Bacillus Pins and Buttons

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of bacteria cultured from a mobile phone. Tests have revealed the average handset carries 18 times more potentially harmful germs than a flush handle in a men's toilet. With frequent use phones remain warm, creating the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. With touch-screen phones, the same part of the phone touched with fingertips is pressed up against the face and mouth, increasing chances of infection. In tests E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae and MRSA were amongst infectious bacteria found on handsets. Common harmless bacteria include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus, Streptococcus viridans, Moraxella, and bacillus species. Magnification: x3000 when printed at 10cm wide.

E. coli bacterium. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Escherichia coli bacterium. E. coli are Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that are part of the normal flora of the human gut. Some strains produce a toxin that causes severe diarrhoea and can be fatal, especially in the very young or elderly. The hair-like tendrils are the flagella, which the bacterium uses as propellers to move around. Magnification: x 25, 000 when printed at 10 centimetres high.

an ambiguous abstract design of the deity Loki.

an ambiguous abstract design of the deity Loki

"humanity is doomed" written in comic sans + bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria, possibly Lactobacillus sp., from spoiled vegetable broth, typical rod length around 5 micrometers; stained with Toluidine Blue O.

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an E. coli (normal strain) bacterium dividing. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, enteric, rod prokaryote. This bacterium was isolated from the human intestine and is normally a part of the human and animal microbiota. Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some strains can cause serious problems such as food poisoning, urinary tract infections, traveller's diarrhea and nosocomial infections. The E. coli 0157:H7 strain is fatal to humans if contracted when contaminated meat is cooked inadequately. Magnification: x8,000 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.

Oral bacteria. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of mixed oral bacteria (Streptococcus, round) with some bacilli bacteria (rod-shaped).

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (red) in the lung of a burns patient. This Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium is found in soil, water and as normal flora in the human intestine. However, it can cause serious wound, lung, skin and urinary tract infections, particularly in hospital patients. It produces extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), a sticky slime-like substance that enables it to grow in large masses (biofilms) and resist antibacterial agents such as antibiotics. Magnification: x5000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.

E. coli bacteria. Computer illustration of Escherichia coli bacteria. E. coli are Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that are part of the normal flora of the human gut. Some strains produce a toxin that causes severe diarrhoea and can be fatal, especially in the very young or elderly.

Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of Escherichia coli O157 bacteria. E. coli are Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that are part of the normal flora of the human gut. The O157 strain produces a toxin that can cause bloody diarrhoea and kidney failure. It can be fatal, especially in the very young or elderly. E. coli O157 is found in the intestines of some cattle, and can spread to contaminate beef and milk. Its transmission can be prevented by thoroughly cooking meat and through the pasteurisation of milk. Magnification: x12,750 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.

E. coli induced cell death. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a macrophage white blood cell (centre) that is being destroyed by toxins released by Escherichia coli bacteria (bright blue). These toxins disrupt the macrophage's cell membrane, resulting in death of the cell.

Microbes and bacteria