Morning Musically-Minded, Medically-Minded, Masticators!
(Today’s post is sponsored by the letter “M”)
Over the past 600+ episodes, The Simpsons has taken us on an amazing journey involving music, science, and food to name a few concepts.
And what better way to start your week, then by discussing some of these concepts Monday morning?
So let’s get started this week by discussing one of my favourite bacterias, staphylococcus.
In the second episode of The Simpsons, Bart the Genius (Season 01, Episode 02), Bart goes to the Enriched Learning Center and meets his classmates. He shares the following conversation with his classmate Cecile Shapiro:
Cecile: “Hi Bart.”
Bart: “Cool hamsters. What are their names?”
Cecile: “Hamster number one has been infected with a Staphylococci virus. Hamster number two is the control hamster.”
Bart: “Hi little control hamster.”
Cecile: “I wouldn’t get too attached. We’re dissecting him next week.”
Ironic in an episode called Bart the Genius, the geniuses make the mistake of referring to Staphylococcus as a virus, when in fact it’s a bacteria (on purpose of course).
Staphylococcus:
Staphylococcus is a Gram positive bacteria genus that typically appears in a cluster of grapes pattern. There are over 40 species of Staphylococcus. It was discovered and named by Scottish surgeon and bacteriologist Sir Alexander Ogston (19 April 1844 – 1 February 1929).
Sir Alexander Ogston
Infections:
Most species are harmless and commonly found on human skin and mucosal surfaces. However, they can enter the body and blood stream through cuts and abrasions and can potentially lead to infection. A few examples of infections associated with Staphylococcus include:
- Boils
- Carbuncles
- Folliculitis
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Septic arthritis
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Most of these infections were treated with drugs in the penicillin class of antibiotics. However, a variety of factors (including inappropriate use of antibiotics and improper hand washing to name a couple) has led to bacteria that are resistant to many drugs in the penicillin class of antibiotics. The most common type of these bacteria are referred to as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA for short.
Now that we’ve taken a look at Staphylococcus, be sure to say ”hi” to the little guys on your skin.
What’s your favourite Simpsons microbiology reference? Do you have a favourite bacteria? Have you ever dissected a hamster? Sound off in the comments below. You know we love hearing from you.
I don’t really know any Simpsons micro biology references but it did make me think of Mr. Burns at the mayo clinic and that Halloween episode of the Simpsons entering Burns’ body to retrieve Maggie. The only type of bacteria I know is the yogurt bacteria (probiotics) also called good bacteria which I learnt about in biology classes years ago. I never dissected a hamster or an animal before but in school we did dissect animal organs.
In high school, we dissected earth worms, crabs, frogs, piglets, and saw a prosection of a cat.
I have a sudden urge to turn my internet off and dispose of all my electrical devices
I have a sudden urge to sanitize….
its noteworthy to note that Scientists are discovering that bacteria and germs are learning to be immune to antibiotics… a researcher in the UK said that it is not a matter of IF but WHEN for this to be a global issue that will take us back to a time before antibiotics…
Another thing I heard is that there has been a lack of progress in the development ofnewer types of antibiotics to counter this trend.
Another thing I heard is that there are much more pleasant things to talk about. Tapeworms for example.
Speaking of such, anyone here ever watch that show “Monstsers Inside Me?”
I find it very disturbing that you have a favorite bacteria.
Doesn’t everyone? Staph is one of my favourites. But favourite is probably Bacillus cereus if I “be serious”, lol.
My fav is when Mr.Burns goes to the MD who’s got all the little fuzzballs with arms and legs of various colors, each representing a different disease.
I’m not a fan of penicillin, makes me swell up like a tick (another disease carrier) and get super itchy, damn allergies!
~MIB👤