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Researchers use 3D droplet printing to better observe and manipulate bacteria

Researchers from the University of Oxford have developed a droplet-based 3D printing method capable of customizing bacterial genotypes at the micron-scale, which could drive major shifts in ecology.

Using droplet printing, the researchers were able to print strains of the gut bacterium Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, and alter its spacing to create customized communities of the bacteria in order to see how strains react to each other when placed side-by-side in specific patterns.

Being able to manipulate the arrangement of such bacteria at the micron-scale enables greater observation and understanding of its behavior, and could even be “critical for ecological outcomes”, the researchers claim.

The last time I went for a long walk in a big city and worried about being arrested was Hong Hong in the early 2000’s as China began dismantling the one country

The last time I went for a long walk in a big city and worried about being arrested was Hong Hong in the early 2000’s as China began dismantling the “one country, two systems” policies which once protected Hong Hong citizens from Chinese autocrats.

The only time before that was in Moscow in the middle 1970’s when Russia was under the dictatorship of the communist party and free movement wasn’t allowed. The communist media in Russia then, much like the Canadian media today, also felt it important to remind us that the restrictions on movement, liberty and association were for our safety, not theirs.

But I’m still gonna go for a walk past Dundas Square and Queens Park today around noon and take pictures of what I find. Wish me luck.

Scientists are already making vaccines for the next pandemic, whatever it may be

Many researchers are already working on developing vaccines for the next pandemic, even though they don’t know what it will be. (Craig Chivers/CBC.


When the next coronavirus pandemic hits, scientists plan to already have a vaccine against it, no matter what it is. But how is that possible? Here’s what they’re doing now to develop vaccines against emerging viruses and future variants of COVID-19.

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