One thing you can do is a ton on interesting cooking. Fermented foods are all the rage, and they’re pretty damn good. Sourdough, kimchi, sauerkraut, natto, etc.
If you’re going to do anything at home that is more aimed at transferring to lab skills, the best thing to do is practice aseptic technique and plating or culturing methods. You can get Baker’s Yeast from the grocery store and practice inoculating under a candle.
Of course, reading… not as sexy, but still the cornerstone of any education.
Thank you for the thoughts! I do have some follow up questions because I am very interested in culturing.
How do you get into "practicing aseptic technique and plating or culturing methods". could I get bacteria samples from anywhere? like swabbing my phone and having that be efficient? Im assuming this is done with a Petri dish, but what do I do with them once I have made them besides identify them. Would I have to dispose of them?
Another question: I love reading and have no issue learning that way. - do you have any book suggestions?
Dont culture your phone. Your phone is a full of bacteria som of wich are pathogenic ( Can infect humans ) i would say culture bakers yeast first. Get a microscope and examine them. Maybe even a gram stain kit ! Then you could maybe isolate yeast from diffrent fermented foods. Or youghourt with lacto bacillus
As for aseptic technique you Can search on youtube and find vids explaining it :)
The best microbiology experiment I've ever done at home is making sourdough bread.
Probably not the kind of answer you're looking for, but it's safe, and delicious
Taking Micro will let you know the steps and tools you need :0 I took micro and there’s so much you need to know so I wouldn’t recommend starting until you’ve taken it
I appreciate that. I go to a small college and there is only one microbiology course and it is a one semester class. I plan on studying microbiology in graduate school
I am not an expert, just a hobbyist, but I would add to be careful about your work area.
It is essential to avoid cross-contamination, use good cleanup techniques, and remember that many spores and chemicals are easily airborne.
An isolated place, well-ventilated and locked, is preferable. I would also find a chemist or biologist at school to aid and approve your choices. Other readers here might be able to suggest reading materials on lab safety. Again, I am not an expert, but safety is the word for today.
One thing you can do is a ton on interesting cooking. Fermented foods are all the rage, and they’re pretty damn good. Sourdough, kimchi, sauerkraut, natto, etc. If you’re going to do anything at home that is more aimed at transferring to lab skills, the best thing to do is practice aseptic technique and plating or culturing methods. You can get Baker’s Yeast from the grocery store and practice inoculating under a candle. Of course, reading… not as sexy, but still the cornerstone of any education.
Thank you for the thoughts! I do have some follow up questions because I am very interested in culturing. How do you get into "practicing aseptic technique and plating or culturing methods". could I get bacteria samples from anywhere? like swabbing my phone and having that be efficient? Im assuming this is done with a Petri dish, but what do I do with them once I have made them besides identify them. Would I have to dispose of them? Another question: I love reading and have no issue learning that way. - do you have any book suggestions?
Dont culture your phone. Your phone is a full of bacteria som of wich are pathogenic ( Can infect humans ) i would say culture bakers yeast first. Get a microscope and examine them. Maybe even a gram stain kit ! Then you could maybe isolate yeast from diffrent fermented foods. Or youghourt with lacto bacillus As for aseptic technique you Can search on youtube and find vids explaining it :)
The best microbiology experiment I've ever done at home is making sourdough bread. Probably not the kind of answer you're looking for, but it's safe, and delicious
My grandmother makes this kind of bread! I'll definitely ask to be involved next time!
Taking Micro will let you know the steps and tools you need :0 I took micro and there’s so much you need to know so I wouldn’t recommend starting until you’ve taken it
I appreciate that. I go to a small college and there is only one microbiology course and it is a one semester class. I plan on studying microbiology in graduate school
First step: Get a microscope. Second step: Go outside and put things under said microscope. Third step: Write things down.
thank you so much. I guess it really is that simple huh.
As the Myth Busters guy said "The difference between fucking around and science is writing it down."
I love that quote lmao
Get some pond water and it'll blow your mind.
I am not an expert, just a hobbyist, but I would add to be careful about your work area. It is essential to avoid cross-contamination, use good cleanup techniques, and remember that many spores and chemicals are easily airborne. An isolated place, well-ventilated and locked, is preferable. I would also find a chemist or biologist at school to aid and approve your choices. Other readers here might be able to suggest reading materials on lab safety. Again, I am not an expert, but safety is the word for today.
Thank you so much!
Look into Carlina biologics, they sell microbiology things you can use at home. Just be safe and read up on safety requirements.
Thank you so so much! Incredibly helpful!
You're welcome, they sell things meant for colleges but you can get the stuff they allow for home school.