Articles written by Tami Port

It is easy and inexpensive to add a stone pathway to your garden. Here is a step-by-step guide with photos.

May 3, 2012 - Tami Port

The kitchen sink and counter typically have more fecal coliform bacteria than those same bathroom surfaces. Here's how a microbiologist kills kitchen germs.

Apr 3, 2012 - Tami Port

Similar in appearance to ocean coral, the Coral Cactus is actually two plants grafted into one. Here's how to care for this unusual beauty.

Mar 4, 2012 - Tami Port

Conjunctivitis, a.k.a. pink eye, is an inflammation of the mucous membrane surrounding the eye. Here are common causes of and treatments for pink eye.

Nov 25, 2011 - Tami Port

Heavy metals have long been recognized to have antimicrobial properties. New studies show that copper surfaces can reduce incidence of nosocomial infection.

Oct 29, 2011 - Tami Port

Listeria, a cold-tolerant microbe, can contaminate food and grow even under refrigeration. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

Oct 2, 2011 - Tami Port

Data from the 2010 California pertussis outbreak reveals whooping cough vaccine may lose effectiveness in three years. New vaccination guidelines required?

Sep 23, 2011 - Tami Port

There are three different types of cell division, the binary fission of prokaryotes, and mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotes. Here are the basics.

Aug 25, 2011 - Tami Port

Coming down a common cold in the summertime can be even more miserable than suffering the average winter cold. Here's why colds can be caught anytime.

Jul 21, 2011 - Tami Port

Coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly used as an indicator of possible fecal contamination of a water supply.

Jun 23, 2011 - Tami Port

In the late 1800s, German physician Robert Koch formulated the series of steps required to prove the cause of any infectious disease.

May 29, 2011 - Tami Port

There two main microbiology methods used for isolating bacteria from a clinical sample in order to obtain pure cultures-streak plates and pour plates.

Apr 15, 2011 - Tami Port

Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission; a process in which the genetic material of the cell is copied and then the parent cell divides.

Apr 8, 2011 - Tami Port

Here is a sample of multiple-choice test questions that could be used to test student's knowledge of prokaryote cell biology.

Mar 27, 2011 - Tami Port

Here are practice multiple-choice test questions appropriate for use on a quiz or exam in a high school biology or college introductory cell biology class.

Feb 25, 2011 - Tami Port

Many new college students find themselves unpleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of work expected. Here are some tips for academic success.

Feb 22, 2011 - Tami Port

Many types of bacterial growth media are used to culture bacteria in the laboratory. Here's a summary of defined, complex, selective and differential media.

Feb 18, 2011 - Tami Port

Culture media basically come in solid and liquid form. Here are the main features of liquid nutrient broth versus solid agar used in cultivating bacteria.

Feb 14, 2011 - Tami Port

Transmission and scanning electron microscopes use a beam of electrons to magnify and visualize microscopic objects. Here's a comparison of SEMs and TEMS.

Feb 3, 2011 - Tami Port

These guilt-free muffins are delicious and good for you. Even better, other fruits can be substituted, for an almost endless variety of baked goodness.

Jan 23, 2011 - Tami Port

This healthy, protein-packed salad, made with low-fat cheese, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, is simple to make and beautiful to serve.

Jan 23, 2011 - Tami Port

Looking for a delicious new way to prepare healthy vegetables? Spiciness can be adjusted in this flavorful and simple veggie side to please all palates.

Jan 13, 2011 - Tami Port

Prokaryotes - simple, single-cells, yet remarkably successful organisms. Here's an overview of the structures and functions of prokaryotic cells.

Jan 13, 2011 - Tami Port

Animals. plants, fungi, protists, algae, and water and slime molds are eukaryotes - organisms composed of one or more nucleated cells. Here are the basics.

Jan 11, 2011 - Tami Port

A bacterial colony consists of numerous bacterial cells derived from one parent. Colonies of different types of bacteria can be distinct in appearance.

Jan 7, 2011 - Tami Port

Broth is a nutrient-infused liquid medium used for growing bacteria. Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of this type of growth medium.

Dec 10, 2010 - Tami Port

The cells of plants are eukaryotic, with a nucleus, a vacuole, membrane-bound organelles and a cell wall. Here's a summary of their structure and function.

Dec 1, 2010 - Tami Port

Animal cells are a type of eukaryotic cell with a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles and no cell wall. Here is a summary of their structure and function.

Nov 23, 2010 - Tami Port

Eating clean is not just a diet fad, it simply means eating more whole, natural, healthy fare and less processed junk. Here are tips on how to eat clean.

Nov 19, 2010 - Tami Port

Children are commonly vaccinated against tetanus as part of their childhood vaccination schedule, but adults need boosters to maintain their resistance.

Nov 11, 2010 - Tami Port

The vaccination schedule for whooping cough, a serious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is currently being reassessed.

Nov 8, 2010 - Tami Port

Whooping cough, a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, is on the rise. Here's what you need to know.

Nov 5, 2010 - Tami Port

An outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun activity that combines exercise, learning and nature. Here are some tips for a successful family adventure.

Oct 15, 2010 - Tami Port

This year one vaccine is required to prevent influenza. The vaccine comes in three varieties: live FluMist, and two inactivated formulations. Which to get?

Oct 10, 2010 - Tami Port

This year, 2010, the Leonids meteor shower will peak November 17 and 18, with potentially dozens of meteoroids visible every hour.

Oct 7, 2010 - Tami Port

Body piercings require time and special attention in order to heal properly. Here are some general guidelines for nose piercing aftercare.

Oct 6, 2010 - Tami Port

Here are links to several articles on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell biology. They explain cellular structure, function and contrast & compare cell types.

Oct 6, 2010 - Tami Port

Light microscopes pass waves of visible radiation through lenses in order to increase the apparent size of the object being viewed. Here's are the basics.

Oct 1, 2010 - Tami Port

As skin ages, new makeup products and tricks are need. Here are tips for battling bleeding lipstick, under eye darkness and other mature skin maladies.

Sep 28, 2010 - Tami Port

A plasmid is a molecule of DNA, independent of the bacterial nucleoid chromosome, which often has "bonus DNA" with instructions for weapons of infection.

Sep 24, 2010 - Tami Port

Best remedy to dark circles under eyes? Sleep and hydration. Still, sometimes that's not enough. Here's how to use makeup to conceal under-eye darkness.

Sep 4, 2010 - Tami Port

Among the wide variety of lipstick formulas and colors, one that stays put can be difficult to find. Here are tips for scoring a stick with staying power.

Sep 1, 2010 - Tami Port

White blood cells, known as leukocytes, are the immune system's security force, working to protect the body from invasion. Here are the different kinds.

Sep 1, 2010 - Tami Port

Among an endless varieties of eye shadow formulas, eye makeup that stays put can be difficult to find. Here's the key to finding shadow with staying power.

Aug 27, 2010 - Tami Port

As a woman's skin changes with age, so too must her skincare regimen and products. How do you choose the best products for mature skin?

Aug 19, 2010 - Tami Port

The cytoplasm of prokaryotes is an aqueous gel that contains cytosol, ribosomes, inclusions and the cytoskeleton.

Aug 19, 2010 - Tami Port

Although there are butterfly feeders and prepared nectar solutions widely available, it is easier and cheaper to attract butterflies naturally, with plants.

Aug 9, 2010 - Tami Port

Fermentation is a type of inefficient metabolism that allows two ATP energy to be extracted from food, and can result in commercially useful waste products.

Aug 9, 2010 - Tami Port

Fermentation is an inefficient form of metabolism that organisms utilize when unable to use more energy efficient aerobic or anaerobic respiration.

Aug 9, 2010 - Tami Port

A microincinerator, also known as a bactoincinerator, is a device used in microbiology laboratories to sterilize instruments.

Jul 19, 2010 - Tami Port