Sixty-five million years ago, an asteroid hit the earth just off the coast of the Mexico. This massive impact sent water vapor loaded with sulfur into the atmosphere. This cooled the Earth and caused acid rain. Scientists believe many of the large land creatures at the time perished within hours or days, eliminating the dinosaurs. However, new work suggests that sea creature were affected also, by the acid rain. It is estimated that 65% of the worlds species went extinct at this time.

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Müller et al, describe the isolation and initial characterization of a α-proteobacterium (dubbed SB2) that forms a symbiotic relationship with a sponge Suberites domunicula. Under aerobic conditions, the sponge produces the enzyme tyrosinase, which synthesizes diphenols from monophenolic compounds. SB2 is then able to grow on this compound. The benefit to the sponge of having SB2 around is at this point unclear, but it may just provide protection from other harmful bacteria by taking up space. These sponges are of intense interest because they are a excellent source of bioactive compounds produced as secondary metabolites including inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (e.g., aeroplysinin), angiogenesis (aeroplysinin), and viral replication

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A proteomic study of Corynebacterium glutamicum AAA+ protease FtsH by Lüdke et. al investigated the interesting observation that FtsH, an essential protein in many microbes, was not required for viability in Corynebacterium glutamicum. FtsH is a heat shock protein that is essential for regulation of the heat shock response. In many microbes, it elimination is lethal. In C. glutamicaum it still functions as a protease, but is not required in the heat shock response. It many be possible that another protein is substituting for FtsH when it is mutated in this microbe. Bacteria are full of surprises; who would expect an essential gene for heat-shock to not be required in this microbe.

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Scientists have embraced genomics as a powerful tool for investigating all sorts of problems. The article by Catherine E Chambers , Erika I Lutter , Michelle B Visser , Peggy PY Law and Pamela A Sokol describing the investigation of the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia is an excellent example of the power of combining genomics with classical experimentation.

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Work by Atsushi Nakabachi et al. in Science reports on the sequencing of Carsonella ruddii a bacteriocyte-associated γ-proteobacterial symbiont that is found in all species of phloem sap-feeding insects, psyllids. These insects have sap as their sole nutrient, which is rich in energy, but does not provide enough protein for amino acids. Carsonella ruddii has the complement of essential amino acid biosynthesis genes and in exchange for all the nutrients it needs, it synthesizes essential amino acids for its host.

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A first survey of tuberculosis by molecular means (spoligotyping) is used to track strains of tuberculosis. Two interesting findings. One, the strains identified are from Latin America and the Mediterranean area, with none from Africa. Second, only 0.5% of initial cases of tuberculosis were caused by strains with multiple drug resistance. This is good news in that highly resistant strains of M. tuberculosisare not a serious problem in Venezuela.

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DuPont Central Research and Development
Molecular Microbiologist Positions at Dupont

DuPont, a science-based company leading the introduction of biotechnology for industrial applications, is seeking several Principal Investigators in the area of Microbiology to join its Central Research and Development organization. These positions involve engineering microbes (bacterial, yeast or fungi) for the economic production of industrial compounds, small molecules as well as macromolecules. The successful candidates will be part of multidisciplinary teams within a large community of molecular biologists, microbiologists, biochemists and biochemical engineers.

Preference will be given to candidates with a broad knowledge base who have demonstrated productivity in different research areas. Candidates should be self-motivated, thriving in a research team environment and committed to use biotechnology towards commercial and societal impact.

These positions require a Ph.D. in Microbiology or a related field with a minimum of two years of postdoctoral training and demonstrated strong experience in microbial physiology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. A broad understanding of microbial metabolism and physiology preferably spanning several areas such as metabolic engineering, gene regulation, genetic selections or anaerobic metabolism, and a demonstrated track record of patents and /or publications are desired.

DuPont offers an attractive salary and comprehensive benefits. Qualified candidates should apply through DuPont’s career web page: http://careers.dupont.com
Click on: Jobs by Region/United States/View US Job Listings, New Graduate Opportunities
Enter the code RES00459 in the keyword field.


DuPont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Assistant Professor, Microbiology
University of Washington

The Department of Microbiology is initiating a search for an Assistant Professor whose research interests employ the power and logic of genetics to address complex microbiological problems. The position is a 12-month tenure track position in the School of Medicine. In addition to research, all University of Washington faculty engage in teaching and service. Possible research areas
include, but are not limited to, bacterial development, phage biology, microbial evolution, host-microbe interactions, chromosome mechanics, and regulatory mechanisms.

The University of Washington is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and is building a culturally diverse faculty. Applications from female and minority candidates are strongly encouraged. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applicants with a minimum of two years postdoctoral experience should send their CV, a statement of up to two pages of research interests, and names and contact information for three letters of reference to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Microbiology, Box 357242, HSC Room G-328, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 981 95. Application deadline: October 1, 2006.
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A new chapter on immunology has been posted. This summarizes the defenses that the body has against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The chapter contains animations and figures to explain it all. Enjoy.

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Applicants should apply for the positions on line at http://www.invitrogen.com.

#06-0610 and #06-0650
Position Objective:
Perform assays in high throughput to characterize new chemical entities in our HTS Solutions Group. Develop and implement biochemical assays and substrates/probes necessary for cell-based assays related to kinase, protease, and nuclear receptor targets. A working knowledge of fluorescence technologies (FP, FRET, and TR-FRET) is desirable in addition, a strong understanding of biochemistry is necessary. Experience with laboratory equipment and detection instruments is useful. This scientist would be involved in manufacturing and testing of high throughput screening assays for pharmaceutical drug discovery and basic research. Excellent organization and communication skills are essential. A self-motivated individual that is detail oriented and can function both independently as well as part of a team is required.

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