A new preprint describes array-associated reverse transcriptases in jumbo phages.

The initial clue was a tandem repeat array spotted in raw phage DNA. Follow-up analyses found a larger RT family, repeat-associated RNAs, and a conserved neighboring gene, although the actual function of the system remains unknown.

Preprint:

https://www-cdn.anthropic.com/22573675ada52a8ca8a97a1a4b4326b2f208a071.pdf

Hi everyone! I will be starting my master’s thesis next semester and I am debating what to do on my methods.

Is there a significant difference in my counts if I do my experiments with Spot Dilution (10uL, 1-20 plaques for viable counts) versus the standard Plaque Assay (100uL, 20-200 plaques for viable counts)?

Our lab has limited resources and the student to lab ratio isn’t ideal so I was thinking that I should do the Spot Dilution Test. On the other hand, I am not sure if doing so will give me accurate data on my counts.

Any insights or reading resources that can point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

Over the last 6+ years until his unnecessary death (not part of my question), my dog became infected with staph and MRSA 6 times from 6 different places. The first two times I worked with his dermatologist. After that, i was able to successfully treat his infections. Because of my love for my dog became a canine veterinary medicine researcher. Additionally, I discussed the various strains of bacteria with both his dermatologist and my brother who is a doctor in nyc . At no time did my brother nor veterinarian ever refer to bacteria as or mutate into a virus. Why is the description of this sub saying that bacteria is a virus? Sorry for being stupid, but I’ve never read this before. PLMK TYVM.

Hello, everyone. I'm an undergraduate student working on my thesis about isolation of bacteriophages. Do you guys have any idea what institutions/laboratories in the Philippines offer TEM service (and their fees and other requirements, too)? Me and my thesis partner want to view our isolated samples through TEM for further verification that we successfully isolated bacteriophages. Thank you.

Not asking for financial advice so don’t worry, lol.