Polyhydroxybutyrate accumulation by a Serratia sp

A strain of Serratia sp. showed intracellular electron-transparent inclusion bodies when incubated in the presence of citrate and glycerol 2-phosphate without nitrogen source following pregrowth under carbon-limitation in continuous culture. About 1.3 mmol citrate were consumed per 450 mg\ud biomass, giving a calculated yield of maximally 55% of stored material per g of biomass dry wt. The inclusion bodies were stained with Sudan Black and Nile Red (NR), suggesting a lipid material, which was confirmed as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by analysis of molecular fragments by GC and by FTIR spectroscopy of isolated bio-PHB in comparison with reference material. Multi-parameter flow cytometry in conjunction with NR fluorescence, and electron microscopy, showed that not all cells contained heavy PHB bodies, suggesting the potential for increasing\ud the overall yield. The economic attractiveness is\ud enhanced by the co-production of nanoscale hydroxyapatite\ud (HA), a possible high-value precursor for bone replacement materials

Falling into LINE: school strategies for overcoming challenges associated with learning in natural environments (LINE)

peerreview_statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope. aims_and_scope_url: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rett2

Consensus Statement on Public Involvement and Engagement with Data-Intensive Health Research.

This consensus statement reflects the deliberations of an international group of stakeholders with a range of expertise in public involvement and engagement (PI&E) relating to data-intensive health research. It sets out eight key principles to establish a secure role for PI&E in and with the research community internationally and ensure best practice in its execution. Our aim is to promote culture change and societal benefits through ensuring a socially responsible trajectory for innovations in this field.Peer reviewe

Pathogens in wastewater sludge

Information concerning pathogen densities in wastewater sludge is scarce, particularly for Australian sludges. As part of a project investigating the die-off of pathogens in stored sludge pathogen densities in sludge from Perth wastewater treatment plants were determined. Faecal coliform, faecal streptococci, enterovirus and Salmonella concentrations in sludge were quantified. Campylobacter, Shigella, Legionellaand helminths were not detected in sludge using qualitative tests. Giardia and Entamoeba were present in raw sludge but were not detected in digested and dewatered sludge. There was no consistent relationship between the die-off of indicator organisms and pathogens through sludge treatment. Pathogens generally survived treatment better than faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci. On the basis of these results the use of indicator bacteria to predict pathogen densities in wastewater sludge may not be appropriate