Museum of Bacteria

One of the most significant properties of almost all species of bacteria is their ability to expand rapidly from a single cell into a choking overpopulation in a short time frame—under the right conditions. Spanning a continuum from planet-saving good to tasty food components to pathogenically bad, bacteria's space in the ecosystem is enormous. Covering this territory is the Virtual Museum of Bacteria, whose clever visual metaphor provides a good accounting of the site's content. Main exhibits include pathogenic bacteria, bacteriophages, origin of life, food/water safety, antibiotics, and vaccination. Probably the most impressive section is the Bacterial Species Cabinet, where Dr. T.M. Wassenaar has assembled a thoughtful collection of species-based links and facts. Like its real-world cousin the Smithsonian, the Virtual Museum of Bacteria offers free admission to all who view its exhibits.

www.bacteriamuseum.org