This is the last thing we need! Another strain of bird-to-human transmitted virus, and researcher believe this could be the worst one yet. While research on this virus is still being conducted in China, there is already strong evidence that this could be the next big flu outbreak.

Not exactly a scientific article, however the sources are from science journals. This demonstrates how simple things that may be routine (like going to the gym) or that we don't give much thought about (going out for a few drinks with friends) can increase our risk for flu infection.

Drying hands is just as, if not more, important as washing with soap. Drip-drying causes spreading of massive amounts of bacteria, and traditional automatic hand dryers are also hazard; rubbing hands under the heat actually brings bacteria embedded in the skin to the surface. The most sanitary way to dry: paper towels.

Considering I just drank a fountain soda today, this is pretty nasty. According to the article, researchers don't know exactly where the bacteria comes from, but it isn't from customers touching the nozzles. It's believed the bacteria comes from employees during the cleaning and sanitizing process!

A very interesting article describing the strongest evidence to date about possible microorganisms once living on Mars.

Gross! I spent the majority of my elementary school years drinking Capri Sun...

This past summer, I lost my grandfather very suddenly to metastatic pancreatic cancer. This could be a breakthrough for others who catch their pancreatic cancers early and prevent spreading to other organs.

A new bacterial species that eats metal... what?! Just more proof that bacteria have the ability thrive anywhere, even under the most extreme conditions. Researchers worry that this new species will eventually completely eat up this historic ship.

We briefly discussed this in my immunology class, and, after hearing about it, I wanted to learn more. While I think these people are crazy for infecting themselves with hookworms (one participant didn't even consider the risks before exposing himself), the fact is that their allergies and asthma did improve, almost to the point of vanishing. Studying hookworms and what exactly they do to the immune response to suppress allergies could lead to a brand new treatment, possibly helping people to elimnate their allergies altogether.

Used as a supplemental source for mine and Megan's presentation

An interesting paper about Chlamydia and the body's immune response against infection. Although the article doesn't discuss it, I believe further research could lead to development of a vaccine. A potential paper to use for our presentation.