Council that the Society becoming Chief Scientific Adviser to the support of the journals. I am grateful for changes its name. As I mentioned in President of the European Commission. the vision of our Publishing Committee my introduction to Microbiology Today in She was awarded a DBE in the 2015 and staff in developing our activities in February, the word ‘general’ has a very Birthday Honours List. She has been the changing environment of scientific different connotation now compared heavily engaged in policy work for publishing. with 70 years ago when the Society was several years, and her talk should be This year is the International Year formed. instructive and fascinating. of Light and this edition of Microbiology Peter Cotgreave gives some of the As many of you know, I am keen Today focuses on microbial interactions detail behind the proposal to change the that the Society engages on major with light – both in responding to light Society’s name on page 94. While we policy issues and the work of the and in generating light. How many people may be comfortable with the existing Policy Committee has made this know that micro-organisms are the main name, it does not mean much externally, happen. Several of the issues that are contributors to utilising the sun’s energy and we need increasingly to think of important internationally – antimicrobial through photosynthesis, or that they our external audiences. Along with resistance, bioenergy, waste remediation, generate the beautiful phosphorescence the changing name comes a changing infectious disease, food security – have seen on some tropical beaches? As strategy to meet a changing world, but a strong microbiology component. It is microbiologists, we should be telling our core values and mission have not imperative that our voices are heard on people about such things as well as changed. We are merely delivering these such issues and our expertise brought to telling them about micro-organisms differently. bear. and disease. Of course, the history of In addition to the Annual General As well as communicating with microbiology has also been the history Meeting on 17 September, it is also the policy-makers and external audiences, of light microscopy, from Leeuwenhoek’s opportunity to hear the presentations we also need to inform each other. observations of ‘animalcules’ to the of the finalists in the Sir Howard Our excellent Annual Conference four sophisticated optical techniques of Dalton Young Microbiologist of the months ago saw the launch of the today. Light has played an important Year Competition. I am sure that, as in latest journal in the Society’s portfolio. role in microbiology from the discipline’s previous years, the standard of science Microbial Genomics fills a gap in journal inception and I hope that you find this and its presentation will be very high. provision internationally, and I wish it edition of Microbiology Today illuminating! At the same event, one of our every success. Of course, success can be distinguished Honorary Members, helped by members publishing in this or Nigel Brown Professor Dame Anne Glover, will give one of our other journals. These are our President our Special Lecture. Anne founded a main income stream and allow us to do [email protected] company based on her research at the the many things we have identified in our

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 93 From the Chief Executive

This issue of Microbiology Today comes with the papers for the Society’s Annual General Meeting on 17 September. You will see that they contain a proposal from Council that we operate under a new name: Microbiology Society. The reason is simple. We believe the change will allow us to maximise our effectiveness in the scientific community and in the wider world. The proposal has arisen as Council has reviewed and revised its strategic plans for the coming years.

he core priorities of the Society, the ambitious and bold, to keep evolving these constituencies, our current name is things that matter to members, are and improving, so that we can continue slightly opaque and a bit of a mouthful. Tof course not changing: world-class to achieve our founding purpose of ‘Microbiology Society’ says it all in conferences, journals publishing the ‘advancing the art and science of the fewest words and simplest form. Our most interesting microbiology research, microbiology’, and to press towards business is microbiology in all its infinite professional development opportunities Council’s vision: a world in which beauty and diversity, and we are a society for members, influence in key policy the science of microbiology provides of like-minded individuals who come areas, education and communication maximum benefit to society. together to support one another in moving with the wider public. What is new is Changing the name to Microbiology the field forward. a reinvigorated effort by Council and Society will help us to do this. In part, Changing the name of an organisation the staff to link these activities more this is simply because the everyday after 70 successful years is a big step. coherently, so that the Society can use of the word ‘general’ has changed. Council’s proposal is not about changing have maximum impact on behalf of our When our visionary founders named the Society’s core identity, it is about members. The Society’s key strength is the organisation, the word had entirely preserving it, and helping us to do our job the depth and wealth of knowledge among positive connotations, expressing their even more effectively in the future. The the diverse membership in academia, desire to offer something valuable world may have changed around us but industry, charities and public service; for all parts of the microbiology the fundamental principles of our Society the revised plans for implementing the community. Today, it is more often used have not. The ambition of our founders strategy will allow us to optimise how to imply a lack of focus. But the need was timeless: “that workers in the various we apply this knowledge for the public for change is not merely about subtle fields of microbiology might find common good, addressing problems in healthcare, shifts in language. Seven decades ground and better opportunities for environmental, economic and social ago, the Society concerned itself making contact with one another”. settings. almost exclusively with the scientific Under a new name – Microbiology These changes follow extensive community; researchers instantly Society – the members, Council, staff and consultation. Last year we conducted understood that the Society’s title was Committees will continue to work to make a survey of the membership, this year a short-hand to embrace the diversity this a reality, so that you can develop we have spent time drilling down into of prokaryotes, and eukaryotic your careers in the fascinating subject of your interests with individuals and microbes. In today’s world, we must microbiology, and so your expertise and groups of members in conversations and still focus relentlessly on the needs experience can have the biggest possible workshops. The staff, Committees and and concerns of microbiologists, but impact in the world. Council have held their own discussions through projects like the Small World and seminars, and we have spoken to Initiative, we also need to ensure that Peter Cotgreave external constituencies in the media, the the wider public, policy-makers, school Chief Executive policy world, and among funders. pupils and others can engage with the [email protected] Members want the Society to be crucial importance of our subject. To

94 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk News

Annual General Meeting New publishing platform and rebranded journals

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society The Society’s publishing for General Microbiology will be held on Thursday, 17 team have launched a new September 2015 at 16:00 in the Auditorium of Charles online platform where all our Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU. peer-reviewed journal articles All those eligible to vote – Full, Full Concessionary, can be viewed. The journals Postgraduate Student and Honorary Members – should have also been rebranded in have received the relevant papers with this issue of a modern and contemporary Microbiology Today. design that fits with our The day will also feature presentations from the corporate identity. Young Microbiologist of the Year Finalists, the Find out more on p. 118. Microbiology Outreach Prize winner and a Special Lecture from Professor Dame Anne Glover, former Chief Scientific Adviser of the European Commission. 2015 Young Microbiologist of the Year All members are invited to attend what promises to be an informative and enjoyable afternoon, with ample Finalists announced opportunity to network during a drinks reception after The Society is delighted to announce the eight finalists for the annual the day’s activities. If you would like to attend the Sir Howard Dalton Young Microbiologist of the Year Award. The prize AGM, please email Rosie Waterton in advance at recognises and rewards excellence in science communication as the [email protected]. The agenda can be found finalists are selected by the Society Divisions from their presented poster online: www.sgm.ac.uk/agm. or oral at the Society’s Annual Conference or Irish Division Meeting. The 2015 finalists are: Events build links between science Virology Division and policy Eleonora Melzi, University of Glasgow Ben Krishna, University of Cambridge The Society’s policy team attended two events in May, at the Senedd in Cardiff and the Houses of Eukaryotic Division Parliament, which saw the strengthening of links Andrew Watson, Newcastle University between the science community and policy-makers. Christopher Miller, University of Kent At Science and the Assembly in Cardiff, attendees Prokaryotic Division heard a series of scientific presentations on the theme Megan de St Croix, University of Leicester of ‘Energy and the Environment’, which was followed Joseph Kirk, University of Sheffield by an exhibition and reception where Members of the Irish Division Welsh Assembly liaised with scientists and the learned Stephanie Flynn, University of Cork societies. At Parliamentary Links Day in Westminster Samantha Chui-Sang Lee, National University of Ireland and the Marine – the first major science policy event of the new Institute Galway parliament – an audience including MPs, Lords and The eight finalists will each give a presentation of their work at the Civil Servants heard talks about ‘Science and the Society’s AGM and 70th anniversary event on 17 September 2015. New Parliament’. The first, second and third prizes will be awarded after the AGM at the Find out more about the policy team’s work on p. 122. Society’s President’s Dinner.

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 95 96 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Microbial Genomics Grant deadlines

The first articles in the Society’s Date Grant Notes newest online-only, open access journal, Microbial Genomics (MGen), were 1 September 2015 Travel Grants For conferences and courses published last month and are free to from 1 October onwards* read on the journal’s website. MGen has 15 September 2015 Microbiology in Schools For School Members to receive also introduced a new section called ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’, Fund funding for microbiology teaching featuring interviews with pioneers in initiatives taking place on or after biology, who have contributed to the field 1 November of microbial genomics, and dedications to 1 October 2015 Research Visit Grants ground-breaking articles, all selected by our editorial board members. MGen has International For visits and events from a gold open access policy, high-quality Development Fund peer-reviewing system and features a 1 December onwards mandatory open data policy. Read Education and Outreach the journal or submit your article at Grants www.mgen.sgmjournals.org. 31 November 2015 Hayes-Burnet and See website for details Heatley-Payne Awards European Congress of Virology (ECV) Rolling application Local Microbiology Event Sponsorship The ECV, organised by the European All members can apply for funds to support microbiology-related events, Society for Virology, will take place from e.g. sponsored talks. 19 to 22 October 2016 in Hamburg, Germany. The ECV virology conference *Please note, you do not need to have received confirmation of abstract acceptance will bring together both junior and senior to apply for these grants as conditional offers will be made. In this case, evidence of scientists, and cover all aspects of acceptance is required to claim your grant. virus research including basic, clinical, veterinary and plant virology. New Editors-in-Chief for two Society journals Focused Meetings series The Society for General Microbiology’s Journal of General Virology. Of the new Publishing department is delighted appointments, Publishing Committee The following events will be taking place to announce that, as of 1 July 2015, Chair Professor Charles Dorman said: “It over the next few months: Dr Tanya Parish now serves as the is particularly gratifying for the Society International Meeting on Arboviruses Editor-in-Chief of Microbiology, where to have been able to recruit scientists and their Vectors (IMAV) she has succeeded Dr Agnès Fouet in of such high calibre and editorial 7–8 September 2015 the role. From the same date, Professor experience to these important positions Mark Harris now joins Dr Stacey and I wish them every success in their The International Meeting on The Efstathiou as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the new roles”. Invasive 7–9 September 2015 Industrial Applications of Contributions and feedback Benjamin Thompson Metal–Microbe Interactions The Society welcomes contributions and Head of Communications 9–10 November 2015 feedback from members. Please contact [email protected] Find out more on p. 121. [email protected] with ideas.

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 97 Circadian rhythm in fungal bioluminescence: nature’s bright idea

Hans E. Waldenmaier, Anderson G. Oliveira, Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap & Cassius V. Stevani

The first historical Occurrence of fungal Honey Mushroom, Armillaria mellea, bioluminescence also has a non-uniform bioluminescent anecdote describing the Found in temperate and tropical display with only luminescent mycelium. locations worldwide are almost 80 Another luminescent display variant is phenomenon of mushroom species of bioluminescent mushrooms. P. stipticus. This species is normally non- All are within the order , luminescent, but strains from eastern bioluminescence was the gilled-mushrooms, from the North America are luminescent. Unlike by Aristotle in the third phylum. Based on the other bioluminescent systems, which phylogenetic distribution of this trait it only emit light upon stimulation, fungal century BC. The ability for seems that its evolutionary history is luminescence is continuous although the complex, with numerous gain and loss intensity fluctuates. an organism to produce of function events. The Mycenaceae noticeable light in the dark and families contain Neonothopanus gardneri in nature the majority of bioluminescent species N. gardneri, first described by George involves a complex duel including such amazing species as Gardner in 1840, is found in the Coconut Neonothopanus gardneri, Forests (Mata dos Cocais), a transitional with its environment. Only stipticus and luxaeterna. biome between the Amazon forest and Often the entire fungal organism Caatinga (a desert-like region), of the recently some clues of ‘how’ (i.e. mushroom and mycelium) is central and northeastern Brazilian states and ‘why’ fungi produce light bioluminescent but this is not true of of Maranhão, Piauí, Tocantins and Goiás. all luminescent species. Only the stipe N. gardneri is one of the biggest and have been revealed. of M. luxaeterna is luminescent with brightest known bioluminescent all other tissues non-luminescent. The mushrooms, the diameter reaching

98 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 10 cm. It grows on decaying fronds still attached to the base of young babassu palms (). Since they look like a flower growing on the palm tree, it is locally called ‘flor-de-coco’ (coconut flower). This fungus belongs to the same lineage as olearius, commonly known as the Jack-o’-lantern mushroom. All tissues except the spores are strongly luminescent in nature and the lab. Both dried mushrooms and mycelium cultures are used to generate reproducible light in vitro from aqueous extracts, which is brighter and more easily observed than extracts from other fungal species.

How fungi produce light Bioluminescence, the enzymic production of light from living organisms, has evolved independently multiple times with over 40 extant systems. In general, the bioluminescent reaction involves the oxidation of a small molecule substrate, termed luciferin, by an enzyme generically known as luciferase in the presence of molecular oxygen. The oxidation yields an unstable peroxide intermediate, whose decomposition leads to the formation of oxidized luciferin (oxyluciferin) in an excited high-energy molecular state. Light is emitted as the excited oxyluciferin decays to its lower energy ground state. Each independent bioluminescent system has its own unique and non-homologous luciferase enzyme and luciferin substrate, although in some marine bioluminescent systems the same luciferin (coelenterazine) is used and obtained by some organisms through the food chain. Most lineages of life have examples of bioluminescence, notable exceptions being mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and the entire Mushrooms of the fungus N. gardneri attached to the base of a babassu palm in the municipality of Altos, PI, Plantae and Archaea kingdoms. Brazil. N. gardneri is one of the brightest and largest bioluminescent mushrooms in the world. Cassius V. Stevani

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 99 Historically, there has been pathway has yet to be determined, but is Oxygenation Event (2.3 Gya). Oxygen- controversy whether the abundant likely the same among all bioluminescent consuming bioluminescent reactions green light from fungi was true fungal lineages as extracts can be generate light as an alternative to other bioluminescence or due to spontaneous crossed among species and still yield oxygen-consuming reactions that generate ultraweak photon emission light. Given that the quantum yield, the heat. In most luminescent organisms, generated from oxidative stress. In ratio of photon emission per excited this light byproduct was harnessed for 2009, the enzymic nature of fungal molecule, of most luminescent systems some additional ecological function, such bioluminescence was confirmed is higher than 0.5, it is reasonable to as communication, predation, mating, through the in vitro emission of 533 nm expect the fungal system to consume repulsion, etc. It is hypothesised that light from cellular extracts. The fungal up to two molecules of NADPH or NADH fungal light emission functions primarily luciferin can be obtained from the hot in the light-emitting steps alone. It is to rid cells of reactive oxygen species

aqueous extract of dried mushrooms. also reasonable to assume that fungi do The enzymes that react with the luciferin, not spend energy in a haphazard way. Acrylic resin mushroom used in ecological studies of namely a luciferin-hydroxylase and a Indeed, at least in mycelium cultures of N. N. gardneri. Cassius V. Stevani luciferase, can be obtained from the gardneri, fungal bioluminescence is ruled produced during respiration and lignin crude aqueous protein extract, separated by a circadian clock. Cultures trained in degradation (in the case of fungi). Given by ultracentrifugation into soluble a 12 h/12 h light/dark climatic chamber that fungal luminescence is diurnally (hydroxylase) and insoluble/membrane- maintain a 24 h period of light intensity regulated and not solely dependent associated protein fractions (luciferase). fluctuation with peak luminescence on growth rate, it is very likely that Components of protein fractions, around 10 p.m. after transfer to a light emission serves some secondary NADH or NADPH, and luciferin are dark growth chamber. Similarly, the ecological function as well. required for light emission in vitro. The relative activities of the fungal luciferin- It is hypothesised the light functions first step of light emission is the NAD(P) hydroxylase, luciferase and luciferin also ecologically as an attractant of insects, H-dependent hydroxylation of fungal peak around the same hour. which help in fungal propagule dispersal. luciferin precursor followed by the Mushrooms are sessile and require help to subsequent oxidation of the hydroxylated Why do fungi glow? disperse the spores to colonise substrates luciferin by the membrane-associated It is hypothesised that bioluminescence in new locations. Some achieve this fungal luciferase. The detailed reaction first evolved in response to the Great through the use of winds that can carry

100 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk

lightweight spores, and others must rely transport of propagules by arthropods luminescence and arthropod attraction on animals when propagules are unable provides an effective means of dispersal has evolutionary significance in this to be carried by wind. This has been and grants some advantage to fungi, ecological niche remains unanswered.

observed with other fungi such as the especially in dense forests. stinkhorn mushroom ( Phallus), Given this, additional experiments Hans E. Waldenmaier, Anderson whose foul, carrion-like odour attracts were designed to test whether the G. Oliveira, Jennifer J. Loros, insects that disperse its spore-rich jelly- light from N. gardneri mushrooms Jay C. Dunlap & Cassius V. Stevani like gleba. Arthropods are well known attract insects capable of dispersing Instituto de Química – USP, 05508-000 to be attracted to light, a street lamp spores. Acrylic resin phony mushrooms Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil being a common example. Hence, it is illuminated by green light-emitting diode [email protected]

reasonable to suspect that night-time (LED)“ lights were made that resemble typical N. gardneri basidiomes, in effect Further reading to trick the insects; non-luminescent Desjardin, D. E., Oliveira, A. G. & Stevani, plastic ‘mushrooms’ lacked the LED C. V. (2008). Fungi bioluminescence revisited. It is reasonable to suspect but looked and smelled alike otherwise. Photochem Photobiol Sci 7, 170–182. If bioluminescence matters to the Oliveira, A. G. & Stevani, C. V. (2009). The that night-time transport of insects then they should be attracted enzymatic nature of fungal bioluminescence. more to the lit acrylic mushrooms than Photochem Photobiol Sci 8, 1416–1421. propagules by arthropods to the unlit ones. Indeed, when these Oliveira, A. G. & others (2012). Evidence fake mushrooms were placed in the that a single bioluminescent system is provides an effective means forest habitat of N. gardneri and covered shared by all known bioluminescent fungal of dispersal and grants some in a scentless glue, hemipterans (true lineages. Photochem Photobiol Sci 11, bugs), dipterans (flies), hymenopterans 848–852. advantage to fungi, especially (wasps and ants) and other coleopterans Oliveira, A. G. & others (2015). Circadian (beetles) in addition to rove beetles control sheds light on fungal bioluminescence. in dense forests. were captured by the LED-lit acrylic Curr Biol 25, 964–968. mushrooms in greater numbers than Purtov, K. V. & others (2015). The chemical the dark acrylic mushrooms. Whether basis of fungal bioluminescence. Angew Chem “ this correlation between peak Int Ed doi:10.1002/anie.201501779.

Spiders use the bioluminescence of N. gardneri mushrooms the same way they use street lights. In the case of Brazilian Wandering Spiders, that cannot build spiderwebs, they stay closer to the mushroom waiting for their prey. Cassius V. Stevani

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 101 Going green through co-operation: the origins of chloroplasts Phoebe Tickell and Richard G. Dorrell

‘Life did not take over the globe by combat, but by networking’ Lynn Margulis

Machines of life: from cyanobacteria using captured sunlight, into energy- to chloroplast rich sugars and oxygen. Light. It’s all around us. We rely on plants This major biological feat and algae to make use of its energy, transformed the geochemistry of the through the process of photosynthesis. planet, enriching the atmosphere with Photosynthesis within bacteria evolved oxygen, and shaping the biosphere early in Earth’s history. Around 3.6 as we know it today. At the same billion years ago, cyanobacteria (blue- time, photosynthetic organisms have green algae) adopted the main form of diversified. Not only is photosynthesis photosynthesis we see today, in which found within the bacteria, it is used carbon dioxide and water are converted, by a wide range of eukaryotes, from

102 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk of cyanobacteria. Today, it is widely accepted that chloroplasts evolved through the merging of two cells into a single lineage.

The permanent house-guest: integration and streamlining Since the initial endosymbiotic event, the host cell and chloroplasts have had to learn to co-operate with one another, setting the stage for a permanent residency (Fig. 1). Chloroplasts, for example, supply the host with sugars and other compounds synthesised through photosynthesis, and the host supplies essential metabolites and co-factors to the chloroplast (Fig. 1). In addition, the host physically controls the chloroplast, coordinating its replication, and protecting it from environmental stresses, ensuring that each daughter cell inherits a functional chloroplast (Fig. 1). This physiological integration has been underpinned by changes to the genomes of the host nucleus and the chloroplast. Most dramatically, chloroplast genomes have undergone Light micrograph of Glaucocystis sp. algae. Michael Abbey / Science Photo Library Phoebe Tickell and Richard G. Dorrell massive streamlining. While free-living cyanobacteria contain upwards of 3,000 unicellular algae and giant seaweeds developed further in the 1960s by Lynn genes, chloroplast genomes generally in the oceans to plants that flourish Margulis. Margulis theorised that an retain fewer than 250. on land. What is common to all these early eukaryote engulfed a free-living Many of the genes that were eukaryotes? Cyanobacteria-like cyanobacterium, and converted it into a streamlined from chloroplast genomes chloroplasts. cellular organelle (Fig. 1). This process is have been transferred into the nucleus called endosymbiosis. of the host (Fig. 1). Remarkably, the The merge: when two became one Margulis’ hypothesis was initially host cell was able to re-introduce the Microscopists have long recognised that viewed with much scepticism. Before expression products of some of these the structure and staining properties of her ideas were eventually published genes, now translated in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts are very similar to those in 1967, they had been rejected by back into the chloroplast (Fig. 1). of some free-living bacteria. In 1910, fifteen scientific journals! However, Nucleus-encoded chloroplast proteins the Russian biologist Mereschkowsky experimental evidence has since left the gain targeting sequences that guide postulated that chloroplasts not only theory uncontested. Most significantly, the protein ‘home’, across a complex resembled prokaryotes, but were chloroplasts possess their own protein import machinery. These indeed remnants of once free-living genomes, and these have been shown nucleus-encoded, chloroplast-originated bacteria. Mereschkowsky’s ideas were to be closely related to the genomes proteins allow the host to directly

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 103 1. Process of endosymbiosis Non-photosynthetic eukaryotic host Photosynthetic bacterium (primary endosymbiosis) or (photosynthetic if serial endosymbiosis) eukaryote (secondary/tertiary endosymbiosis)

Engulfment pathogen Plasmodium, a member of the of symbiont apicomplexan group (Fig. 2). This group of eukaryotes descended from algae but has secondarily lost the ability to photosynthesise, and instead survives Conversion into permanent organelle through parasitism (Fig. 2). Even more unusual chloroplasts are 2. Co-operative evolutionary events required for permanent residency found elsewhere. Some dinoflagellates Metabolite exchange between Relocation of chloroplast Expression and import of Inheritance of chloroplast have chloroplasts that appear to be host and chloroplast genes to host nucleus nucleus-encoded proteins by each daughter cell during derived through the ingestion of an alga into chloroplast host division with a secondary chloroplast (diatoms, and haptophytes), in a proposed ‘tertiary endosymbiosis’ (Fig. 2). These

chloroplasts are also believed to have

arisen through ‘serial endosymbiotic’ events, in which a dinoflagellate that possessed secondary chloroplasts underwent a subsequent endosymbiotic event, swapping its original chloroplasts with new chloroplasts of a novel

phylogenetic origin. It is now debated Fig. 1. The endosymbiotic evolution of chloroplasts from captured microbes. R. Dorell & P. Tickell whether some other chloroplast control the physiology of the engulfed an existing red or green alga, lineages, such as those of diatoms, chloroplast through altering nuclear already containing a primary chloroplast, might have also actually arisen gene expression. In addition, the host has to form a eukaryote–eukaryote through complex tertiary and serial adapted some of its own genes to also partnership, effectively a ‘meta-alga’. The endosymbiotic events. encode chloroplast-targeted proteins. ‘meta-algae’ include environmentally

This has allowed the host to effectively important lineages, such as kelps, Weird and wonderful more recent “ ‘customise’ the biology of the chloroplast diatoms, haptophytes (who also form symbioses: kleptomaniacs to suit its needs. the principal component of chalk) and The primary chloroplast endosymbiosis dinoflagellates (which, amongst other and their secondary endosymbiotic A rich tapestry of evolution: roles, are the photosynthetic component derivatives have had profound effects diversity and promiscuity of corals) (Fig. 2). Perhaps most atypical on eukaryotic life. However, in addition The endosymbiotic integration of within the ‘meta-algae’ is the malaria to these conventional chloroplasts, a cyanobacteria has spawned an overwhelming array of chloroplast lineages. A single primary A traditional view of evolution is one driven solely by endosymbiosis gave rise to three groups: the green algae (and their descendants, competition and a vertical transmission of genes. The the plants), the red algae (which includes the edible seaweed nori), and the fascinating world of endosymbiosis throws a spanner in the glaucophytes (Fig. 2). However, the majority of algal works, shedding light on complex partnerships, which blur the diversity comes from another form boundaries between organisms. of genomic gymnastics: secondary endosymbiosis. Here, a new host 104 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk“ number of organisms demonstrate that stolen chloroplasts (‘kleptoplasts’) found fascinating world of endosymbiosis endosymbiosis is a continual driving in the green sea slug Elysia chlorotica. throws a spanner in the works, shedding force in evolution, and give us insights Young Elysia feed on the alga Vaucheria light on complex partnerships, which into how chloroplasts first evolved. litorea, and harvest the chloroplasts. blur the boundaries between organisms. Paulinella chromatophora is a These are maintained over the entire The capture of a photosynthetic freshwater amoeba, which contains lifespan of the sea slug, which needs cyanobacteria-like prokaryote over a chloroplasts (Fig. 2). Surprisingly, not feed again (Fig. 2). While it is not billion years ago paved the path for these chloroplasts are unrelated to certain whether these chloroplasts eukaryotes to thrive on the Sun’s energy, all other chloroplast lineages and are functional inside the host, or are and transformed life as we see it today. instead appear to have originated from merely stored as food resources, a a separate primary endosymbiosis, recent fluorescent labelling study has Phoebe Tickell involving a different cyanobacterial indicated the presence of an algal gene Department of Life Sciences, Imperial symbiont. Notably, examples have been on an Elysia chromosome, suggesting College London, South Kensington documented in Paulinella of genome gene transfer has happened again. Could Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK streamlining, gene transfer to the this intricate partnership represent an nucleus and the import of nucleus- ‘endosymbiosis in progress’? Only (a lot Richard G. Dorrell encoded proteins into the chloroplast, of) time will tell! Department of Biology, École Normale cementing their importance for Supérieure, 46, Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, the conversion of chloroplasts into Conclusion France permanent organelles. A traditional view of evolution is one [email protected] Perhaps the most weird and driven solely by competition and a wonderful chloroplast lineage are the vertical transmission of genes. The Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank Dr Leila Cyanobacteria Tirichine and Dr Zhanru Shao (École Normale Supérieure); Professor Alison Smith and Dr Katherine Helliwell (University of Cambridge); Primary chloroplasts Dr Nic Blouin (University of Rhode Island); Plants Green algae Red algae Glaucophytes Paulinella and the contributors to Micro*scope (http:// pinkava.asu.edu/starcentral/microscope) and Encyclopedia of Life (www.eol.org), for the Secondary chloroplasts kind provision of images featured in Fig. 2. Chlorarachniophytes Euglenids Dinoflagellates Haptophytes Diatoms Kelps Xanthophytes Cryptomonads Further reading Dorrell, R. G. & Smith, A. G. (2011). Do red and S S green make brown? Perspectives on plastid Other chloroplasts Apicomplexans Tertiary dinoflagellates Elysia acquisitions within chromalveolates. Euk Cell 10, 856–868. Nakayama, T. & Archibald, J. M. (2012). Evolving a photosynthetic organelle. BMC Biol Primary symbiosis Loss of photosynthesis 10, 35. doi:10.1186/1741-7007-10-35. Secondary endosymbiosis of green algae Kleptoplastidy Secondary endosymbiosis of red algae S Serial endosymbiosis event Schwartz, J. A., Curtis, N. E. & Pierce, S. K. Tertiary endosymbiosis (2014). FISH labelling reveals a horizontally transferred algal (Vaucheria litorea) nuclear Fig. 2. The diversity of photosynthetic eukaryotes. Each arrow corresponds to a separate proposed gene on a sea slug (Elysia chlorotica) endosymbiotic event. Lineages that are shown surrounded by a black box are believed to have arisen through chromosome. Biol Bull 227, 300–312. the same endosymbiosis. Images are not to scale. R. Dorell / P.Tickle / Micro*scope / Encyclopedia of Life

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 105 2012 marked the centennial anniversary of Stillman Berry’s description of a erry could not have imagined at the time of his reports species of Hawaiian bobtail squid named Euprymna scolopes. The original squid Bthat this small squid would facilitate our understanding of species samples, collected during an expedition sponsored by the United States how symbioses between animals Bureau of Fisheries, were obtained near the island of Molokai in the Hawaiian and bacteria develop and evolve. Euprymna scolopes, like many other archipelago. A later report highlighted that the squid are quite prevalent among nocturnal marine animals, produces light for a behaviour called ‘counter- all the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, these nocturnal animals can even be found illumination’. By illuminating the swimming in shallow water within inches of the shoreline in contrast to other seafloor with light emitted from the ventral side of its mantle, E. scolopes similar species that are usually found at much greater depths. can disrupt the shadow cast by

Tim Miyashiro Adult E. scolopes collected in offshore water in Oahu, Hawaii.T. Miyashiro The curious meeting of two partners: the squid– vibrio symbiosis

106 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk moonlight or starlight and Squid husbandry and V. fischeri embryos will hatch and can be raised consequently avoid detection from genetics ‘apo-symbiotically’, or in the absence of below. This light, also known as Key to the success of the squid–vibrio V. fischeri. Such apo-symbiotic samples bioluminescence, is emitted by symbiosis field has been the ability to have enabled researchers to control populations of a marine bacterium study the two partners independently. for the changes in the host that are called Vibrio fischeri that E. scolopes V. fischeri transmission is horizontal, independent of V. fischeri colonisation. houses within a dedicated structure i.e. E. scolopes juvenile squid hatch V. fischeri is a gammaproteobacterium, called the ‘light organ’. Research of from their eggs un-colonised and and many of the molecular tools this mutualistic association over the acquire V. fischeri symbionts from the generated for use in Escherichia coli have past 25 years has revealed insight surrounding seawater. Approximately been directly implemented in studying into the core principles associated every 2 weeks, an E. scolopes female lays V. fischeri. In particular, transposon with co-evolved host–microbe a clutch of eggs that can number in the mutagenesis, allelic exchange vectors, interactions. hundreds. Within 3–4 weeks, the mature and gene expression reporters have been

Adult E. scolopes collected in offshore water in Oahu, Hawaii.T. Miyashiro

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 107 instrumental in parsing the bacterial factors involved in symbiosis. Within the last decade, the genome sequencing of various V. fischeri strains has also provided insight into co-evolution of mutualism. For instance, in 2009, Dr Mark Mandel (Northwestern University) and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that the acquisition of a gene encoding a regulatory protein by a non-symbiotic strain of V. fischeri enabled the bacterium Light organ extracted from juvenile squid. Fluorescently labelled V. fischeri populations are shown in green. to colonise the squid light organ. Arm-like, ciliated appendages are visible on either side of the light organ. T. Miyashiro The light organ and the ‘exclusive contract’ The light organ represents an exquisite result of co-evolution between an animal and its microbial symbiont. The light organ is a bi-lobed structure that appears during embryogenesis. Within hours of hatching, the squid acquires V. fischeri symbionts from the surrounding seawater. Individual V. fischeri cells initially attach to cilia located on the surface of the light organ and are subsequently propelled to three pores located on each side. Using flagella-based motility, V. fischeri cells swim through the pores and eventually enter epithelial-lined diverticula, referred to as crypt spaces. In return for their bioluminescence, populations of V. fischeri located within these crypt spaces receive shelter and peptides from the squid host. The light organ also consists of reflector and lens tissues that guide the light away from the mantle cavity. A pivotal moment that launched the squid–vibrio symbiosis into the spotlight was reported in 1991 by Drs Margaret J. McFall-Ngai and Edward (Ned) G. Ruby (University of Wisconsin-Madison), then at the Anesthetised adult E. scolopes with dissection in ventral side of mantle. Light organ (boxed) contains University of Southern California. They 8 approximately 10 V. fischeri cells. T. Miyashiro had discovered that colonisation of the

108 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk

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of an undergraduate degree in life sciences. Courses in microbiology, The squid–vibrio symbiosis continues to offer researchers immunology, pathogenesis, evolution, biochemistry and molecular biology the opportunity to explore the basic principles underlying typically contain content associated with host–microbe interactions. Due highly specific host–microbe interactions. to the binary nature of the partner association, the squid–vibrio symbiosis has emerged as a useful and exciting nascent light organ by V. fischeri resulted autoinducers. The primary receptor of system to model non-pathogenic host– in massive alterations in the organ, the autoinducer is a transcription factor, microbe interactions in the classroom. including loss of ciliated, microvillous LuxR, which activates transcription of Rather than causing a disease, infection surfaces associated with the arm-like the lux genes that encode the enzyme of E. scolopes by V. fischeri provides appendages protruding from the organ. responsible for bioluminescence. the benefit of light production to the Furthermore, the host epithelial cells In essence, V. fischeri can use the host. Various bacterial phenotypes, e.g. comprising the appendages undergo autoinducer concentration as a measure motility and bioluminescence, are easily apoptosis upon bacterial colonisation of cell density, thereby only producing explored using V. fischeri within the “and have completely regressed light when there is a sufficient number classroom and laboratory. within adult animals. A subsequent of cells. The cells are so sensitive to study showed that lipopolysaccharide autoinducers that researchers often Future directions and peptidoglycan components refer to these signalling molecules as The squid–vibrio symbiosis shed by V. fischeri are responsible bacterial pheromones. continues to offer researchers the for this regression. The monomer Bioluminescence appears to be opportunity to explore the basic of peptidoglycan is also known as the primary function of V. fischeri while principles underlying highly specific tracheal cytotoxin and involved in the in symbiosis with E. scolopes. Mutants host–microbe interactions. Sequencing pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis of V. fischeri that are deficient in light the genomes of E. scolopes and other and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These production, e.g. mutants lack either the Euprymna spp. will allow the use of compelling examples of how beneficial lux genes or ability to respond to quorum comparative genomics approaches to microbes, and their conserved sensing, are rejected by the host. reveal novel host-derived factors that microbial components, can shape the More recently, evidence that the squid promote symbiont specificity. Single-cell developmental programme of animals host prefers dim strains of V. fischeri imaging and transcriptomics approaches have had a resounding impact on current has emerged. For instance, Dr Cheryl promise new insight into the population research, including the gut microbiota Whistler (University of New Hampshire) dynamics that occur among V. fischeri research field. and colleagues found that introduction of cells. Together, these approaches that bright V. fischeri strains that propagate use the squid–vibrio symbiosis will Quorum sensing and light within the host eventually yield dim continue to reveal the mechanisms production variants of V. fischeri. Future experiments underlying animal–microbial Gene expression has been a focus of to characterise the mutations associated symbioses. many laboratories studying the squid– with these dim phenotypes may provide vibrio symbiosis. Within the light organ, further knowledge into the selective Tim Miyashiro V. fischeri cells coordinate light pressures experienced by V. fischeri Biochemistry and Molecular Biology production using quorum sensing, inside of the light organ. Department, Penn State University, which describes an intracellular form 410 S. Frear Building, University Park, of communication that involves the Scientific education PA 16801, USA synthesis, export and detection of In some ways, the topic of host–microbe [email protected] small signalling molecules, called interactions represents the culmination

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 109 Infrared sheds light on host– pathogen interaction

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis provides valuable information about how a pathogen affects and interacts with its host.

Tom Grunert

110 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Infrared spectroscopy through the sample. Or, alternatively, acid chains and phosphorus- measures molecular vibrations the information at all frequencies is containing biomolecules of membrane The infrared region is flanked by the measured simultaneously using Fourier components (e.g. phospholipids), visible region and the microwave region transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). proteins and peptides of the bacterial of the electromagnetic spectrum. The The latter approach is preferentially cell as well as polysaccharides present infrared region spans wavelengths employed due to improved speed and in the cell wall and potentially the between 780 nm and 1 mm and the signal-to-noise ratio. bacterial capsule. frequency used in infrared spectra Today, FTIR spectroscopy is is expressed per convention as The bacterial commonly used for microbial species ‘wavenumber’, the number of waves metabolic fingerprint identification. However, due to its per centimetre that equals to 12,000 A FTIR spectrum of intact microbial cells high discriminatory power, bacterial and 10 cm–1. is like a unique fingerprint signature typing at subspecies level and strain Infrared spectroscopy takes and the bacterial metabolic state can be characterisation is probably the advantage of the fact that molecules determined from its spectrum. The FTIR most promising feature of microbial absorb infrared light of very specific spectroscopic patterns represent an FTIR spectroscopy. Employing resonant frequencies, which are overlap of all biochemical constituents pattern recognition methods such as characteristic of their molecular of the bacterial cell including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), structure. When the frequency of the polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids principal component analysis (PCA) infrared light matches the frequency and fatty acids. Spectral resolution is and artificial neural network analysis of an atomic bond or functional group, enhanced by derivative transformation (ANN) was shown to be useful to (1) molecular vibration occurs. Depending on resolving approximately 50 to 70 study stress responses of bacteria the molecular structure, a combination spectral features in the MID-infrared in vitro, (2) characterise growth of several vibrational states is excited spectral range between 4,000 cm-1 and phenomena (e.g. media-, temperature-, comprising molecular stretching, 400 cm-1. Assignments to functional phase-dependent), and (3) differentiate scissoring, rocking, wagging and twisting. groups and biomolecules are based serotypes/phenotypes within a The information about the absorbed on these specific absorption bands. bacterial species. energy at each frequency, the infrared These bands are primarily sensitive spectrum, is obtained by scanning the to compositional and quantitative Host–pathogen interaction intensity of infrared radiation before differences of biochemical compounds. followed by FTIR spectroscopy and after passage of the infrared beam In addition, many absorption bands can Bacteria evolved the ability to quickly through the sample. This can be achieved also detect structural changes, intra- adapt to changing environments and either by a ‘dispersive’ or ‘scanning and intermolecular interactions (e.g. developed a large array of mechanisms monochromator’ approach, where only membrane fluidity) and conformational to evade or counteract host immune one frequency at the same time passes states such as protein secondary responses. The knowledge about the structures. In general, microbial FTIR specific mechanism employed by a spectra can be subdivided into several particular pathotype is important to Rainbow spectrum on textured background. spectral windows based on their specific develop an appropriate prevention and/ Tom Grunert Damocless / iStock / Thinkstock biochemical constituents, including fatty or therapeutic strategy.

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FTIR spectroscopy is a fast, economical and valuable tool to provide novel insight into the ability of pathogens to adapt to their host environment during the progression of infection.

The emergence of specific polysaccharide expression was shown phenotypes associated with to be an important feature associated persistence and chronicity of infection with S. aureus chronicity. Immune-based was described for the important assays are commonly performed to human and animal pathogen detect S. aureus capsular polysaccharide Staphylococcus aureus. The so-called expression. However, chemometrics- “small-colony variants (SCVs) are assisted FTIR spectroscopy was shown slow-growing, frequently unstable to be an alternative to identify capsule- Coloured transmission electron micrograph of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. expressing (serotype 5 and 8) and subpopulations with increased Dr Kari Lounatmaa / Science Photo Library resistance to antibiotics compared non-expressing strains (NT) in a much with the normal phenotype. FTIR faster, cheaper and easier way. As one show that FTIR spectroscopy might spectroscopy was able to follow the can expect, spectroscopically relevant be a valuable approach for tracking a dynamic processes of the revertible information was found to be limited bacterial phenotype in the infected host switching between SCVs and the normal to polysaccharides originated from for diagnostic and research purposes phenotype. In addition, loss of capsular the bacterial capsule. Both examples and might provide important information about the progression of infection and host adaptive processes. The development of metritis and endometritis of dairy cows is influenced by the diversity and the dynamics of the uterine micro- organisms. FTIR spectroscopy was used to follow the changing composition of microbiota during progression of the uterine clearance process of post- partum cows. Specific subtypes of Streptococcus uberis and the uterine health status categorised in different vaginal discharge scores were linked. Spectral ranges used for discrimination are associated to lipid, protein and polysaccharide biomolecular structures. It was shown that FTIR spectroscopy is Colonies of L. monocytogenes and a bacterial metabolic fingerprint.T. Grunert able to discriminate between distinct

112 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Further reading Coloured transmission electron micrograph of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Becker, K. & others (2006). Fourier-transform Dr Kari Lounatmaa / Science Photo Library infrared spectroscopic analysis is a powerful tool for studying the dynamic changes in biotypes within the same species after continued in vitro passaging of the Staphylococcus aureus small-colony variants. occurring during progression of uterine pathogen on standard growth media J Clin Microbiol 44, 3274–3278. clearance. the specific host signatures were not Grunert, T. & others (2014). Deciphering host The food-borne human pathogen, ingrained and disappeared, suggesting genotype-specific impacts on the metabolic Listeria monocytogenes, is one of the a revertible metabolic memory of the fingerprint of Listeria monocytogenes by FTIR most widely used model organisms bacteria. spectroscopy. PLoS One 9, e115959. to study host–pathogen interaction Grunert, T. & others (2013). Rapid and reliable and host adaptive mechanism. FTIR Summary identification of Staphylococcus aureus capsular spectroscopy was used to monitor FTIR spectroscopy is a fast, economical serotypes by means of artificial neural metabolic adaptations of this bacterium and valuable tool to provide novel network-assisted Fourier transform infrared to three different mouse genotypes, insight into the ability of pathogens to spectroscopy. J Clin Microbiol. 51, 2261–2266. showing a different extent of host adapt to their host environment during Naumann, D. (2000). In Encyclopedia of infection susceptibility. The re-isolated the progression of infection. A better Analytical Chemistry, pp. 102–131. Edited by bacteria derived from the specific understanding of the unique bacterial R. A. Meyers. Chichester: Wiley. host genetic backgrounds showed metabolic fingerprint associated with Wagener, K. & others (2014). Dynamics characteristic metabolic fingerprints the individual host and infection site of uterine infections with Escherichia coli, associated with changes in the protein may also help to develop personalised Streptococcus uberis and Trueperella pyogenes secondary structure of the bacterial treatment concepts. in post-partum dairy cows and their association cell. Multivariate statistical analysis of with clinical endometritis. Vet J 202, 527–532. spectral data could clearly differentiate Tom Grunert Wenning, M. & Scherer, S. (2013). Identification between the host-passaged bacteria and Institute of Microbiology, of microorganisms by FTIR spectroscopy: revealed a correlation between bacterial vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, perspectives and limitations of the method. Appl spectroscopic pattern and the host’s 1210 Vienna, Austria Microbiol Biotechnol 97, 7111–7120. susceptibility to infection. However, [email protected]

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 113 From the photosynthetic pathways in cyanobacteria, to the New germicidal effects of ultraviolet light, the biological effects of light on micro-organisms are antimicrobial wide-ranging, and can have either positive or negative effects strategies on cell life. In terms of microbial inactivation, the germicidal properties of light – specifically appearing ultraviolet light – have long been established. However, more recently, evidence of the out of antimicrobial effects of violet- blue light has been generating the blue considerable attention as an alternative method for a range of antimicrobial and infection- control applications.

Michelle Maclean, John G. Anderson & Scott J. MacGregor acterial inactivation using violet- methods of antimicrobial treatment or blue light has emerged as an area decontamination, in an area where novel Bof increasing research interest. technologies are increasingly required Although less biocidal than ultraviolet due to the problems of antibiotic and (UV) light, visible violet-blue light, disinfectant resistance. with particular emphasis on a narrow wavelength band centred on 405 nm, Susceptibility to violet-blue light has proved effective for inactivation The biocidal effect of violet-blue light of a range of microbial species. represents a photodynamic inactivation The exploitation of this wavelength mechanism that involves the absorption region may provide alternative of photons in the region of 405 nm by

114 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Michelle Maclean, John G. Anderson & Scott J. MacGregor University of Strathclyde endogenous porphyrin molecules within damage will be induced in exposed and as food- and water-borne microbial cells. This absorption initiates microbial cells. pathogens, such as Staphylococcus excitation of the porphyrin molecules, Laboratory studies have aureus including MRSA, Clostridium and excited porphyrins interact with demonstrated the broad antimicrobial difficile, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas oxygen or cell components to produce activity of 405 nm light and the wider aeruginosa, Campylocbacter jejuni reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing violet-blue wavelengths for inactivation and Listeria monocytogenes. Bacterial oxidative damage and microbial cell of micro-organisms in liquids, on susceptibility to violet-blue light death. Cell death has been accredited to surfaces and in biofilms. Publications inactivation tends to be species- oxidative damage to the cell membrane; have documented the susceptibility dependent; however, the general however, it is likely that, due to the non- of a range of problematic bacteria of trend suggests that Gram-positive selective nature of ROS, multi-target significance in the clinical environment bacteria tend to be more susceptible

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 115 organism that can colonise the human Bacterial Yeast Gram- Gram- Oxygen- stomach and is associated with peptic Viruses & fungal & negative positive sensitive ulcers, has also been demonstrated spores fungi bacteria bacteria bacteria in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Due to the range of bacterial species that are successfully inactivated by Increasing susceptibility violet-blue light, its potential use for wound decontamination has also been proposed in a number of publications, and the finding that bactericidal doses General trend of the sensitivity of micro-organisms to violet-blue light inactivation. Groupings are used as of violet-blue light do not appear to a general indication, as there is overlapping sensitivity between different types of micro-organisms.M. Maclean adversely affect mammalian cells or wound healing supports this potential to inactivation than Gram-negative Range of inactivation application area. species. Clostridium vegetative cells Although the inactivation efficacy of and Campylobacter species have been violet-blue light wavelengths is much A safe and clean option shown to be particularly susceptible to lower than that of germicidal UV-light, The safety advantages which permit inactivation and this is accredited to the significant microbial inactivation can human exposure have also led to the

high sensitivity of these organisms to still be demonstrated, with up to 9-log10 development of an antimicrobial 405 nm oxidative damage due to their aero- orders of bacterial reduction being light system for occupied ‘whole-room’ intolerant nature. recorded. However, this significant environmental decontamination, a The effectiveness of 405 nm light disadvantage in terms of its efficacy research area that has been pioneered for microbial inactivation has also is balanced by the fact that the lower by scientists at the University of been demonstrated against fungal energy photons of violet-blue light cause Strathclyde, and was awarded the Times organisms including moulds and less material degradation, and can, Higher Education Research Project of yeasts such as Candida, with vegetative unlike germicidal UV-light, be safely the Year award in 2011. The work at structures showing similar-to-increased utilised in the presence of people or Strathclyde has developed a ceiling- susceptibility to that of Gram-negative indeed exposed mammalian tissue. mounted lighting system that utilises bacteria. In addition to vegetative These increased safety aspects, coupled 405 nm light to provide continuous microbial cells, bacterial endospores and with the wide antimicrobial efficacy of decontamination of the air and exposed fungal conidiospores have demonstrated violet-blue light, have opened up a range contact surfaces within occupied susceptibility to violet-blue light; of potential antimicrobial and infection- hospital wards and rooms. however, as would be expected, control applications for this light-based Evaluation of the disinfection these dormant structures display technology. efficacy of the system was determined much greater resilience, requiring The use of violet-blue light for by collection of environmental samples approximately 10 times the light energy clinical applications has received from a range of ‘frequently touched’ for a similar level of inactivation. The considerable interest and various topics contact surfaces around illuminated viricial effects of violet-blue light have have been investigated. Photodynamic rooms – such as bed rails, door handles, not yet been fully determined, although therapy using 405-420 nm light has bed table, etc. – before, during and after a recent study using bacteriophage proven to have bactericidal effects use of the 405 nm light system. Results demonstrated the high energies required against Propionibacterium acnes, the from a range of hospital-based studies for inactivation when suspended in causative agent in acne vulgaris, and involving Intensive Care and Burns Units, minimal media – an effect that was subsequent therapeutic use of light as well as other clinical locations, have anticipated and understandable due to of these wavelengths has been found demonstrated that use of the system can the absence of porphyrins within viral to alleviate the condition. Blue light significantly improve the environmental structures. eradication of Helicobacter pylori, an ‘cleanliness’ of the illuminated area,

116 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk

with bacterial contamination application of a technology that can For environmental decontamination levels being reduced by as much provide continuous decontamination of purposes, the emphasis to date has

as 90% in some cases. These results occupied environments, whilst causing been the application of 405 nm light for from extensive evaluations within no disruption to normal activities in hospital decontamination, but there are the clinical environment have the room, is an area of intense interest. other areas of significant interest such demonstrated that significant reductions Although it remains to be established, as its application for maintenance of in the levels of environmental bacterial it is anticipated and logical to assume clean room sterility and for sensitive food contaminants, including transmissible that reductions in the environmental bio- production and preparation areas. Overall, pathogens, can be achieved, over and burden should translate to a reduction the evidence of the antimicrobial effects

above those attainable by standard in healthcare-associated infections of“ violet-blue light has opened up an area cleaning and disinfection procedures arising from environmental sources, of enormous research interest, ranging alone. such as those transferred directly from from basic mechanistic studies into the Given the increased awareness environment to patient via contaminated photo-inactivation reaction within cells, of the role that contaminated surfaces or air, or indirectly via contact to development of novel antimicrobial environments can play in infection with healthcare workers or visitors methodologies and systems. It can be transmission, particularly within who have unconsciously picked up anticipated that use of these safe, visible the healthcare environment, the contamination from the environment. antimicrobial wavelengths will make a significant contribution to modern The evidence of the antimicrobial effects of violet-blue infection control and environmental decontamination strategies. light has opened up an area of enormous research interest, Michelle Maclean, John G. Anderson ranging from basic mechanistic studies into the photo- & Scott J. MacGregor The Robertson Trust Laboratory for inactivation reaction within cells, to development of novel Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST), University of Strathclyde, antimicrobial methodologies and systems. Glasgow G1 1XW, UK [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Further reading Maclean, M. & others (2009). Inactivation of bacterial pathogens following exposure to light from a 405-nm LED array. Appl Environ Microbiol “ 75, 1932–1937. Maclean, M. & others (2010). Environmental decontamination of a hospital isolation room using high-intensity narrow-spectrum light. J Hosp Infect 76, 247–251. Maclean, M. & others (2014). 405 nm light technology for the inactivation of pathogens and its potential role for environmental disinfection and infection control. J Hosp Infect 88, 1–11. University of Strathclyde

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 117 Publishing

The Society’s journals move to a new online platform and get a fresh look and feel interactive and personalised research environment. From early July, members may have noticed some big Other key features include content changes when browsing a Society journal either online alerts, altmetrics and social sharing, as well as article collections that

or in print. We have launched a new platform and can be curated by subject category experts. This means that papers on rebranded our journals to align with our new branding, hot topics such as Ebola, genomics

or antimicrobial resistance can be launched in 2014. grouped together and made easily discoverable. A new online platform for the Readers can search across the Michael Cairns, CEO of Society’s peer-reviewed content entire range of the Society’s journals for Publishing Technology,“ said of the Over the last year, staff have the content that they need. The platform new platform: “The Society for General been working with Publishing also allows them to log in and save Microbiology is a forward-thinking Technology to build a new, modern their preferences, making it a highly publisher with a clear digital strategy. and streamlined journal platform. The new website (which can be found at Through the new platform, readers will find it easier to discover, use and www.sgmjournals.org) launched at the end of June and has been designed share content. Authors will see their work enriched and will be able to to give users a fast and responsive constantly measure its impact among their peers. experience no matter which device is being used to access it. “Leighton Chipperfield, Director of Publishing and Income Diversification 118 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk I am delighted with the journals’ new branding. It continues to “ strengthen the relationship between the Society and its journals ensuring that all our key stakeholders identify the Society for General Microbiology as a modern, self-publishing organisation.

Dariel Burdass, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy and Communications

The new site integrates our most “of branded areas in the online powerful platform features and we are platform, we created a universal confident that it will deliver a highly system of assets which was achieved interactive, feature-rich experience by introducing the molecular shapes befitting the Society’s reputation for defined in the original identity. We high-quality research.” combined this with type and functional identity assets all supported by large Rebranding the Society’s journals areas of white space. In turn this allowed Following the launch of the Society’s us to bring the previous dated journals new corporate brand in February in line with the overall Society branding, 2014, we turned our attention to the making it easier for the user to recognise Society’s journals and their branding. the family.” Working with the branding agency The result is an entirely new Firedog, and using the Society’s brand look, which has very clear links to essence (see word cloud) as a starting the Society’s corporate brand whilst point, we considered how the Society maintaining the journals’ individuality. would position itself as a modern, self- Firedog has created a clean, publishing operation. contemporary design for the online The new publishing platform can Clifford Boobyer, from Firedog, platform, and fresh, eye-catching covers be accessed at www.sgmjournals.org. outlined: “Working within the restrictions for the print journals. We would welcome any feedback on either the new platform or the new journal branding – please get in touch Flexible via [email protected] with your

Future lasting Encouraging comments or on Twitter @SocGenMicro. Beneficial

Quality Thought Trust ResponsiveFresh Sharp Further reading Communicative edge Altmetrics: The impacts on Impact. Communication looking Trusted Outward Forward Respected thinking Evolving

Authority Modern Microbe Post. http://microb.io/1U06PO8. Rejuvenating Technology Organic Approachable Open Change Last accessed 8 June 2015. Trustworthy Creating an infectious brand. Microbiology Supportive Collegiate Cutting

AdaptableProactive Credible Professional Knowledgeable Today. http://microb.io/1T7hs11. Last InclusiveEducational Authoritative accessed 8 June 2015. RelevanceOutreach Friendly Innovation Social Long Kerry Cole

leaders Head of Sales and Marketing

Simon Hagan Marketing Manager Word cloud outlining the key words associated with our brand.

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 119 Conferences

Future focus Annual Conference 2015 New research and shared results Do you have an idea for a future Focused An extremely interesting conference, good speakers; Meeting? Applications are welcomed for “itinerary brilliant meetings in 2016 and organisers are entitled 2015 Delegate ” to full secretariat support services from the Society. The events can be between Earlier this year, over 1,200 delegates one and two full days of science and can joined us for four amazing days of I really enjoyed the conference. be held independently or jointly with other science and socialising at the Society’s “I thought the sessions provided organisations. You can download the application Annual Conference. were excellent for early career form by visiting www.sgm.ac.uk/proposals and The event attracted local and researchers. the deadline is 14 December 2015. Notification international guests from around ” of successful applications will be made on 15 the world, including delegates from the USA, Australia, Egypt, Singapore, February 2016. Europe and the UK. The conference featured a packed programme of over 300 talks and 330 posters covering a range of microbiology, and included a trade exhibition, a live virology debate on Microbiology meetings It is a great networking opportunity gain-of-function mutations, and live Sharing the knowledge and as a PhD student it serves as a “ link ups with both an astronaut and In addition to Society conferences and meetings, reminder of the ‘bigger picture’ of researchers helping to fight Ebola. there are a wealth of other microbiology microbiology - outside of the lab! Research from the conference events going on across the globe. You can find ” received huge attention from the information on these on our meeting board at press, with researchers appearing in www.sgm.ac.uk/allevents newspapers, on radio stations Another great conference, and on television channels across the globe. “thank you very much! In addition to the packed scientific programme, ” Society-supported this conference gave delegates the chance to talk to the leading Conference Grants professionals during our ‘Meet the Speaker’ and our first ‘Audience With…’ sessions. Up to £2,000 contribution The International Conference Centre It was my first conference also had ample space that delegates Society members who are organising “attendance, first poster used to build networks, catch up with old a conference in 2016 in any field of presentation and I look forward friends and meet new collaborators. microbiology are able to apply for a grant to submitting a poster or The question is, can you afford to of up to £2,000 towards the costs of inviting presentation for next year. miss out? speakers. An application needs to be ” submitted to the Conference Committee Date for your diary and the closing date is 14 December 2015. Notification will be provided to the The Society for General Microbiology Annual Conference applicants by 15 February 2016 and further 2016 information can be found by visiting 21–24 March 2016, ACC Liverpool www.sgm.ac.uk/conferences

120 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Follow the Society on Twitter to keep up-to-date: @SocGenMicro

Focused Meetings FIS 2015 – A spotlight on microbiology Action on Infection International Meeting on Arbroviruses and their Vectors (IMAV) 21–23 November 2015 – SECC Glasgow 7–8 September 2015 – University of Glasgow In November, the Society is proudly hosting the The International Meeting on The Invasive Fungus Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) meeting in 7–9 September 2015 – Mercure Hotel, Manchester Glasgow SECC and on behalf of the 16 UK societies We are fast approaching our September meetings in Glasgow and and organisations, we are delighted with the strong Manchester, and registrations from delegates continue to come in. academic programme that is in place. These meetings compliment our Annual Conference but concentrate Society member Professor Sheila Patrick is on a single area of microbiology. Focused Meetings incorporate this year’s Chair of the Organising Committee. She presentations from leading scientists and opportunities for those new explained to us what the conference is about. to the field to present their research. The theme for FIS 2015 is ’Tackling Infection Beyond 2015’; the idea behind the conference is IMAV 2015 (#IMAV15) topics include: that it’s not just about the threat of antimicrobial • Arbovirus–vector interactions and immune responses resistance (AMR), but whether we can prevent it from • Preventing arbovirus transmission: novel strategies happening. If we don’t do something about AMR we’ll • Arbovirus–vertebrate host interactions call into question not just how we’re able to treat • Vertebrate immune responses to arbovirus infection infectious diseases, but also the success of a range • Arbovirus replication and evolution of medical interventions, including surgery involving the gastrointestinal tract and medical Invasive Fungus (#sgmfungus15) topics include: implants. We’ll also need to think • Hyphal tip growth about the vital role that antibiotics • Tropisms play in other interventions such • Invasion of animal plant tissues as cancer treatment. • Host defence responses “The FIS conference is • Invasion of ecological environments different to many other events because of the range of societies Registrations are welcomed and can be made by visiting involved; they’re all representing www.sgm.ac.uk/conferences different aspects of infection. There’ll be talks on everything from molecular biology through to NEW Focused Meeting: decontamination methods and diagnostics. Industrial Applications of Metal–Microbe Interactions (#IAMMI15) In addition to researchers, there will be a great 9–10 November 2015 – Charles Darwin House, London many clinicians attending the conference. For microbiologists interested in how their work relates Topics will include: to specific aspects of medicine, this is the conference • Biomining for them. FIS represents a transitionary zone between • Biorecovery and bioprocessing fundamental and applied aspects of infectious disease.” • Bioremediation The FIS conference will be held from • Biofabrication of higher value products 21 to 23 November 2015 at the SECC, Glasgow. To register your interest in attending this event, please email Full details about the event can be found at [email protected] http://actiononinfection.com

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 121 Microbiology Matters

The Society has been consulting members over the past year about the grand challenges and policy issues concerning microbiology. We now have our members’ views and they will be used to push microbiology up the policy agenda.

ood microbiology is vital for Policy Committee and staff have been Grand challenges good policy. Antimicrobial reviewing the wealth of information and Microbiology underpins so many global Gresistance, climate change and views gathered from these exercises, issues, that distilling these down to food security are just some of the grand distilling it down into key priorities to priorities proved a grand challenge in challenges facing policy-makers where feed into the review of the Society’s itself for our workshop attendees and microbiology is needed to understand Strategy. the Committee. Nonetheless, some the causes and to provide solutions. Chair of the Policy Committee, clear interlinked priorities emerged But to engage effectively with these Professor Maggie Smith, said, “informing concerning infectious diseases and food challenges microbiologists need to be policy-makers and the wider public security (Figs 1 and 2). It was also clear supported by good science policies about microbiology policy issues is an that climate change and sustainability, concerning funding, regulation and important part of the Society’s work. as well as biotechnology, were important sustainable careers. It is these grand It has been great to see how engaged cross-cutting issues that the Society challenges and cross-cutting issues our membership have been with this should be prioritising. that the Society’s policy team have been consultation process, and we have heard consulting members about over the some really interesting views and issues Cross-cutting issues past year, as we look to prioritise and which we will be taking forward.” Perhaps, most importantly, workshop enhance the impact of our policy work. Over the winter months we held three highly successful policy workshops with members in Nottingham, Glasgow and London. The workshops were jointly organised with the Society for Applied Microbiology. They provided a great opportunity to hear the in-depth views of microbiologists from diverse disciplines and career backgrounds. We also carried out a survey on policy issues with Society members and received 140 responses. Since then the Fig. 1. Key words identifying our top grand challenges from our policy survey.

122 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Overarching Grand Challenge Climate change & sustainability

effective when informed by members working in diverse disciplines and Grand Challenge Grand Challenge different career stages. Keep an eye Infectious Disease Food security on the Society’s monthly newsletter for opportunities to contribute and the latest policy news. You can also directly contact our Policy Officer,Paul Richards Cross-cutting technology ([email protected]), if you think Biotechnology there is a key issue that the Society should be engaging with, or if you feel you can inform future work on the priorities that we have identified. Fig. 2. Potential framework for the Society’s policy roadmap. and survey participants highlighted a Skills and sustainable careers number of important cross-cutting policy Is microbiology viewed as a ‘second-class’ subject? The Society could investigate how the issues (Fig. 3), such as skills, funding, wider public perceives microbiology and do more to promote it as a vital subject that can peer review and multidisciplinary lead to diverse and sustainable careers. We need to ensure that microbiology students have research, which affect the ability of the skills to work across microbiology, including academia, industry and health. microbiologists to engage with the grand challenges identified. The Society Peer review will continue to address many of these The microbiology community needs to be more engaged with peer-reviewing grants issues, our actions informed by the and papers. Promoting the inclusion of peer-review activities in Research Excellence invaluable views and concerns raised in Framework (REF) and professional development could be one way to improve this. these consultations. Interdisciplinary networking Learned societies can play a key role improving dialogue and networking between What next? microbiology disciplines, with other scientific fields and with policy-makers. The policy The policy framework produced as workshops and recent series of cross-society antimicrobial resistance workshops were a a result of this process will provide great example of this. The Society could also provide further networking for members. direction for the Society’s policy activities Open data and intellectual property going forward (Fig. 2). The framework To tackle issues like antimicrobial resistance, more needs to be done to facilitate access has been fed into the development of to data from industrial research. Conflict between university and business IP interests can the new strategy for the Society. The also impair microbiology research. The Society can play a role in promoting these issues next step will be to drill down to specific and facilitating the discussions that need to take place between academia and industry. actions we can take, concerning the priority challenges and issues identified. Interdisciplinary funding The boundaries between Research Councils and the expertise used to judge grants can Get involved impede multidisciplinary research. The Society has already raised these important issues It is clear that many members are in recent consultation responses and dialogue with the Research Councils. already aware and engaged with our Recognising the value of public engagement policy activities and want to know There needs to be more formal recognition of public engagement activities by institutions more. You do not need to be a policy and in the Research Excellence Framework. ‘expert’ to help us get microbiology on the policy agenda! Our policy outputs, including consultation responses and parliamentary briefings, are most Fig. 3. Cross-cutting policy issues.

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 123 Schoolzone Playing with light

Light can have a dramatic effect on the growth and activity of microbes, through both direct and indirect influences. In this edition of Schoolzone, we suggest three ways in which the influence of light on the growth and activity of microbes can be investigated.

How can storing food affect percentage cover of the mould. the rate of mould growth? This data can be used to teach and It is commonly known that moulds demonstrate simple statistical tests, thrive in conditions that are moist with such as the t-test. low light levels. So it would perhaps What moulds grow on foods in be expected that food kept in darkness different environments? The most would have faster mould growth than if common moulds to be found on foods kept in bright sunlight. But what about are Rhizopus stolonifer, a black mould, areas that are out of direct sunlight but and Penicillium mould, which can be are not dark? How about a cupboard green, grey or white. If you change the where the door is open for an hour amount of light available, is there a or so each day? What about opaque difference in the type or composition of plastic containers that let some light moulds that grow? in? And what if these areas of varying The students should also consider light intensity were kept at constant whether there are differences in mould temperature and moisture levels? growth between the types of food, and To investigate this, students can if there is, why the type of food might take different foods that readily grow influence any effect light has on their mould (bread and fruit are best) and growth. store them at different light levels. The results from this experimental Ideally, other parameters should be set up could be used alongside a the same, so a selection of boxes that comparison of storing the food in aren’t airtight, with different levels of different places within the laboratory/ transparency would be ideal. classroom; cupboards, windowsills, The foods need to be checked areas not in direct sunlight. Moulds don’t every few days. Measurement of the use light as a food source. So why mould can be done in various ways. would light affect their growth? Students In the early stages, the number of should think about indirect ways in colonies could be counted and used for which light could affect mould growth, An orange covered with a greenish mould. comparison. A grid placed over a loaf such as how light affects temperature, or Dr Jeremy Burgess / Science Photo Library of bread can be used to calculate the the amount of moisture in the air.

124 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk The effects of different coloured lights on algal oxygen production Algae are a diverse group, ranging Researcher holding a flask containing the algaChlorella vulgaris. Matteis / Look At Sciences / Science Photo Library from single-celled organisms, such include Audionella or Porphyridium (red algae copy this pattern? Or does the as diatoms, up to macro organisms, algae) and Chlorella or Mougeotia (green colour of the light make no difference to such as seaweeds. They are algae). These are available from the the activity of the algae? photosynthetic, and therefore require Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa If a difference is seen (which it sunlight to survive and grow, but not all (www.ccap.ac.uk). should be!), why would the colour of the are green. This investigation compares The algae are left to grow under algae affect how light colour influences how different coloured light affects their new conditions for a few days. the activity of the algae? Students the activity of different coloured algae. When the students are ready to run should think about the pigments within Activity is measured via the oxygen the experiment, the dissolved oxygen the algae, what wavelengths of light production of the algae. This can be can be measured in each sample, will be absorbed and reflected by monitored via a dissolved oxygen which is representative of how much the different coloured algae and how measuring kit. photosynthetic activity is happening this would affect what light energy is Two incubators are set up, one in the sample. When the dissolved utilised. with green lights, one with red. Each oxygen is measured and compared, incubator is given one green and one red what patterns are seen? Does the green For more activities on algae, algae, grown separately in liquid culture. algae growing under the green light school members can request a All other environmental conditions, such photosynthesise more, and therefore free copy of Algae: A practical as temperature, should be the same. produce more oxygen, than when it is resource for secondary schools: Good examples of easily grown algae grown under the red light? Does the red http://microb.io/algaeresource

mixed with rabbit dung (you don’t have to make these yourself, they can be purchased!). Students can investigate the phototropism by growing the Pilobolus on open plates under an aluminium foil tent with pin-holes cut at various heights/orientation under a bright light source. The pattern of the black sporangia on the underside of the soil after approximately 10 days can then be compared with the pin- holes. For a more accurate experiment, The fungus Pilobolus crystallinus var. crystallinus, commonly known as the ‘Dung Cannon’or ‘Hat Thrower’. concentric circles can be drawn at Sinclair Stammers / Science Photo Library different distances from the pin- hole and the accuracy of the fungus phototropism to angle its stalk towards Phototropic fungi assessed, depending on the proportion Most people know about phototropism the early morning sun, so that when the of the sporangia that are in the closest from observing plants growing in the sporangia are released they are more circles to the light source. direction of a window. But phototropism, likely to be propelled away from the the growth of an organism towards dung and onto vegetation that will be Theresa Hudson a light stimulus, is also exhibited in eaten by a new host. Education and Outreach Manager some fungi. The genus Pilobolus, which This beautiful and fascinating [email protected] commonly grows on animal dung, uses fungus can be grown in the lab on agar

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 125 126 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk th breaks in Sulfolobus. The last talk on mounting that eukaryotes originated from XIII Thursday was given by Thierry Izore within the archaeal domain. (MRC-LMB, Cambridge) on the structure It was the unanimous decision of Annual UK of crenactin, an archaeal actin-like the judges that the Society for General protein. Microbiology prize for best student talk Workshop The poster session was held on be awarded to Clare Rollie (University of Thursday evening. Topics covered St Andrews), and the Society prize for on Archaea included genetic and biochemical best student poster to Daniel Fielden analyses of cell surface structures, (University College London). The title ince 2002, the archaeal Cas/CRISPR, DNA replication and of Clare’s talk was ‘CRISPR adaptation community in the UK has held repair, transcription and non-coding in Sulfolobus solfataricus’ and Daniel’s Sits annual workshop in January. RNAs. The archaeal halophiles poster was on ‘The search for anti- It is convened at a different venue each and hyperthermophiles were well termination complexes in archaea’. year but has maintained the same represented, in particular Haloferax As in previous years, the conference format: an afternoon of talks by PhD volcanii and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. provoked scientific debate and students and young postdocs, a poster The conference meal was held in stimulated new collaborations. We are session and conference dinner, and a central Nottingham, where the scientific very grateful to the Genetics Society morning of talks. Since 2007, the UK discussion continued late into the night. for their considerable support as well Archaea Workshop has been generously Friday morning saw two talks as to our industrial sponsors Bioline, supported by the Genetics Society and on transcription and the role of RNA Alpha Laboratories, Eppendorf, Eurofins is the annual meeting of the Archaeal polymerase subunits shared by Genomics, Starlab, Electrolab, Promega, Sectional Interest Group. eukaryotes and archaea, followed by SLS, New England Biolabs, Speedy The XIIIth Annual UK Workshop on two talks on alcohol dehydrogenase Breedy, and Bactevo. For the award of Archaea was held 8–9 January 2015 from halophilic archaea. After the prizes for the best student talk and best at the Jubilee Campus of Nottingham coffee break, the analysis of gene student poster, we thank the Society for University. Bicycle enthusiasts know that regulatory networks in Pyrococcus and General Microbiology. Jubilee Campus was built on the site of the genome plasticity of Themococcus The next UK Workshop on Archaea the old Raleigh Factory, but today it is were presented. The final talk of the will be at the University of Cambridge in home to the UK’s tallest freestanding workshop was given by Tom William January 2017 and will be hosted by Nick artwork, some futuristic architecture, (Newcastle University), who gave a Robinson. The UK Workshop will not take and a lake with resident geese. A total fascinating insight into the dark art of place in 2016; instead the annual meeting of 55 attendees from UK and continental phylogenomics, and how evidence is of the Archaeal Sectional Interest Group European laboratories attended the will form part of the Molecular Biology conference. The programme of talks of Archaea 5 international conference highlighted the research contributions (MBoA5), which takes place in London of PhD and younger postdoctoral in August 2016. The MBoA5 meeting is investigators in archaeal molecular being organised by Thorsten Allers and biology. Malcolm White, and is supported by the The meeting kicked off with a Society for General Microbiology and the plenary lecture by Anita Marchfelder Genetics Society. (University of Ulm) on the Cas/CRISPR immune system of Haloferax volcanii. The Thorsten Allers & Edward Bolt remaining talks on Thursday afternoon School of Life Sciences, University of followed the Cas/CRISPR theme, but also Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, covered DNA replication and segregation, Claire Rollie and Daniel Fielden receive their prizes. Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK and the repair of double-stranded DNA T. Allers

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 127 Grants

The Society offers grants How can to support members undertaking a host of Society grants activities. There’s something for everyone: whether you’re an undergraduate student or support your retired professor, technician or school teacher, we have career? something for you! t’s been drummed into scientists that Grants to Society Conference Grants, • Funds for local events. in order to stand out from the crowd applying for these funding opportunities • Support to develop microbiology in Iyou have to do more – publish more, is not only good practice for writing low-income countries. review more papers, collaborate more. grant applications; receiving a grant can • Funds for education and outreach It can be tricky to secure funds to see also seriously enhance your CV. activities. some of these ventures through, which There are broadly six types of • Careers grants for undergraduate is where we can help. The Society’s grants: student members. grant schemes support the professional • Grants to cover the cost of Here are a few examples of development of our members in many conference attendance. successfully funded projects to inspire ways. From Education and Outreach • Grants to support research. your activities.

Thanks to Society Conference Grants I

have attended two Society Conferences Education and Outreach Grants and feel as though I’m part of the UK To support microbiology promotion activities or the development of “microbiology community. Having“ face- microbiology teaching initiatives. to-face meetings with people I only Dr Martin Khechara – Mission Transmission! know from their research publications

Mission Transmission! took place in September 2014 at the Goodman R. has been extremely useful for building

up my research contacts. University of Wolverhampton, and The conference was very was an interactive lecture day that Helina Marshall, University College useful, it gave me a broad and London, received a Society Conference taught Key Stage 4 science students detailed overview of what career“ Grant for the 2014 Annual Conference in about disease transmission. 145 “options there are for me after Liverpool students from six different schools I graduate, it was great to talk in the area attended. The reach of to the professionals in different the event was widened using online fields and gain some insight. streaming via the University. Martin Richard Goodman, University recruited a team to help deliver the Wolverhampton of University Vickers, James of Sheffield, received a Careers Conference Grant to attend the event – this involved contacting schools, marketing and making London Life Sciences Careers sure the audio-visuals worked on the day.

H. Marshall H. Conference, 2014

128 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Local Microbiology Event Sponsorship To help members host invited speakers or contribute to symposium funding. Bevin McGeever – London Postgraduate Symposium on Bacterial Pathogenesis and Host Response 2014

Bevin received a Local Microbiology Event Sponsorship, which, together with D. Timofte D.

funding from other learned societies, enabled an organising team of PhD students It was pleasing to discover that this at the Medical Research Council Centre for was the first“ time in Romania that human Molecular Bacteriology and Infection (MRC and veterinary microbiologists had met to CMBI), Imperial College London, to set up “ discuss the growing issue of antimicrobial their first postgraduate symposium. As resistance. well as sharing current advances in host– Dr Dorina Timofte, University of Liverpool, pathogen interaction, the symposium aimed received International Development Fund to improve communication between London- sponsorship to arrange technology transfer to

B. McGeever B. based postgraduate students in the field. diagnostic laboratories in Romania, 2012.

This research visit facilitated the beginning

of what I’m sure will be a long and fruitful Feeling inspired? Here’s a calendar of closing dates for grants: collaboration between two research groups. “The results generated“ are very intriguing. Closing Date Grant Scheme We are excited to continue this research and Early February Society Conference Grants analysis, and we are confident a high impact Inclusion Grants publication will result directly from this Undergraduate Student Conference Grants research visit. Harry Smith Vacation Studentships Siobhan Hogan, Royal College of Surgeons Hogan S. in Ireland, received a Research Visit Grant to visit Dr Mal Horsburgh’s lab, 1 March Travel Grants Liverpool, to investigate novel therapeutics for treatment and prevention of 15 March Microbiology in Schools Fund staphylococci intravascular catheter infections. 1 April Research Visit Grants International Development Fund Research Visit Grants Education and Outreach Grant To allow researchers (up to their first lecturer post or equivalent) to visit another lab to undertake 1 June Travel Grants a research project. 1 September Travel Grants Dr Lucy Thorne – research visit to the MRC Rolling, up to the Careers Conference Grants Life Science Careers Uganda Virus Research Institute in 2014 Conference Lucy received a Research Visit Grant which 15 September Microbiology in Schools Fund allowed her to visit Professor Alison Elliott who has 1 October Research Visit Grants established the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study – International Development Fund as part of this they have collected blood samples Education and Outreach Grant from over 1,500 children in the local population throughout their first five years of life, alongside 30 November Hayes-Burnet Award Heatley-Payne Award providing healthcare. This unique cohort enabled Lucy to investigate the prevalence of enteric viral 1 December Travel Grants infections in Ugandan children and to determine Local Microbiology Event Sponsorship applications are accepted the age at which most children first encounter throughout the year. each virus. The ongoing collaborative project will For further information including eligibility criteria, see our also focus on the website: www.sgm.ac.uk/grants or contact [email protected]. impact of social background on Maria Fernandes infections, and of co- Professional Development Officer infections such as [email protected]

L. Thorne L. HIV and malaria.

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 129 Outreach Primary School outreach: inspiring young minds with science

Earlier this year, a research group from the Sir William Dunn School of Explaining some key concepts associated with cholera. Elm Wood Primary School Pathology at the University of Oxford decided to take a daring step out towards world health, ending in a vivid of the lab and go to Elm Wood Primary School in Middleton, to teach demonstration of a lysing bacterial cell: bacteriology to Year 5 (nine- and ten-year-old) children, as part of the pipecleaner-fimbriated balloons bursting, complete with rubber band ‘DNA’. School’s curriculum topic on the ‘History of Medicine’. Perhaps more important than the presentation of science, however, was the Researchers’ experience their metaphorical detective hats and discussion each of our scientists had with Many outreach programmes are focused investigate the cholera epidemic in 19th the children and staff. The children had the on teaching GCSE or A-level students but century London. Plotting a map of infected opportunity to share their impressions of it is equally important to inform children individuals, we traced the outbreak to the the activities and what they learned during at a young age about research. Our goal infamous Soho water pump in the same the day. There were some very interesting was not only to engage the children in way John Snow once did, with information questions about people who inspired us discussion about microbiology, but also to on the deadly Vibrio bacterium provided when we were their age and what our incorporate a historical perspective, and throughout. latest ‘lab invention’ was, as well as some integrate learning with their ongoing work. For the second task (Meet the very entertaining questions. For example, We aimed to explore the notion Bacteria), the pupils were presented with one of the boys asked what it takes to of the scientific breakthrough itself as micrographs and set about describing become the boss; another asked if it is well as basic microbiology concepts. the size and shape of the bacteria while really necessary to do all their homework In collaboration with the class teacher, learning about the microbes’ natural in order to become a scientist – which was who provided essential guidance on niches and their contribution to health, met with a resounding YES! how best to target our teaching to an agriculture and disease. This led to the Our goal was to engage the children audience significantly younger than our question ‘Are these bacteria good or and convince them that they themselves usual undergraduate medical students, bad?’ with a focus on commensal and could join the world of research and we designed four different workstations. environmental organisms. In addition, become the scientists of the future. Each had a theme with an associated the children had a chance to handle However, it had a broader impact on worksheet and activities incorporating microbiology tools, such as Petri dishes, everyone who was involved because the cross-curricular challenges, such as flasks and spreaders. teachers and research group members measurement and descriptive word At the ‘Making Scientific Discoveries’ were as inspired as the children. It was choices. We took inspiration from excellent station, children could view a flea through an incredible privilege to be part of online resources such as ‘Cholera and the a light microscope, and then see bacteria this experience and we are thankful to Thames’, ‘E-bug’ and the Wellcome Library, via a television screen, while learning the teachers and the headmaster who and received some key advice from how van Leeuwenhoek first spotted supported us throughout the day. For experts at the Natural History Museum, ‘animalcules’ using his own lenses us, it was a first taste of outreach, which the University of Oxford and the Society for in 17th century Holland. The children will hopefully grow into a long-term General Microbiology. used their imagination to realise how it partnership with further opportunities Groups of approximately six children might feel to make such a discovery. The for the schoolchildren. If even one of attended each workstation for half an final station, ‘Bug Busting Heroes’, was them feels inspired to take up a career hour at a time. At the first station (Germ designed to teach the pupils about the in research, we will have achieved our Detectives), children were asked to don history of penicillin and its contribution objective.

130 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk The school’s perspective arranged. Earlier in the term, Year 5 day was so successful that there are plans When the opportunity arose for a team of had learned about some important to make this an annual event for Year 5. scientists to come and teach the children, breakthroughs in science, such as Jenner There has also been discussion about we were thrilled. Teaching needs to be and vaccination, and the discovery of reuniting the Oxford team with the children about having high expectations for the antibiotics. This meant that the outreach when they are in Year 6, to further their children and exposing them to new and provided continuity in learning and knowledge and understanding and hopefully interesting information. Having the experts reinforced the children’s understanding of deepen their love of science, ready for teach them was fantastic – you know that important events. Secondary School. the children are getting the highest level of When the day finally arrived, the We could write reams about the impact understanding in that field! children were, of course, extremely that day had on the children but it is best Prior to the visit, we had several excited. We began with a short teacher- when you hear it from them: meetings with the scientists to discuss led introductory session to explain the “I loved everything. All the stuff we got to appropriate materials and agree on the practical aspects and the main learning see. What was the best was that we actually got day’s activities, which was critical to objectives. It was an absolute pleasure to touch all the things and use them, just like the success of the day. It was important to watch the class not only participate, the professors do in their lab.” Luke, age 10. for us to know what was being brought but show a good understanding of the “I want to be just like the professors when to school. Equally, it was important science they were being taught. Giving I grow up. Then I can go to Oxford and discover for the scientists to realise the level of the children the opportunity to use ‘real really cool stuff like new bacteria and everyone understanding of Year 5 (Key Stage 2) life’ equipment and meet actual scientists will be happy. I love science and I am going to children, so that activities and worksheets ignited their enthusiasm for knowledge be a scientist.” Rafaela, age 10. could be designed appropriately. The (and Dr Florey´s microscope created awe When we hear the enthusiasm and discussions helped to clarify feasible in both children and staff alike). They passion in the children’s responses, as activities and identify realistic learning constantly wanted to know more and teachers, we could not wish for anything objectives to finalise the four activities. impressed everyone with their pertinent more. On a practical level we also worked out and interesting questions. The researchers the logistics of the day in terms of safety were very impressed when the children Acknowledgements and risk assessment, group sizes, how already knew not only that Fleming We are grateful to Amoret Spooner for slides, to to cater for children with special physical discovered penicillin but that Florey and Alan Todd for the loan of the eyepiece camera and Kim Hardie for helpful ideas. We thank all those or educational needs, and the classroom his team at the Dunn School were crucial who provided help and advice in preparation for layout, set-up and timing, so that activities to its extraction and production! We closed the day as well as the staff and pupils of Elm fitted around lunch breaks and playtime, the session with a Q&A so we could gauge Wood Primary School for their warm welcome and and that the workstations were suitably what the children had learned. Questions stimulating environment. about the scientists’ own discoveries and what motivated them to do research Mariya Lobanovska, Gareth McVicker, showed how much the children had Rachel M. Exley and Christoph M. Tang understood and been inspired by the day’s Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, activities. University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK The outreach day was a unique experience for many of the children. Ruth H. Exley and David Willis They were able to see that scientists are Elm Wood Primary School, Elm Street, not crazy men in white coats with wild Middleton, Manchester M24 2EG, UK hair, but adults who had, as children, worked hard and followed their passion Further reading in life. In particular, as male and female Cholera and the Thames. www.choleraand scientists were involved, it provided strong thethames.co.uk. Last accessed 24 June 2015. Telling the children about the discovery and role models and showed that there is a Ebug. www.e-bug.eu. Last accessed 24 June 2015. production of penicillin. Elm Wood Primary School purpose to working hard at school! The

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 131 Membership Q&A Suparna Mitra S. Mitra S. is a fascinating woman and I wish I could Where are you currently based? applications, has nurtured my continued have met her in person. She was so devoted I am a senior research scientist working at interest in biology. to science. If I need to choose someone in both the Norwich Medical School, University science that I know personally, then it is my of East Anglia and the Institute of Food What are the professional challenges PhD supervisor, Professor Daniel Huson. Research, Norwich Medical Park. that present themselves and how do I admire him for his enthusiastic view of you try to overcome them? science, his thorough knowledge of his What is your area of specialism? I do a lot of data analysis and I think work and his view of life. He is also a friend, I specialise in bioinformatics, looking at knowledge of the biology in question philosopher and guide whom I can trust. genomic data analysis and key statistics. helps you better understand the data for respective projects. Thus, I feel I am What do you do to relax? And more specifically? lacking some of the depth of understanding I enjoy art, gardening, reading books I focus on metagenomics and in some scenarios. I also didn’t learn and spending time with my family. metatranscriptomics. I consider different computer programming as part of my sequencing platforms, microbiota analyses earlier education. Both of these make my What one record and luxury item would and environmental or host-associated work more challenging. I try to further my you take to a desert island? niches. knowledge and learn as much as I can. First of all, it would be hard for me to Discussion with colleagues/students/ be alone on a desert island without Tell us about your education to date friends is always useful. Every time I feel anyone. But if I do need to be, I would like My undergraduate studies were in richer after considering further thoughts to hear light, soothing music, but I am mathematics, then I specialised in and ideas. My words are limited to express not very particular about one record. So statistics and worked as a biostatistician. I my gratitude to all the people who have any soothing music will be good for me. completed a PhD in Bioinformatics in 2010, helped me in my work/learning over the Similarly, I like to live a modest life; obtaining ’suma cum laude’ for my thesis in years. just a couple of books and some colours comparative metagenomics. I did a postdoc would be great! in Germany, moved to the UK to work as What is the best part about ‘doing a Marie Curie research fellow then on to science’? Tell us one thing that your work another research fellowship in Singapore, I like exploring. Doing science allows me colleagues won’t know about you! and now I’m back in the UK. that pleasure. Earning money for the They know the professional ‘me’. necessities in life is possible with any job I guess they don’t know the artistic Where did your interest in microbiology but science opens up a new world besides ‘me’. I can spend hours doing something come from? just earning a living. The satisfaction of creative, such as art or sculpture. I even I am not a microbiologist by education searching for something new, and the forget to eat! or training but I was amazed by the happiness of being useful for a greater application of statistics in biology. After I cause is why I enjoy doing science. If you weren’t a scientist, what would learned to explore the sequences, I was Alongside that, is the chance to employ you be? utterly fascinated by how the four-letter the liberty of thought. An artist or a travel photographer. nucleotides – A, T, G, C – can change the universe and how, with the help of Who is your role model? If you would like to be featured in this sequencing, we can try to interpret the This is a hard question. The first people section or know someone who may, contact changes. It’s like solving a puzzle. Working to come to mind are my parents for their Paul Easton, Head of Membership Services, with different biological projects, especially views on life. But more specifically, if I think at [email protected] with medical data, or those with health about science, I would say Marie Curie. She

132 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Portrait of A. van Leeuwenhoek. Wellcome Library, London

pring is one of the busiest For those of us who have times for us here at the Society; been to many science conferences, Sthis year was no different. As attendance at these events we speed through summer, it’s time to seems rather unremarkable. But have a quick look back at some of the Best can you remember the first one you articles we’ve had on the Society’s blog, went to? This year’s Annual Microbe Post. Conference was Rachel Kettles’ first 2015 has seen a lot of of the big science event; she blogged announcements of funding to about her experience for us tackle antimicrobial resistance. (http://microb.io/1bCRktc). The Society’s Policy Officer, Paul Finally in this round-up, we Richards, pulled together all the blog got to learn about Antonie van different announcements, highlighting Leeuwenhoek, considered by many who said what, and when If you missed it, April saw to be the first microbiologist. In 1677, (http://microb.io/1CNjhEz). Birmingham host the Society for Leeuwenhoek’s letter to the Royal Continuing the political theme, General Microbiology Annual Conference. Society describing animalcules caused in March we sponsored Dr Kevin The event was filled with amazing a sensation. For the podcast I Maringer from the University of Bristol microbiology, a fraction of which we interviewed Dr Nick Lane FRS from to attend the Society of Biology’s highlighted on the blog. We learnt University College London about the Voice of the Future event. The occasion about new research shedding light importance of this work, which is gave early-career researchers the on the microbiome of diabetic foot being highlighted to celebrate 350 opportunity to grill MPs from the ulcers (http://microb.io/1EUffvL), years of Proceedings of the Royal UK Parliament’s Science and the spread of antibiotic resistance Society. (http://microb.io/1FrC9iH). Technology Committee (STC). Kevin genes in the Ganges river gave us a report on the event and (http://microb.io/1eXKmkA) and Benjamin Thompson his thoughts on how politicians whether it will be possible to create Head of Communications can better engage with scientists a universal vaccine for coronaviruses [email protected] (http://microb.io/1CmopWo). (http://microb.io/1yzWrj4).

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 133 Reviews

Cases in Medical Microbiology advances relating to the diagnosis and The book also includes a table of normal treatment of the organisms causing values and a glossary of medical terms. and Infectious Diseases the infection. The cases are divided into I particularly like the extensive (4th Edition) chapters according to their target area. figures found across all cases, which Edited by P. H. Gilligan, D. S. Shapiro & There is also an introductory chapter, include key radiographic, laboratory, M. B. Miller highlighting modern molecular-based clinical or pathological findings as well assays and their different applications, as, very importantly, macroscopic and ASM Press (2014) and an advanced cases chapter which microscopic images of most of these US$80.00 ISBN 978-1555818685 includes newly recognised disease micro-organisms, to help the readers agents as well as cases of high familiarise themselves with the different Cases in Medical Microbiology and Infectious complexity. morphologies that the pathogens Diseases is aimed at students as well as I find the book to be very well written present. clinical professionals. The book provides and structured. At the beginning of each Because of the clarity of the text, practical understanding of the clinical section, there is a list of pathogens its wide coverage and topical relevance, importance of basic science concepts to be considered, including their I would expect this book to be extensively and the fourth edition incorporates the general characteristics and associated used as reference by anyone working or major advances in molecular biology and symptoms. After each individual case, studying clinical diagnosis of infectious their applications in clinical diagnosis, the authors include a series of questions, diseases and/or medical microbiology. experienced in the last decade. which the student should be answering The book contains 72 cases, including to identify the etiology of the case, Lorena Fernández-Martínez 42 new ones and 32 updated cases, followed by a very clear and extended John Innes Centre reflecting the current state and latest discussion of each individual answer.

Modern Techniques for throughput. Some of the techniques of impact that these new technologies are Pathogen Detection direct detection of pathogen components having on time, specificity and costs of also have the greater potential of diagnosis, laboratory automation, staffing Edited by J. Popp & M. Bauer differentiating between highly related levels in laboratories and the skills Wiley-Blackwell (2015) pathogens, as well as an indication of required by those staff. The changes in £90.00 ISBN 978-3527335169 antimicrobial drug resistance. Since the way that pathogens are detected, these newer techniques detect proteins is being increasingly associated with As indicated by the title, this book or nucleic acids, they are able to centralisation of diagnostic services presents the techniques currently detect these components of different and I believe that the book could have available for the detection of pathogens, types of pathogens, whether they are also included more discussion of the whether these techniques are based bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoa. effect of these technologies on patient upon the direct detection of the entire It is therefore not surprising some management. The material in this pathogen, detection of pathogen diagnostic departments are changing book will be of interest to students and components (such as proteins, antigens their names from ‘Bacteriology’, researchers of infectious diseases, or nucleic acids), or by propagation of the ‘Virology’ and ‘Mycology’ for example, diagnostic practitioners and clinicians; pathogen and subsequent identification. to ones like ‘Infection Sciences’ since however, the price tag of £90 is inevitably A large proportion of the chapters of diagnosis is based more on technology going to restrict its purchase to this book focus on detection of pathogen than the structure and function of the institutions rather than individuals. components, reflecting the move away pathogen itself. This book focuses on from pathogen propagation in diagnostic the technologies available for pathogen Christopher Ring and research laboratories, in the interest detection but I think the book would Middlesex University of speed of diagnosis and specimen benefit from more of a discussion of the

134 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk Comment View from a microscope

Kevin Mackenzie The Microscopy and Histology Core Facility at the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences offers a wide variety of microscope imaging and sample preparation techniques to researchers and handles a diverse range of biological False colour scanning electron micrograph of the compound eye from a greenfly. Magnification x1,000. K. Mackenzie samples.

have worked in the microscopy field white images with the light microscope whether the sample was in focus or for over 35 years. Starting out as a and the transmission electron taken with the correct exposure. Ihistology technician in the University’s microscope. In these pre-digital days, Nowadays, the entire process is Department of Anatomy (where I first this was a lengthy and complex process: digital. We don’t even have a darkroom developed my interest in electron developing exposed film in chemical in the Institute – there’s just no need. microscopy), I have also worked in Plant baths, fixing, washing and drying the Images can be captured and viewed Science and Zoology. During this time I film, using an enlarger to project the instantly and any that don’t meet have acquired a breadth of knowledge negative image onto photographic paper, requirements are quickly identified and across various disciplines and seen processing the paper prints – and all in discarded. The only downside to these many changes. the darkroom. There was an element technological advances is the resulting I became interested in photography of trial and error, waiting to see the file size of some of the datasets being in the early 1980s, taking black and final prints before you could determine captured, leading to issues with data

Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk 135 (anything!) that I haven’t looked at before. I keep sample holders and preservative at home, and even take them with me on holiday, just in case I stumble across something unusual. Several years ago, I was unlucky to experience the pain of a small kidney stone; but what a perfect sample! The image I subsequently captured and false coloured was a Wellcome Image Award winner in 2014. So what does the future hold for digital, scientific imaging? The Facility has recently purchased a slide scanner that can capture the whole area of a slide at a magnification of x20 and produce a single, merged image that you can view directly on your computer screen. I believe that, very soon, all microscopes False colour scanning electron micrograph of a kidney stone. Magnification x20.K. Mackenzie will have no eyepieces and everything storage. In the past, of course, we didn’t good image. Sometimes, it may simply will be done via the computer screen have this problem – physical prints and be a naturally balanced composition or even streaming the image direct to negatives could be easily stored! that draws my eye; other times, an your mobile device. And after that? Who There was something almost interesting shape or contrasting knows what the next revolution will be or magical about the old darkroom texture. where we will be in 10 years’ time. processes. Perhaps, if the ability to But mostly, I think it’s a matter of capture and process images digitally luck. And it does seem that beauty is in Kevin Mackenzie had been around when I started, I the eye of the beholder as often it’s not Microscopy and Histology Core Facility, may not have developed an interest in my personal favourites that win awards! University of Aberdeen, Institute of photography at all… Or perhaps it’s just that I spend so much Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen Scientific imaging has increasingly time looking at them that I stop ‘seeing’ AB25 2ZD, UK become an integral part of my job. In them… [email protected] fact, I must have spent hundreds of What most people might not realise hours capturing images over the years is that images captured on an electron Further reading for various research projects. Recently, microscope are actually black and white. Microscopy and Histology. University of however, I have been fortunate to have False colour is added later to enhance Aberdeen. www.abdn.ac.uk/ims/facilities/ some of my images selected for the the image, using image editing software microscopy-histology. Last accessed 8 June Wellcome Image Awards (2011, 2012, such as Photoshop. Whether the 2015. 2014 and 2015) and it’s great to see resulting image is purely scientific or an Microscopy and Histology Core Facility these images now being shared – for abstract ‘piece of art’, it always takes me located in the Institute of Medical Sciences, everyone to see. This year my image of far longer deciding how best to enhance Aberdeen on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ a greenfly’s eye is on display at various the image and what colour (or colours) AberdeenMicro locations across the UK. I should use, than it took me to capture Wellcome Image Awards. www. I’ve never really considered myself it in the first place! wellcomeimageawards.org Last accessed to be an artist, but over the years I’ve I always keep an eye open for 8 June 2015. developed an instinct for spotting a interesting samples – something

136 Microbiology Today Aug 15 | www.sgm.ac.uk We can do the same for you when you join the when you you for do the same can We Call +44 (0)20 7685 2691 or email [email protected] or email [email protected] +44 (0)20 7685 2691 Call Society for General Microbiology. Membership starts from just £28. starts from Membership Microbiology. General Society for to join now, or visit www.sgm.ac.uk for further information. for or visit www.sgm.ac.uk to join now, to advance their careers and professional development. and professional their careers to advance

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Journal: Journal: Microbiology Today Microbiology Essential Generics: Chloramphenical Ad Chloramphenical Generics: Essential 04/12/2014 12:06 CHL25060 O65995 MOVIANTO: ALLIANCE: AAH: CHL600B PIP: 106-5796 CAPSULES

CHLORAMPHENICOL 1 2 3 Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. be found at information can also be reported to Essential events should Adverse Generics on 01784 477167. distension, pallid cyanosis, vomiting, progressing to vasomotor collapse, distension, pallid cyanosis, vomiting, progressing to vasomotor of irregular respiration and death within a few hours of the onset symptoms. Overdose: Stop chloramphenicol immediately if signs of adverse events oral develop. Treatment is mainly supportive. If an allergy develops, Baby antihistamines may be used. In severe overdosage e.g. Gray Resin Syndrome, reduce plasma levels of chloramphenicol rapidly. increase haemoperfusion (XAD-4) has been reported to substantially chloramphenicol clearance. Pack size and Price: 60 capsules £377.00 Legal Category: POM. Market Authorisation Number: PL17736/0075. Market Authorisation Holder: Chemidex Pharma Limited, 7 Egham UK. Business Village, Crabtree Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RB, Date of preparation: October 2014. for See Chloramphenicol Capsules Summary of Product Characteristics full prescribing information. References: 1. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. Chloramphenicol. [Online]. Available from: http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed 18th August 2014]. 2. Fluit, A.C., Wielders, C.L.C., Verhoef, J., and Schmitz, F.J. Epidemiology and susceptibility of 3,051 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from 25 university hospitals participating in the European SENTRY Study. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2001; 39(10): 3727-3732. 3. Weigel LM et al. High-level vancomycin-resistant lm. Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) associated with a polymicrobial biofi Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Published online ahead of print on 30th October 2006. http://aac.asm.org/cgi/reprint/AAC.00576- 06v1.pdf. (Accessed on 22nd August 2011). 4. Kelly, C., LaMont, T. Patient information: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Clostridium cile). www.uptodate.com. 2011. 5. Feder. H, Chloramphenicol: What diffi we have learned in the last decade. Southern Medical Journal. 1986; (79)9: 1129-34. 6. Ensminger, P., Counter, F., Thomas, L., Lebbehuse, P. Susceptibility, resistance development, and synergy of antimicrobial cile. Current Microbiology. combinations against Clostridium diffi 1982; 7: 59-62. 7. Poilane, I., Bert, F., Cruaud, P., Nicolas-Chanoine, MH., Collignon, A. Interest of the disk diffusion method for screening cile isolates with decreased susceptibility to antibiotics. Clostridium diffi Pathologie Biologie (Paris). 2007; 55(8-9): 429-33. 8. Cattoir, V., Ould-Hocine, ZF., Legrand, P. Antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium cile clinical isolates collected from 2001 to 2007 in a French diffi university hospital. Pathologie Biologie (Paris). 2008; 56(7-8): 407-11. 9. Brazier, JS., Levett, PN., Stannard, AJ., Phillips, KD., Willis, AT. Antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of clostridia. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 1985; 15(2): 181-5. 1,2 1,2 1,2 6-9 1,2 1,2 1 4 5

Effective against serious Effective against infections including: Oral levels comparable to i.v. levels to i.v. comparable Oral levels cile with C.diffi implicated Rarely Widely distributed throughout the body, including CSF including the body, throughout distributed Widely C.diffi cile C.diffi E. coli Neisseria Legionella Rickettsia MRSA VRSA H. infl uenzae H. infl Typhoid

For further information, please contact: Essential Generics, 7 Egham Business Village, Crabtree Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RB, UK For further information, please contact: Essential Generics, 7 Egham Business Village, Crabtree Road, Abbreviated Prescribing Information Chloramphenicol Capsules BP 250mg Presentation: Hard Gelatin Capsules. particularly Indications: Typhoid fever and life-threatening infections, uenzae, where other antibiotics will those caused by Haemophilus Infl ce. not suffi Posology: For oral administration. doses. For Adults and elderly: 50 mg/kg body weight daily in 4 divided be doubled severe infections (meningitis, septicaemia), this dose may Children: initially, but must be reduced as soon as clinically possible. Not recommended. Contra-indications: Known hypersensitivity or toxic reaction to used chloramphenicol or to any of the excipients. Should not be active for the prophylaxis or treatment of minor infections; during liable to immunisation; in porphyria patients; in patients taking drugs by breast- depress bone marrow function; during pregnancy, labour or feeding mothers. Special warnings and precautions for use: Use only if other treatments are ineffective. Use should be carefully monitored. Reduce dose and monitor plasma levels in hepatic or renal impairment; in the elderly; and in patients concurrently treated with interacting drugs. Interactions: Chloramphenicol prolongs the elimination, increasing the blood levels of drugs including warfarin, phenytoin, sulphonylureas, tolbutamide. Doses of anticonvulsants and anticoagulants may need to be adjusted if given concurrently. Complex effects (increased/ decreased plasma levels) requiring monitoring of chloramphenicol plasma levels have been reported with co-administration of penicillins and rifampicin. Paracetamol prolongs chloramphenicol half-life. Chloramphenicol may increase the plasma levels of calcineurin inhibitors e.g. ciclosporin and tacrolimus. Barbiturates such as phenobarbitone increase the metabolism of chloramphenicol, resulting in reduced plasma chloramphenicol concentrations. In addition, there may be a decrease in the metabolism of phenobarbitone with concomitant chloramphenicol use. There is a small risk that chloramphenicol may reduce the contraceptive effect of oestrogens. Chloramphenicol reduces the response to hydroxocobalamin. Chloramphenicol is contra-indicated in patients taking drugs liable to suppress bone marrow function e.g. carbamazepine, sulphonamides, phenylbutazone, penicillamine, cytotoxic agents, some antipsychotics including clozapine and particularly depot antipsychotics, procainamide, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, propylthiouracil. Pregnancy and Lactation: The use of chloramphenicol is contra- indicated as the drug crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. cant effect Effects on ability to drive and use machines: No signifi on driving ability. Undesirable Effects: Reversible dose related bone marrow depression, irreversible aplastic anaemia, increased bleeding time, hypersensitivity reactions including allergic skin reactions, optic neuritis leading to blindness, ototoxicity, acidotic cardiovascular collapse, nausea, vomiting, glossitis, stomatitis, diarrhoea, enterocolitis, Gray Baby Syndrome particularly in the newborn, which consists of abdominal EG/CH/JAN/2015/09 23884_Chloramphenicol Ad_Micro Today_AW.indd 1 42:3 August 2015 42:3 August Circadian rhythm in fungal bioluminescence fungal in rhythm Circadian chloroplasts of The origins The squid–vibrio symbiosis Infrared sheds light on host–pathogen interaction blue the of out appearing strategies Antimicrobial Light Microbiology TODAY

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