An encounter with beautiful and useful creatures

       Microorganisms and bacteria are known by all to be useful, beneficial, and at times pathogenic. These benefits of bacteria ranges from use in fermentation, probiotic use in food and beverages and use for creating household detergent agents to many other uses. However, we have or, more specifically i had estimated the use of bacteria to the human advantage. While reading the science column of the New York Times, i came across an article talking about different diverse uses of unwanted bacteria to beautify the environment and people. It is quite interesting to see that some people are bacterial lovers, which is different from the perception that people have about handling bacteria. The most mind blowing of all was that there are several examples of scientist creating light sources out of bacteria. The  following are some of those light sources and how the bacteria were handled in order to generate light;

Moss Table makes use of the small electrical charge produced when bacteria consume organic compounds released by moss; here, a battery supplements that power to light the lamp

Bacteripca, a chandelier designed by Petia Morozov, with petri dishes loaded with bacterial cultures nesting in a tangle of fiber optics. The pattern and color of the blooming bacteria which was ideally supplied by individual family members, including pets changes the quality of the light.

       The the above examples and others, it is clear that bacteria are not just meant to be stoke in conserved places or discarded, but can also be used to beautify our hopes and serve as energy sources. This article helps me reflects on the study of bacteria and their metabolism especially electron transportation and the creation of hydrogen gradient. 

   However, this article raises some questions on the validity and the universal control precautions in handling bacteria. How were the bacteria handled and isolated to prevent contamination? This is however another broad topic on itself.

REFERENCES:

Lasky, J. (2013, January 16). The beauty of bacteria. The New York Times, p. 1. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/17/garden/bio-design-in-the-home-the-beauty-of-bacteria.html?pagewanted=all