Feb 20, 2019
Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of Urinary Tract
Infections. These bacteria are found within the gastrointestinal
tract, but they are sometimes able to ascend the urinary tract and
cause bladder infections. One of the amazing attributes of
Proteus is its ability to crawl across Petri dishes,
referred to as swarming. Dr. Karine Gibbs is an associate professor
at Harvard University who studies Proteus mirabilis and
its ability to cause urinary tract infections.
Dr. Gibbs talks about how the bacteria interact with their
neighbors using both a sword to kill adversaries as well as a
handshake to communicate with friends, how bacteria can recognize
their own progeny and coordinate social behaviors, why Harvard is
like a candy store for scientists, and how a high school summer
research program led her to a career in science.
The microCase for listeners to solve is about Rosetta Stone, a
Peace Corps volunteer who comes down with a mysterious illness
while on assignment in Tanzania.
Participants:
- Karl Klose, Ph.D. (UTSA)
- Karine Gibbs, Ph.D. (Harvard University)
- Janakiram Seshu, Ph.D. (UTSA)
- Jesus Romo, Ph.D. (UTSA)