Bacteria in Everyday Life

Learn where bacteria live in daily life, from kitchen surfaces to public spaces. Understand which are helpful, harmless or concerning in everyday environments.

Bacteria and Food Hygiene

Keep food below 5°C to stop bacteria from multiplying and prevent food poisoning from dangerous pathogens like E. coli and botulism.

Bacteria and Sex

How bacteria spread during sex and what you need to know about common STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

Bacteria and Tooth Decay

How sugar in your diet feeds the bacteria in your mouth that eat away at your teeth.

Bacteria in the Home

Bacteria live everywhere in your home, but most are harmless, here's where the real risks are and how to protect yourself.

Bacteria That Deal With Pollution

Some bacteria have evolved to break down toxic chemicals and pollutants, offering a natural way to clean contaminated environments.

Bacteria That Fix Nitrogen

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume roots convert air nitrogen into protein, boosting the nutritional value of beans, peas and other crops.

Bacteria That Infect Plants

How bacterial infections damage plants and the ways bacteria enter through wounds and damage to leaves and stems.

Bacteria That Recycle Nutrients

Soil bacteria break down dead organisms and recycle nitrogen and carbon back into the environment, preventing our planet from being buried in remains.

Bacterial Vaginosis: An Embarrassing Problem

Bacterial vaginosis affects many women but goes unspoken due to embarrassment; here's what causes it and why it matters for your health.

Do Bacteria Cause the Common Cold?

Viruses cause the common cold, but bacteria play a role in some symptoms and secondary infections that follow.

How Do Disinfectants and Antiseptics Work?

Disinfectants and antiseptics kill bacteria on contact by damaging cell walls and proteins, but work on different surfaces than antibiotics do.

Useful Bacteria in Food

Some bacteria in food can make you sick, but others are actually good for your gut and digestive health.

What is a Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus that triggers severe sore throat, swollen glands and difficulty swallowing.

What is Otitis Media?

A middle ear infection happens when bacteria or viruses cause fluid buildup behind the eardrum, leading to pain and fever.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening infection that causes sudden high fever, organ failure and can develop from bacteria in the bloodstream.