Carbohydrates are essential macromolecules important to human health and the natural environment. They range from simple monosaccharides...

Escherichia coli or E. coli are a benefit in the microbial world. Many strains are good for human health and the natural environment....

Botulism is a serious food-borne illness caused by potent toxin of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . This neurotoxin can lead to...

Yeasts metabolize nutrients like nitrogen, biotin (vitamin H) and thiamin (B1) for optimal health in the competitive microworld. They're...

Candida albicans is a common yeast dwelling in humans and the natural environment. Usually unnoticed unless pathogenic, it's found in...

Sugars provide energy and influence bodily functions. They're essential to the growth of all living organisms. Simple carbohydrates,...

Maltose is a disaccharide, or double sugar, composed of two glucose molecules. Produced by a specialty enzyme, it's important to ecology,...

Malting and mashing are essential parts of the beer making process. These steps influence quality, flavor, and character of the final...

Amylase, a primary digestive enzyme, helps decompose carbohydrates into simple sugars. It's integral to digestion and yeast -driven...

Resistant starch is a carbohydrate. It doesn't digest in the small intestine but ferments in the large to provide fibrous bulk and...

Amylase is a powerful digestive enzyme, also important to fermentation. In saliva, it initiates digestion by decomposing starches into...

Saccharomyces cerevisiae , brewer's or baker's yeast, is undisputed Queen of yeasts. This immobile single-celled organism is popular in...

Fermentation is an easy, ancient process of preservation. Salt is dissolved in natural juice and/or water to make brine. Fermenting...

Listeria is a genus of bacteria with major effects on human health and the environment. Many Listeria bacteria are beneficial, but...

Galactose is a simple sugar or monosaccharide. It's related to glucose, with both sugars produced through the same process. Galactose is...

Treponema pallidum is a parasitic spirochete or spiral bacterium, primarily known for causing the STI syphilis . It's tricky to...

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) of obscure origins, a spotty history and massive impact. In the Renaissance its...

Probiotics help maintain human health and support environmental balance. Seven major probiotics species benefit human physical and mental...

Fermentation brings layers of flavor and a range of health benefits. Green beans are nutritious, but nourishing factors can be inhibited...

Noble rot has tremendous impact in winemaking, especially of dessert wines. This dowdy fungus, Botrytis cinerea , is a phenomenon in...