Best Microbiology Videos and Tutorials

Aquascape Marine Aquarium

2014-01-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

When setting up a marine aquarium one of the trickiest, most frustrating and ultimately most neglected things is when you get to the stage where you are ready to aquascape your marine aquarium.

Your goal when planning to aquascape your marine aquarium is to create a structure which allows for the best biological filtration possible, provides a natural environment for the inhabitants and is pleasing to the eye.

Let's face it all the rock which you purchase is of different shapes and size and they never seem to fit together just as you would like. Also when you do find pieces which appear to fit together to give you the design which you would like it is never stable enough.

When starting a marine aquarium reef tank or keeping a tank of marine fish one of the choices you need to make is how you will be filtering your aquarium. One of the most popular methods of primary filtration is live rock. As this is the primary method then it is essential that the marine aquarium be aquascaped to allow for the most effective biological filtration possible.

When using live rock as a marine aquarium filter one of the biggest things you need to remember is to build the structure so that it is open. Building a structure which is open in design allows for a few things. It provides the fish with necessary hiding places, allows the water to move in and around the rock so that the bacteria within the rock can filter the water effectively and also allows for any detritus build up on the rocks to be 'washed' away into the water column where it can be processed by the mechanical filtration.

Before choosing your live rock it is best to attempt to visualise the design you would like, then when you are choosing your live rock you can select pieces which will make up your planned design. For example do you hope to create a design which has lots of over hangs, pillars and crests, caves for not light loving creatures etc? If you are not sure of the design you would like why not take a look at some pictures of a natural reef, find an area which you like the look of and try to emulate it.

Picturing and then implementing a rock structure is a step which is quite often neglected. Due to this the most common rock structure seen in marine aquariums is that of a wall of rock upon which corals are placed. Unfortunately this type of structure, although easy to implement in a marine aquarium does not emulate a rock structure as it can be found in nature.

At the time when you are in a position to aquascape your marine aquarium you can either rest your base rock directly onto the floor itself, build feet out of underwater epoxy to raise the rock off the floor or build a structure to raise the rock off the floor. The latter is becoming more popular as it allows for more water volume as well as more movement in and around the rock work.

You can utilise the rock which does not have as much coralline algae on it as the base rock and use the more attractive coralline covered rock as the show rock or if you decided to you could purchase rock which is names as base rock. A good thing to check is also which the upper side is and which the lower side of the rock is. The side with the coralline on is normally the upper side and should be pointed towards the light; the lower side will have less coralline on and probably a few sponges etc and should be pointed down.

Attaching rocks together can be accomplished using various methods. You can use tie wraps to tie them together as long as there are holes in the rocks to pass the wrap through. You can also use underwater epoxy to effectively glue then together or you can simply balance them on top of each other.

Whichever method you choose it is essential to ensure that the rock structure you create is both open and balanced. You do not want to create a structure which is not balanced and the rockwork falls over and either traps a fish or even worse the rockwork falls over and cracks your aquarium. It is also recommended to leave a gap between the rocks and the sides of the aquarium. If you do not leave a gap then you will have issues later on trying to glean the glass.

Learning to aquascape your marine aquarium is not just restricted to rocks though. Aquascaping could also include corals in the definition. Corals require different amounts of lights and water movement to thrive. Your rock structure should allow for places where these corals can be placed or attached therefore you should also build your rock structure around what you hope to keep in your aquarium.

With patience and a little creativity you can create some fantastic designs. Ledges, caverns, recesses, overhangs, pillars etc can all be created as long as you have the correct rock work which can be attached together.

When it is time to aquascape your marine aquarium try to enjoy it and in no time at all you will have a structure which will be the envy of all your aquarist friends.

Peter Cunningham combined with his father have been keeping salt water aquarium's for nearly 35 years. Their website Salt Water Aquarium provides a wealth of resources for learning how to start and maintain salt water aquariums.

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Maintaining a Healthy Aquarium Using Proper Fish Treatment Methods

2014-01-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

There are many things to consider when it comes to maintaining a healthy fish tank. Medication for fish treatment depends on whether you have a Tropical, Coldwater or a Marine aquarium. For example, some medication affects the biological system which can kill certain bacteria required for a healthy aquarium. You must read the instruction manual carefully before you start any treatment.

You have to take into account the size of the fish tank. When treating fishes some certain type requires isolation and hence having a big fish tank is advisable. If you have a small size fish tank, it is highly recommended to buy a portable one as a backup in case you have to isolate certain fishes.

All problems in a fish tank are bacterial, parasitic and environmental in nature. The bacterial infection is characterised by white patches instead of spots and this is cured by using bacterial fish medicine. The parasitic infection can be easily identified as it is characterised by individual white spots on the fish and this can be cured by treating the water. The environmental infection is caused due to improper handling and maintenance of the aquarium. It can be easily prevented by constantly checking the water quality and maintaining fresh stock for the fishes all the time.

Cotton mouth is a type of bacterial infection and takes place due to poor water quality and improper diet. It spreads very easily and in cases causes the death of all the fishes in the tank. Symptoms of this disease are white colouring and disintegration on the fins. Treatment of this infection can be done through change of water, vacuuming the gravel, use of antibiotics, adding aquarium salt and discontinuing carbon filtration throughout the treatment.

Velvet or otherwise known as rust or gold disease is a type of parasitic infection. It is caused by a parasite that penetrates into the skin and gills of a fish and feed on the nutrients. After feeding and maturing it releases itself into the water and thereby creates an unhealthy water quality for the fishes. Symptoms such as rapid breathing, discolouration of skin, and peeling of the skin will occur. To treat this infection raise the water temperature, reduce lighting of the aquarium, use aquarium salt and discontinuing carbon filtration.

Ammonia poisoning is a type of environmental infection and occurs when too many new fishes are added to the tank. Symptoms of this disease can be detected when you notice the fishes gasping for breath on the water surface, gills will appear to bleed as a result of change in colour, fish laying at the bottom of the tank and red streaks on the body will appear. You can treat this by using chemicals that neutralises the ammonia and discontinuing feeding for a certain period of time.

If you are starting up a new fish tank using Evolution Aqua Pure Aquarium Bacteria Gel Balls as a treatment is advisable. It is a bacterial treatment which provides the required ammonia and nitrite in water to provide fishes with a clear and healthy environment. Take note that treating the water is important because poor water quality leads to all sort diseases for the marine life in the tank.

Your contributor Harvey J Hamilton is highly skilled in all things aquarium and has been advising customers for many years on the best aquarium fish treatments available. For anybody who is looking for fish disease treatments then reading the useful resources drafted by this writer will certainly help you to locate the best solutions available.

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Write a Better Abstract

2014-01-07T01:55:00.000-08:00

In science and engineering, it is common to write an abstract. The abstract is important because it is the link between the contents of a document and the reader. In many journals, the abstract is the only piece of a document that is freely available, meaning that a powerful abstract is what can compel potential collaborators, donors, and readers from gaining access to the article. For students, an abstract is common manner for summarizing research results and justifications in projects and dissertations. In sales and funding proposals, the abstract can be the make-or-break that gains the interest of potential donors. Because of this, how to write an abstract in important in every branch and level of science and engineering.

Internet Searching Means SEO for Abstracts

As the internet has become an increasingly important tool for research, the abstract also has value as a search tool. A powerful abstract promoted on popular scholarly sites, such as Science Direct, among others, can generate international interest in your work. It is important to keep in mind modern search engine optimization techniques in designing an abstract that will be publicly available, keeping in mind target key words and phrases

Goals of an Abstract

The abstract of a paper should speak to the content and the author's message, including relevant justifications.

What an abstract should do:

Summarize the content of a paper
Briefly state results
Justify why the contents of the paper is important or significant
Promote interest in the paper itself (i.e. SELL the paper)

What an abstract should NOT do:

Explain materials and methods in detail
Contain unnecessary information
Make findings sound subjective by using phrases such as 'I think...' or 'We believe that...'
Go into detail on results

When should I write an Abstract?

An abstract should tie a paper together and make any big points about the paper's merit. This means that the abstract should be written as the last step of the writing process, when the author has ironed out the ideas that form other sections of the paper.

How to Write an Abstract

The abstract should be drawn from the content of the paper, without repeating the paper explicitly. The way that abstract writing is sometimes taught in school is to take a single sentence from each major section of the paper and string them together to form the abstract. This, however, generally results in a poor abstract. Instead, an abstract should be written by writing a brief, original summary of each section, and concluding with an original sentence justifying the work.

An abstract should contain all elements to make it clinically relevant. In short, the abstract should state:

Abstract Contents
The nature of the problem
The paper's main topic (i.e. What was done in the paper?)
The solution or findings
Unique or special points about the techniques used or the findings themselves

Example Abstract

For example, the example abstract "Searching for Antibiotics in Marine Bacteria" consists of:

"The search for new antibiotics is more important than ever as drug resistance grows [identifies the problem]. In order to find new antibiotic frameworks, bacteria were collected from sediment samples from the continental shelf of the Atlantic ocean at depths of greater than 100 meters [identifies what was done in the paper]. Two new heterocyclic compounds have been isolated that show activity against resistant cell lines of the common flu virus [summarizes the solution and describes its importance to common subject-the flu virus]. The potential for new compounds from the sea to combat the flu are virtually unlimited [comment on the future potential of the project as a special "selling" point]."

This sample abstract provides an example of how to write an abstract, though it is generally advisable that the abstract be as unique as possible to the paper topic. An abstract will be evaluated on scientific merit, clinical relevance, originality, and suitability for a certain audience or journal.

For more writing tips visit us at http://www.angiebiotech.com, your source for custom writing and editing for science and engineering.

Angela Nicole Johnson is a Formulation Chemistry Expert at Angie Biotech, LLC responsible for leading the design team in developing new fragrance and soaps in the natural products division. She has worked in the natural products industry for over eight years and developed hundreds of bath and body products.

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The Additional Costs of Maintaining a Saltwater Aquarium

2014-01-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Deciding between saltwater fish tanks and freshwater fish tanks may lead you to choose the low maintenance freshwater version. But if you want to grow interesting fishes and other marine animals with lush vegetation, the saltwater aquarium may be the choice for you. The only downside with this choice is the cost of maintenance. Find out the additional costs of maintaining a saltwater aquarium in this information.

One of the first requirements of having a saltwater aquarium is to have at least a 50-gallon fish tank. This is where the first additional cost is needed. The freshwater tank does not require a minimum size for the tank. The 50-gallon requirement will ensure that the environment is fit to be a healthy environment for marine animals and vegetation.

The maintenance for saltwater fish tanks is also more expensive compared to the freshwater counterpart. There is a need for high-quality pumps and filters. To keep the balance in the environment and maintain the proper salinity, you also need to invest in salt mixes and test kits. In addition, you also need to include live ornaments. In this connection, you should also purchase a protein skimmer. This will culture live corals, which is very beneficial for the water environment of the fishes. The addition of a live rock is also strongly recommended.

What is a live rock? A live rock is rubble that is part of a coral reef structure. It is normally broken off from the coral reef by natural means of natural disturbances such as tropical storms or any other calamities.

It is called live rock due to the living organisms attached to the rock. Life forms include algae, marine worms, bacteria, and small crustaceans are present in these live rocks. These provide numerous benefits to marine environment in your fish tank.

There might be an additional expense for the purchase of live rock and you may be tempted to set up a saltwater fish tank without the live rock. But this is never recommended because the live rock acts as a source of food for the small organisms. Hence, it is very important for the balance within the aquarium. It likewise acts as filter that helps get rid of the toxic substances in the water. It is a worthy investment for your first fish tank.

Therefore, choosing the saltwater aquarium involves additional costs in the right size of the tank, maintenance, additional vegetation and live rock, and other equipments. But with persistent effort and the right expertise, the success can reveal beautiful results with interesting fishes and other marine animals.

Paul De Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in home improvement, pets, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Fish Tank Stand [http://fishtankstands.org/] which reviews and lists Information on all types of Fish Tank Canopy [http://fishtankstands.org/fish-tank-canopy].

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Common Causes of Cellulitis

2014-01-05T05:06:00.000-08:00

Natural flora of our body includes some types of bacteria. These bacteria thrive inside and outside the human body without causing harm if they stay in their rightful place and maintain normal numbers. In some instances, we accidentally acquire cuts and breaks in the skin that causes unwanted skin openings. These cuts or scrapes allow some of the body's external natural flora to enter the outer layer of the skin and move inward to infect the deepest skin layer. This is what happens in cellulitis.

Cellulitis is skin disease that may appear in different parts of the body. The bacteria responsible for this skin disease are usually the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus. Both causes of cellulitis play a role in the different types of cellulitis such as facial cellulitis, breast cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, periorbital cellulitis, hand/arm cellulitis, perianal cellulitis and lower leg/foot cellulitis.

These two causes of cellulitis act differently once inside the body. The Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci rapidly spread under the skin and produces enzymes that break down cells thereby allows non-localized infection. Staphylococci infection on the other hand is more localized and often occurs upon entry through an open wound.

Other microorganisms and underlying diseases may also be one of the causes of cellulitis. These microorganisms may enter the body through scrapes, cuts, wounds, blisters, insect bites and even ulcers and penetrates the skin layers. Tattoos and surgical wounds may also be entry points of cellulitis-causing bacteria. Some infection may even cause swelling to nearby lymph nodes and eventually spread infection through the blood.

- Hemophilus influenzae type B or Hib is a gram-negative and non-motile bacterium that used to rampantly cause cellulitis and other diseases especially in children. Since a vaccine for Hib has already been developed, cases of cellulitis caused by this type of bacteria have dramatically decreased.

- Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic bacterium commonly found in soil, in marine sediments and is also a natural flora of the intestines. This bacterium causes anaerobic cellulitis. This is a localized infection that involves the skin and soft tissue and in rare cases may cause necrosis.

- Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium included in the causes of cellulitis from animal bites. This bacterium is a resident of the upper respiratory tract in cats, dogs, and livestock. It may be passed on to a human though bites, scratches or even just their saliva. The cellulitis caused by this bacterium progresses rapidly and needs immediate medical care.

- Certain diseases may also lead to complications and be one of the causes of cellulitis.

Immunocompromised people or people with weak immune systems are easy targets for cellulitis-causing bacteria. Those with chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis wherein the skin constantly has fresh wounds or openings may also easily acquire cellulitis if not careful. Same can be said with those who have athlete's foot, fungal infection, diabetes and edema.

Cellulitis is commonly treated with antibiotics and may be relieved by antibiotic topical ointments. Doctor prescription and advice is needed before treatment. Severe cases of cellulitis are delat with in a hospital while mild cases may be treated at home.

Learn more about cellulitis symptoms and recommended treatment for cellulitis by visiting our website today!

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Trilobite: Extinct Marine Arthropods

2014-01-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

Trilobites formed the class Trilobita and are well known marine and extinct arthropods whose fossils have been recovered from different places. The first fossil record suggests that they were present in the Early Cambrian Period but studies indicate that they flourished well in the lower Paleozoic era and become extinct with the beginning of the Devonian Period. They underwent mass extinction at the end of Permian about 250 million years ago. They were the most successful species that were present on the earth for about 270 million years. Their fossil record suggests that they were already dispersed in different locations. As their exoskeleton was perfect to undergo fossilization about 17,000 species have been found out which belong to the Paleozoic time. These fossil records have contributed a lot towards biostratigraphy, paleontology, evolutionary biology and plate tectonics. They are often placed under the subphylum Schizoramia within the superclass Arachnomorpha although different taxonomists place them differently.

Trilobites have switched over to a wide variety of habitats like some moved over the sea-bed as predators, scavengers or filter feeders and some swam, feeding on plankton. Some have even developed a symbiotic relationship with a sulphur eating bacteria. Their role in parasitism is still debatable. They show their characters resembling with Crustacea, Chelicerata and Mandibulata. Only their exoskeleton has been found in the fossilized form and only traces of their soft parts have been found out. They may vary in size from 1 mm to 72 cm but the typical size may reach 3-10 cm. the largest fossil of trilobite was found in 1998 by the Canadian scientists in the Ordovician rocks on the shores of Hudson Bay belonged to the genus Isotelus rex. The exoskeleton is made up of calcite and calcium phosphate entangled in the protein matrix of chitin that covers the upper surface and curled on the lower side in the form of fringe that forms a structure known as doublure. The body is divided into three segments namely head, thorax and pygidium. The thorax is composed of a number of segments ranging from 2-61 but in general they may be 2-16. The segments lie in between head and the pygidium. Each segment is made up of a central axial ring and outer pleura that protects the limbs and the gills. The pleurae may be sometimes prolonged into spines. Apodemes are bulbous projections present on the ventral surface to which the leg muscles are attached.

The pygidium is also formed of a number of segments and the telson is fused together. The segments resemble the thoracic segments but are not articulated together. Depending upon the position of pygidium trilobites may be classified as micropygous meaning pygidium smaller than head, isopygous where is pygidium similar in size to that of head and macropygous where pygidium is larger in size as compared to that of head. The exoskeleton consists of a large number of scale-like structures collectively known as prosopon. It includes finer scale features like ribbing, domes, pustules, pitting, ridging and perforations. Its exact role is not known but it is believed that it is involved in structural strengthening, sensory pits or hairs, preventing predator attacks and maintaining aeration while enrolled. Some have developed horns over their heads that resemble like that of the modern beetles. The soft pars of the body have been recovered from only 21 species. They have a single pair of pre-oral antennae and undifferentiated biramous appendages. Each exopodite has 6-7 segments. Exopodites also bear coxa which also bears gill branch used for swimming or respiration. The mouth is situated at the edge of hypostome and lacks teeth. The mouth is coupled with the glabella which is an adaptation for carnivorous feeding habit. The mouth is attached to the stomach through the oesophagous. The intestine in turn is finally attached to the pygidium. The presence of heart, liver and other internal organs is simply predicted but no direct evidence is available in this regard.

Many trilobites had complex eyes although those dwelling at the bottom of the sea lacked them. The eyes were typically compound with lenses in the form of elongated prism. The number of lenses may vary from one to thousands in a single eye. The lenses are arranged in a hexagonal fashion. The lenses are made up of calcite. The prosopon are of several types which help on the collection of chemicals as well as vibrations. They undergo moulting and the successive growth stages are known as instars. During moulting each segment grows in size and new segments get added up in the sub-terminal growth zone.

Navodita Maurice

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A Guide to Diesel Additives

2014-01-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

Diesel additives can help to improve the life and performance of diesel engines, and so at least a basic knowledge of them is a must for someone who owns, operates or maintains any vehicle that has a diesel engine. The following article explains what these additives are, what purpose they serve, and why they are so important for the maintenance and upkeep of diesel engines.

What Are Diesel Additives?

Diesel fuel additives are specially formulated substances that are mixed into diesel fuel in order to enhance its functionality. They come in a variety of formulas and serve a variety of different purposes. As fuel quality varies in different countries, using fuel additives can be more beneficial.

Types of Diesel Additives

Some additives for diesel contain detergent that will keep fuel injectors clean. Others keep the engine running smoothly by preventing corrosion and build up. Diesel lubricant additives are especially effective when it comes to extending the life of an engine, reducing the friction between moving parts, making it much less likely that they will crack or erode over time. This can help to reduce the maintenance costs, and means that a vehicle will be more reliable, and last longer, helping to reduce operating costs.

There are even additives for diesel which are designed to prevent wax crystals that tend to form in diesel engines when the weather gets cold. In colder countries, or countries with very cold winters, there is a risk of the diesel becoming much thicker, and not pouring very well, which can be a problem for the motorist, as well as the fuel company, and for storage depots.

What Are The Advantages of Diesel Additives?

Diesel additives work by raising the speed and temperature at which the diesel burns. This helps more energy to be created by the fuel, which makes the care more efficient, and so increases the fuel efficiency of the engine, meaning that it costs less to run. In addition, because there is more energy released by the fuel, there can often be gains in power too. Some additives report that they can help an engine to be up to 10% more powerful.

Diesel additives have numerous advantages. They put a stop to many of the problems that interfere with the efficiency and longevity of diesel engines. Choosing the right diesel additives is key to getting the best performance from any diesel engine.

Other Applications of Diesel Additives

Remember, fuel additives are not just for cars and trucks, they can be used for boat engines as well. The proper marine fuel additive will protect your boat engine from water retention, algae growth and exposure to marine bacteria.

If you're looking to get more power, or want better economy, then why not see how diesel additives can make a difference to your engine.

Find out more about Diesel Additives, and Corrosion Inhibitors which can help to improve the performance of your fuel, and diesel engines, and see the other products offered to the fuel and refinery industry, at InnospecInc.com.

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Saltwater Tank Cloudy? - Reasons Why You Have a Cloudy Saltwater Tank and How to Fix It

2014-01-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

A saltwater aquarium is supposed to be a crystal clear stunning display of marine fish. Unfortunately for many people this is not the case. Many suffer from a cloudy saltwater tank and are not sure how to make it clear again.

Why Is My Saltwater Tank Cloudy and How Can I Fix It

There really is only two main reasons why a saltwater tank will get cloudy. Those are from bacterial blooms in the water or excessive debris that is suspended in the water. These are both easy to fix with some simple changes to equipment or the way you take care of your tank.

If you think that the cloudiness is from excess debris in the water you will need to take a hard look at your filter system. Is it big enough to handle your tank? Do you clan it well enough and frequently enough? If you feel the filter is large enough start cleaning it once a week and see what feed that has on you rank.

Cloudy marine tanks from bacterial blooms can often be traced back to a saltwater aquarium that has to many fish in it or an owner that over feeds. To many fish will produce a lot of waste that will feed the bacteria. The same is true for rotting food in the aquarium. To remedy this problem look at your stocking levels and make any needed changes. As a rule of thumb one average size fish for every ten gallons of tank volume is a great starting point.

Also when you feed shut all your water pumps and filters off to give your fish the best chance ate eating all the food and reducing the amount that can be left to rot.

To create a stunning and easy-to-maintain saltwater aquarium grab a copy of our Saltwater Aquarium Guide. This illustrated guide will show you step by step how to properly set up your aquarium. It's crammed with tips and secrets that the pros use to create stunning displays! Learn more at http://www.saltwatermethods.com

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Blue Green Algae In Lakes - Pros And Cons Of Photosynthetic Bacteria

2014-01-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

Blue green algae is a type of bacteria that can produce their own food through photosynthesis, just like plants do. This is why they are green in color. This alga is typically known as cyanobacteria and lives in lakes, ponds, marine water, or even brackish water. Blue green algae in lakes can form what are known as Blooms. This phenomenon looks like green scum, foam, or a mat across the top of the water.

Not only is this floating muck often unsightly, but it also tends to smell as the cyanobacteria die. Some forms of this algae are more toxic than others and most cause irritation when they come into contact with skin. Despite having negative effects, these algae might be responsible for the air on Earth today. Three billion year old fossils have been found and the algae are thought to have been the main producers of oxygen long ago.

A lot of the algae attach themselves to rocks or submerged plants in the lake. The more nutrient rich a freshwater lake is, the more prevalent algal blooms are. Other than the amount of nutrients, additional factors that determine how much of this algae is present in a lake are; pH, light, and temperature. Most blooms are seen during the summer or early autumn, since this time period is perfect weather for the spread of this green algae.

Algae blooms are often thought of to be a nuisance when they occur in a lake that is used for recreational enjoyment. Swimming areas are closed off when the blooms are present and boating isn't as desired in these areas either. An abundance of this type of algae can definitely put a damper on the tourist industry for some areas.

Some benefits of blue green algae include being used as a fertilizer, food source, and in medical products. This type of algae is added to rice paddies and soil for fertilization. The algae add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil, which increases the productivity of land and crops can be grown in otherwise barren soils. Erosion of the land is also slowed down by the addition of blue green algae taken off of lakes, since it binds to the soil particles.

Spirulina is a type of this algae that can be grown in fresh water and consumed by humans. It is high in protein and amino acids. All the amino acids a human being needs are contained in Spirulina and the protein content is around 60%.

Poisonous varieties of blue green algae also occur in lakes. These are the type responsible for the death of cows and other farm animals. Some dogs have even been poisoned by blue green algae in lakes. They are often drinking out of the same lakes as many other wild animals and aren't immune to the effects of the algae.

Humans who have come into contact with the poisonous variety of blue green algae get a variety of unpleasant symptoms; red or sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, itching eyes, red skin around the eyes, nausea, and headache. Be very aware of the water quality of any lake you enter, in order to avoid this unpleasantness.

Blue green algae can be considered as one of the simplest aquatic plants that take place naturally in habitats like lakes, marine waters and rivers.

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Have a Cloudy Saltwater Aquarium? - How to Make Your Saltwater Fish Tank Clear Again

2013-12-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

Nothing looks better then a crystal clear saltwater aquarium. Unfortunately many saltwater fish keepers cannot get rid of their cloudy water and never have truly crystal clear marine aquariums. The tips below will help you understand why your saltwater aquarium water is cloudy and what you can do to make it clear again.

Why Saltwater Fish Tank Water Gets Cloudy

There are two main reasons that your saltwater fish tank water will be cloudy. Those two reasons are bacterial blooms and excessive debris in your water

The bacterial blooms are the direct result of over feeding your fish or over stocking your tank. The excess waste that to many fish and rotting fish food produce will break down and will feed the bacteria.

To much debris in the water usually comes from filters that are not strong enough or not cleaned frequently enough to do a good job.

How To Make Your Marine Aquarium Water Clear Again

First examine the amount of fish you have in your tank. You should really only have one average size fish for every 8-10 gallons of tank volume. If you have a lot more then this you may need to remove one or two saltwater fish to get the stocking levels back within an acceptable range.

Also make sure to shut off all pumps and filters when you feed and add your fish and add food slowly. This will give the fish the best chance at getting all the food and it will not be blown around.

Take a look at your filter system as well and make sure the filters you have are rated for the tank size you have. If they are to small you may need to upgrade to larger more efficient filters.

Make sure to clean your filters at least every two weeks to get rid of trapped debris and fish waste that can add to bacterial blooms. You may need to clean them more frequently if they are slightly underpowered.

To create a stunning saltwater aquarium grab a copy of our Saltwater Aquarium Guide. This illustrated guide will show you step by step how to properly set up your aquarium. It's crammed with tips and secrets that the pros use to create stunning saltwater displays! Learn more at http://www.saltwatermethods.com

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CANCER, Diseases & Marine Phytoplankton

2013-12-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

Marine Phytoplankton: Environmental Microbiology

Marine phytoplankton are tiny open water sea plants, animals or bacteria with limited or no swimming ability that drift with the tides and currents of the oceans. They require sunlight to multiply and in high nutrient and right conditions they multiply rapidly.

Environmental microbiology is rich enough to feed some of the largest mammals on earth which are many species of whales including Blue, Bowhead, Baleen, Grey, Humpback, Right and the largest of all, whale sharks.

Why Marine Phytoplankton is Unique
Dr Jerry Tennant is founder and Director of the Tennant Institute Of Integrative Medicine. Educated at Harvard University, he has over 15 years practice in Energetic Medicine treating thousands of terminally ill patients. Of all the products he has come across he had this to say of Marine Phytoplankton.

"This is the most exciting product I have come across. It contains almost everything necessary to sustain life and build healthy new cells. When you give the body everything it needs to produce trillions of healthy new cells then you get well".

Another very important reason that makes marine phytoplankton unique and very effective is that it's composed of single cells that bypass the liver and digestive system. This is highly significant and is one reason Dr Tennant believes results have been seen so quickly, particularly with critical and chronically ill patients who have sick livers. Whereas other products took months to see significant results, results were being noticed within days of taking marine phytoplankton.

Marine phytoplankton provides a rare, complete food that will give the body virtually all the raw materials it needs in one single source to produce healthy new cells and neuro-chemicals for the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. Because it works at the deepest level of the cell, it seems to work for a wide variety of diseases and imbalances including chronic illnesses. What makes phytoplankton unique is the exceptionally high success rate that has been experienced in overcoming a variety of health conditions and chronic diseases, enabling the body to heal itself. It is believed by many including Dr Tennant that this is because it contains all the raw materials necessary in one source in near perfect proportion.

The composition of human plasma or fluid surrounding cell membranes is similar to that of sea water and micronutrients and electrolytes in plankton are exactly what human cell membranes need to carry out their metabolism.

8 SPECIFIC BENEFITS OF SEA PLANTS

1. Immune system enhancer.
2. Enhances macrophages.
3. Has anti HIV effects.
4. Stimulates building of blood cells.
5. Makes iron more available.
6. Decreases nephrotoxicity.
7. Approved in Russia to treat radiation sickness.
8. Anti carcinogenic, by increasing endonuclearase enzymes to fix DNA damage.

To your glowing health.

If you liked this article you can take a look at one of the nutritionals (with marine phytoplankton) that my brother was (and still is) taking that aided in his recovery from pancreatic cancer here [http://WeSeaGreen.com]

The article on my brothers recovery from the killer pancreatic cancer through my eyes is titled "WHAT is the PRICE of LIFE?" written by myself. Also another article on the very foundations of the body is titled" A CHAT WITH MY NATUROPATH" She is my brothers Naturopath and was instrumental in saving his life. You can contact me at riverbend@activ8.net.au

Your health is your responsibility, therefore YOU take whatever steps are necessary, its up to you.

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Saltwater Aquariums

2013-12-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched a television show on Saltwater fish? How about the great barrier reef? Have you gone scuba diving in the caribbean and wished there was a way you could experience that all the time? So many different colors. Such a peaceful environment. From my own personal experience, observing the fish on a daily basis for over a decade, they have their own uniqueness other than color or patterns. It is absolutely an amazing hobby and a rewarding one at that.

Some people may look at a Saltwater aquarium and think, Wow that's beautiful, but I could never have that. That is so not true. The aquarium industry has made it relatively easy for the average person to obtain this hobby in your home. As long as you have a couple of hours per week and the finances to support this hobby. So in this article I am going to make you aware of the equipment and livestock you will need to get your hobby started successfully and what you can expect to happen within the first few months of your aquarium being set-up.

First of all you will need to purchase the following:
* An aquarium of adequate size. Anything over 33 gallons is recommended. Anything smaller will make your aquarium a lot more work.
* A proper stand for your aquarium, has to be able to hold the weight of your aquarium when it is full.
* Adequate lighting, this is required for optimal coral growth and to bring out the vibrant colors of your fish.
* A good quality filter, this is required so your water stays clean and healthy for your livestock.
* A protein skimmer, this gets rid of the excess toxins in your aquarium produced by fish and coral waste.
* A good quality heater so it can maintain a constant temperature in your environment. If there are any fluctuations this could result in fish or coral death.
* A hydrometer which measures the salt content in your aquarium.
* A test kit so you will be able to monitor your water chemistry.
* Power heads so you can create water movement in the aquarium, for this is how a lot of corals feed and it helps keeps diseases off of your fish.

Now the fun part. Setting up your aquarium. You will need to purchase live sand for the substrate and live rock for your reef base. The live sand is beneficial because it has live marine bacteria in it so your tank will stabilize faster, the live rock also contains the same bacteria if it is cured live rock, which is a bit more expensive but a lot less work. You will need to purchase a good quality marine salt. The mixture for this is half a cup per gallon. Your salt content should be between 1.023 and 1.025 and this can be measured with your hydrometer. Stack your rock so it is nice and secure usually away from any of the sides or front of your aquarium. Now that you have all this set up, you can go and get some fish.

Patience here is important. Do not go into the pet store and purchase every fish and coral you want. If you do this you will end up with problems. Building your reef takes time and patience. I recommend starting off with chromis, they are a peaceful and hardy fish. Excellent for beginners. Take those fish home and slowly acclimatize them to your tank. Now you wait. Your tank is now beginning to stabilize itself. This process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks. You get to open your test kit and start testing and monitoring your ammonia and nitrite levels. You will experience ammonia spikes and nitrite spikes in this period, so don't get worried. You will also experience different types of algae growing, brown, green and red, in that order. No worries, once again its just your tank cycling.

Once your tank is testing minimal traces of nitrite and ammonia and you are seeing nitrates present, you are ready to slowly start adding new fish and some beginner corals.

So basic maintenance: 10% water change weekly, feed your fish twice daily (small amounts, they won't starve all fish are grazers), test your water weekly this makes you aware if any unwanted toxins are present and allows you to remove them as soon as they happen. Most importantly, have FUN!

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Stop The Unwanted Guest With Red Marine Algae

2013-12-28T02:13:00.000-08:00

It is necessary that we stop such unwanted invaders such as bacteria and viruses which can affect our immune system. The immune system is a network of cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Not only it's the system to fight with foreign antigen as well as it has ability to develop self supporting mechanism. The organs of the immune system are positioned throughout the body. They are called lymphoid organs because they are home to lymphocytes, small white blood cells are the key players in the immune system.

There are two parts of Immune system which is the innate part and the adaptive part. The innate part of immune system is the part of your immune system that is always there and guarding against infection or disease. It is your first line of defense. Physical illness, allergies and different viral and non-viral diseases may occur due to weak immune system.

Adaptive immune system is the part of your system that adapts to respond to threats to your health. The adaptive part of your immune system is the cause that you generally will not get the similar ordinary cold virus or chickenpox more than once.

There are many reasons behinds of poor immune system which include poor diet, not enough sleep, too much stress, proper exercise, non-routine works and ratio between work and diet are some example that make immune system weaker. But the question raise that there any solution to avoid this weak immune system.

The answer is simple that reverse your routine like take proper diet, do proper exercise, less stress, proper sleep and take supplements for strength of your immune system.

There are many supplements available in the market but you use Red marine algae.
Red marine algae may also stimulate production of interferon molecules, or proteins that function as an immune system "weapon," defending the body from bacteria and other foreign invaders. Red Marine Algae has been used by people as a food staple for thousands of years.

Red marine algae also known as marine seaweed is a "super food" used by Chinese and Japanese cultures for centuries for its nutritive benefits. Packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and more, red marine algae is harvested from ocean waters, dried, and then ground into a fine powder for encapsulation.

Red marine algae are believed to carry sulfated polysaccharides, or complex sugars joint with sulfur, that supports immune function. These compounds are believed to inhibit a step in viral replication, blocking a particular enzyme (reverse transcriptase enzyme) from directing DNA to copy viral cells.

Other potential benefits of red marine algae include cholesterol maintenance, weight loss assistance and gastrointestinal health support.That why red marine algae has been a valued food in Asia for thousands of years due to its highly nutritious qualities.

For Further Information Visit Our Websites :
Red Marine Algae
Supplements
AllNutri.com

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What Is Oceaongraphy?

2013-12-27T02:57:00.000-08:00

Oceanography is quite literally the study of oceans. However, this very broad definition leaves out many of the most interesting details about this fascinating field of marine science.

The study of oceans involves all aspects of the marine environments on planet Earth, including physical, chemical, and biological science. Some oceanographers study only the physical traits of the world's oceans such as tides, currents, and gyres. These scientists are often called "physical oceanographers". Others are more interested in chemical processes such as the differing salinities (salt content) between bays, estuaries, and the open sea. They may also study the effects of pollution and biological decay on ocean water. These scientists are often called "chemical oceanographers". Still others study life in the oceans. Life in oceans can range from tiny microscopic organisms such as marine bacteria and algae, to corals, fish, and marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. These oceanographers are sometimes referred to as marine biologists.

People have looked to the planet's oceans for thousands of years with a sense of wonder and awe. Oceanography has its roots in the intrinsic human desire to learn more about the world around us. Even though the study of oceans may have started with early civilizations, oceanography is still an evolving science with many unknown mysteries. In fact, many scientists believe we only know a small fraction of the processes, organisms, and features that make up the oceans.

The jobs of oceanographers vary widely depending upon the area of specialization and the focus of study. For example, some physical oceanographers may retrieve data from satellites and buoys in the ocean without ever leaving their office or laboratory. Other oceanographers may work to collect data and specimens at sea aboard research vessels for days, weeks, or even months at a time. Oceanographers who study life in tidal pools and along shorelines may spend time in the field without the need for a research vessel. Still others may work in classrooms, laboratories, or research institutes.

Many federal government agencies employ oceanographers to help study environmental impacts, pollution, weather, commerce, and policy. Universities and research institutes also employ oceanographers to conduct research. Two of the best known research institutes in the United States are the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Holes, Massachusetts and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. Both have university affiliations and carry out high-level scientific research on oceans. Private companies who offer environmental consulting services also sometimes employ oceanographers.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in oceanography, a strong background in science, math and writing is recommended. Career positions are highly competitive and often require both undergraduate and graduate degrees related to marine science.

To learn more about oceanography, oceanography news, ocean facts, and careers in oceanography, you can visit http://www.oceanographynews.net.

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When Can I Add Fish to My Saltwater Aquarium-Understanding the New Saltwater Aquarium Cycle

2013-12-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

Adding your first fish to a new saltwater aquarium is a great feeling. it also brings the tank to life. Unfortunately many people turn this event into a frustrating ordeal by adding the fish to fast and having them perish wasting both time and money. So when is the right time to add fish to a saltwater tank?

When Can I Add Fish To My Saltwater Aquarium?

Before you can add any fish to your new marine aquarium you have to make sue that the water chemistry is right and the necessary bacteria have grown in order to make the water safe.

Water in a new saltwater tank is not safe because any decaying fish food or the normal amount of fish waste can cause ammonia levels to rise in the water. This ammonia is toxic to most fish and invertebrates and will kill them in a short amount of time.

The bacteria that need to grow to get rid of this ammonia are called nitrifying bacteria. This invisible bacteria will convert the ammonia into nitrite and the nitrite into harmless free nitrogen or nitrate.

To be sure that this bacteria has grown the marine aquarium needs to be cycles. This is often done by adding a pinch of fish food into the tank or adding live rock to the tank. The food will decay and cause an ammonia spike as will small dieing organism on the live rock. This ammonia will cause the nitrifying bacteria to start to grow.

To check for a cycle you should test for ammonia everyday. Once you see an ammonia spike test for nitrites. After the nitrites appear then disappear your saltwater aquarium is ready for fish.

But add them slowly one or two at a time and wait a few weeks between new additions or you could over whelm the system and cause a small ammonia spike.

Want a crystal clear successful Saltwater Aquarium? Our marine aquarium guide will show you step by step how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to fish death, algae and an ugly tank. To get the secrets to creating a stunning marine aquarium visit http://www.saltwatermethods.com

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How to Replenish the Nutrients in the Soil of Your Garden

2013-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

The continuous planting of crops in your garden makes your soil depleted and after a couple of planting season, you'll notice a great decline in your harvest. This is because the soil has no more available food nutrients for the plants to sustain growth.

Therefore, it's vital for you to manage your garden properly in order to make it productive again for the next cropping season. Failure to do so, would just makes your efforts in vain and you would be spending your time planting without any return on your investment.

There are crops that are considered heavy soil nutrient's users. They consumed most food nutrients during their entire growth period like, corn, sorghum, sweet potato, rice, and lots more. While there are crops that are good soil boasters. They contributes in sustaining the nutrient's availability in the soil for the benefits of other cash crops.

Ways to replenish soil nutrients in your garden

• Bio-intensive gardening

This methods of sustaining your soil's fertility is by burying some garden grass cuttings and other waste products after harvest. This practice is famous in a small land area where you've to maximize the use of land for planting different kinds of crops. No burning is allowed in bio-intensive gardening. All waste materials are buried under the ground to decompose naturally with the help of some microorganisms under the soil profile.

• Crop rotation

Rotating your crop planting minimizes too much depletion of major elements especially when you plant alternately soil boaster crops with crops that depletes the soil. After harvesting your present crops, you've to plant another set of crops like leguminous plants to help rejuvenate your depleted soil. Leguminous crops includes all types of beans, ipil-ipil as border plants and other types of legumes.

Always plan your planting calendar to include soil enhancer crops with other crops that depletes your soil to maintain the nutrients present in your garden for continuous cropping the whole year round.

• Composting

One way that nutrients are placed back into the soil is by composting. This is done by using waste materials that includes plant waste, leaves, grass, garbage (kitchen refuse), and animal manures. Some soil microbes and bacteria work to break down the organic material into compost to add nutrients for the soil to remain to becomes useful for another cropping season.

• Cover cropping

Another popular way of replenishing your soil is by the so called cover cropping or living mulch within your plant population. This method is b y planting covers during winter season, then plowed under the soil to decompose. Other ways, is by growing cover crops as cash crop during regular planting time and serves as a living mulch. They are planted in between rows of the main crop to reduce nutrients' leaching. Other benefits of cover crops includes to improve soil tilt, control weeds growth, control soil erosion and maintains organic matter presence in the soil.

Happy gardening!

Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest e book "Discover How to get started in Flower Gardening" and "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy", also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: [http://www.crisramasasa.com]

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Probiotic Strains: Which Ones Are Safe?

2013-12-21T17:30:00.000-08:00

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species, which through centuries of use and human application have been demonstrated as safe. Historically, strains from the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria families are less hardy than those with known safety-concern issues. Therefore, they cannot withstand adverse handling, and they do require continuous refrigeration and special packaging to ensure their survival and potency.

Many competitors will sell either Enterococci or Saccharomyces or Bacillus organisms of so-called probiotics that do not need refrigeration - but how safe is it for you, the consumer, to take these potentially "rogue" strains?

Soil Organisms - Questionable Bacteria
What are soil organisms? A soil organism is any probiotic strain that is identified as a member of the Bacillus family. Their safety level is questionable, in fact, some soil organisms are considered dangerous for human use by the Canadian government and are not allowed in the country. Bacillus bacteria are a type of soil based organism that some companies use in probiotics for human consumption.

Some strains of Bacillus may be a safety hazard, and they are known as opportunistic pathogens - that is, they can cause infections in the body when the immune system is low.

It has nothing to do with what they are grown in, it is where they come from. Bacillus are spore forming bacteria that come from soil and different Bacillus have different safety issues, some deadly.
As a safety issue, you should not buy any products for human use containing Enterococci - either Enterococcus faecium or Enterococcus faecalis. The Canadian government has ruled that probiotic supplements containing Enterococcus and some of the Bacillus organisms are prohibited for human use for safety reasons.

Some of the Bacillus genera are known to be opportunistic pathogens and are typically implicated in food spoilage. Any person who makes vegetable preserves will be aware of, or will have encountered the results of their spoilage action at some time. Unrefrigerated cooked food is another target for Bacillus spoilage. L. sporogenes (an erroneous name for Bacillus coagulans that is not accepted as valid by any microbiological association or society in the world) is a member of the Bacillus genus, a spore forming bacteria of soil based origin.

Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii is not a true probiotic it is a yeast. Furthermore, this yeast is not naturally-occurring in the human body. Yeast can be beneficial to your body when that is in its best interest; however, it can also go "rogue" and decide to populate against your body. Hence, the numerous reported cases of fungemia (a fungal blood infection) in individuals who have been sick or compromised. Therefore, if you are critically ill, it is best to avoid these so-called probiotic yeasts.

For Safety, Quality, and Potency, Choose Natren Probiotics which only uses strains of traditional lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus bifidobacterium)

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Role of Microbes in Human Welfare

2013-12-21T15:38:00.000-08:00

1. Microbes in Household Products-

Micro-organisms such as Lactobacillus and others commonly called lactic acid bacteria (LAB) grow in milk and convert it to curd. LAB produce acids that coagulate and partially digest the milk proteins. It also improves its nutritional quality by increasing vitamin B12. In our stomach too, the LAB play very beneficial role in checking disease causing microbes.

The dosa and idli is also fermented by bacteria. The dough, which is used for making bread, is fermented using baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). A number of traditional drinks and foods are also made by fermentation by the microbes. 'Toddy', a traditional drink of some parts of southern India is made by fermenting sap from palms.

Microbes are also used to ferment fish, soyabean and bamboo shoots to make foods. Cheese, is one of the oldest food items in which microbes were used. The large holes in 'Swiss cheese' are due to production of a large amount of CO2 by a bacterium named Propionibacterium sharmanii. The 'Roquefort cheese' are ripened by growing a specific fungi on them, which gives them a particular flavour.

2. Microbes in Industrial Products-

In industry, microbes are used to synthesize a number of products valuable to human beings. Beverages and antibiotics are some examples. Production on an industrial scale requires growing microbes in very large vessels called fermentors.

A) Fermented Beverages-

Microbes like yeast are used for the production of beverages like wine, beer, whisky, brandy or rum. The same yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae used for bread-making and commonly called brewer's yeast, is used for fermenting malted cereals and fruit juices, to produce ethanol. Wine and beer are produced without distillation whereas whisky, brandy and rum are produced by distillation of the fermented broth.

B) Antibiotics-

Anti is a Greek word that means 'against', and bio means 'life', together they mean 'against life' (in the context of disease causing organisms); whereas with reference to human beings, they are 'pro life' and not against. Antibiotics are chemical substances, which are produced by some microbes and can kill or retard the growth of other (disease-causing) microbes.

Alexander Fleming while working on Staphylococci bacteria, once observed a mould growing in one of his unwashed culture plates around which Staphylococci could not grow. He found out that it was due to a chemical produced by the mould and he named it Penicillin after the mould Penicillium notatum. Its full potential as an effective antibiotic was established by Ernest Chain and Howard Florey. This antibiotic was extensively used to treat American soldiers wounded in World War II. Fleming, Chain and Florey were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945, for this discovery.

Antibiotics have greatly improved our capacity to treat deadly diseases such as plague, whooping cough (kali khansi ), diphtheria (gal ghotu) and leprosy (kusht rog), which used to kill millions all over the globe. Today, we cannot imagine a world without antibiotics.

C) Chemicals, Enzymes and other Bioactive Molecules-

Aspergillus niger (a fungus) produces citric acid,
Acetobacter aceti (a bacterium) produces acetic acid
Clostridium butylicum (a bacterium) produces butyric acid
Lactobacillus (a bacterium) produces lactic acid.
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is used for commercial production of ethanol.
Enzymes like Lipases are used in detergent formulations and are helpful in removing oily stains from the laundry. The bottled juices are clarified by the use of pectinases and proteases.
Streptokinase produced by the bacterium Streptococcus and modified by genetic engineering is used as a 'clot buster' for removing clots from the blood vessels of patients who have undergone myocardial infraction leading to heart attack.
Cyclosporin A, which is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ-transplant patients, is produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum.
Statins produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus have been commercialized as blood-cholesterol lowering agents. It acts by competitively inhibiting the enzyme responsible for synthesis of cholesterol.

3. Microbes in Sewage Treatment-

The municipal waste-water including human excreta is also called sewage. It contains large amounts of organic matter and microbes. Many of which are pathogenic. This cannot be discharged into natural water bodies like rivers and streams directly.Before disposal, hence, sewage is treated in sewage treatment plants (STPs) to make it less polluting. Treatment of waste water is done by the heterotrophic microbes naturally present in the sewage. This treatment is carried out in two stages:

Primary treatment: These treatment steps basically involve physical removal of particles - large and small - from the sewage through filtration and sedimentation. These are removed in stages; initially, floating debris is removed by sequential filtration. Then the grit (soil and small pebbles) are removed by sedimentation. All solids that settle form the primary sludge, and the supernatant forms the effluent. The effluent from the primary settling tank is taken for secondary treatment.

Secondary treatment or Biological treatment: The primary effluent is passed into large aeration tanks where it is constantly agitated mechanically and air is pumped into it. This allows vigorous growth of useful aerobic microbes into flocs (masses of bacteria associated with fungal filaments to form mesh like structures). While growing, these microbes consume the major part of the organic matter in the effluent. This significantly reduces the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) of the effluent. BOD refers to the amount of the oxygen that would be consumed if all the organic matter in one liter of water were oxidized by bacteria. The sewage water is treated till the BOD is reduced. The BOD test measures the rate of uptake of oxygen by micro-organisms in a sample of water and thus, indirectly, BOD is a measure of the organic matter present in the water. The greater the BOD of waste water more is its polluting potential. Once the BOD of sewage or waste water is reduced significantly, the effluent is then passed into a settling tank where the bacterial 'flocs' are allowed to sediment. This sediment is called activated sludge. A small part of the activated sludge is pumped back into the aeration tank to serve as the inoculum. The remaining major part of the sludge is pumped into large tanks called anaerobic sludge digesters. Here, other kinds of bacteria, which grow anaerobically, digest the bacteria and the fungi in the sludge. During this digestion, bacteria produce a mixture of gases such as methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. These gases form biogas and can be used as source of energy as it is inflammable.

4. Microbes in Production of Biogas-

Biogas is a mixture of gases (containing predominantly methane) produced by the microbes and which may be used as fuel. Certain bacteria, which grow anaerobically on cellulosic material, produce large amount of methane along with CO2 and H2. These bacteria are collectively called methanogens, and one such common bacterium is Methanobacterium. These bacteria are found in the anaerobic sludge during sewage treatment. These bacteria are also present in the rumen (a part of stomach) of cattle. A lot of cellulosic material present in the food of cattle is also present in the rumen. In rumen, these bacteria help in the breakdown of cellulose and play an important role in the nutrition of cattle. Thus, the excreta (dung) of cattle, commonly called gobar, is rich in these bacteria. Dung can be used for generation of biogas, commonly called gobar gas.

The biogas plant consists of a concrete tank (10-15 feet deep) in which bio-wastes are collected and a slurry of dung is fed. A floating cover is placed over the slurry, which keeps on rising as the gas is produced in the tank due to the microbial activity. The biogas plant has an outlet, which is connected to a pipe to supply biogas to nearby houses. The spent slurry is removed through another outlet and may be used as fertilizer. Cattle dung is available in large quantities in rural areas where cattle are used for a variety of purposes. So biogas plants are more after build in rural areas. The biogas thus produced is used for cooking and lighting.

The technology of biogas production was developed in India mainly due to the efforts of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

5. Microbes as Biocontrol Agent-

Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Use of chemicals like insecticides and pesticides causes great harm. These chemicals are toxic and extremely harmful, to human beings and animals alike, and have been polluting our environment (soil, ground water), fruits, vegetables and crop plants. Our soil is also polluted through use of weedicides to remove weeds.

Biological control of pests and diseases: It is a method of controlling pests that relies on natural predation rather than introduced chemicals. A key belief of the organic farmer is that biodiversity furthers health. The organic farmer works to create a system where the insects that are sometimes called pests are not eradicated, but instead are kept at manageable levels by a complex system of checks and balances within a living and vibrant ecosystem. This is a holistic approach that seeks to develop an understanding of the webs of interaction between the myriad of organisms that constitute the field fauna and flora.

The very familiar beetle with red and black markings - the Ladybird, and Dragonflies are useful to get rid of aphids and mosquitoes, respectively.

An example of microbial biocontrol agents that can be introduced in order to control butterfly caterpillars is the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (often written as Bt ). These are available in sachets as dried spores which are mixed with water and sprayed onto vulnerable plants such as brassica and fruit trees, where these are eaten by the insect larvae. In the gut of the larvae, the toxin is released and the larvae get killed.

A biological control being developed for use in the treatment of plant disease is the fungus Trichoderma. Trichoderma species are free-living fungi that are very common in the root ecosystems. Baculoviruses (genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus) are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. The beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall integrated pest management (IPM) programme, or when an ecologically sensitive area is being treated.

6. Microbes as Biofertilizers-

Biofertilisers are organisms that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil. The main sources of biofertilisers are bacteria, fungi and cyanobacteria.

The nodules on the roots of leguminous plants formed by the symbiotic association of Rhizobium. These bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms, which is used by the plant as nutrient. Other bacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen while free-living in the soil (examples Azospirillum and Azotobacter), thus enriching the nitrogen content of the soil.
Fungi are also known to form symbiotic associations with plants (mycorrhiza). Many members of the genus Glomus form mycorrhiza. The fungal symbiont in these associations absorbs phosphorus from soil and passes it to the plant. Plants having such associations show other benefits also, such as resistance to root-borne pathogens, tolerance to salinity and drought, and an overall increase in plant growth and development.
Cyanobacteria are autotrophic microbes widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments many of which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, e.g. Anabaena, Nostoc, Oscillatoria, etc. In paddy fields, cyanobacteria serve as an important biofertiliser. Blue green algae also add organic matter to the soil and increase its fertility. Currently, in our country, a number of biofertilisers are available commercially in the market and farmers use these regularly in their fields to replenish soil nutrients and to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.

Important terminology-

Fermentors - Production of beverages and antibiotics on an industrial scale, requires growing microbes in very large vessels called fermentors.

Antibiotics- Antibiotics are chemical substances, which are produced by some microbes and can kill or retard the growth of other (disease-causing) microbes.

Primary treatment: The treatment step of sewage for physical removal of particles - large and small - from the sewage through filtration and sedimentation is called Primary treatment.

Secondary treatment or Biological treatment: After primary treatment.the primary effluent is passed into large aeration tanks where it is constantly agitated mechanically and air is pumped associated with fungal filaments to form mesh like structures).

BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) -BOD refers to the amount of the oxygen that would be consumed if all the organic matter in one liter of water were oxidised by bacteria.

Activated sludge- Once the BOD of sewage or waste water is reduced significantly, the effluent is then passed into a settling tank where the bacterial 'flocs' are allowed to sediment. This sediment is called activated sludge.

Anaerobic sludge digesters- A small part of the activated sludge is pumped back into the aeration tank to serve as the inoculum. The remaining major part of the sludge is pumped into large tanks called anaerobic sludge digesters.where anaerobica bacteria and the fungi digest the sludge.

Methanogens- Certain bacteria, which grow anaerobically on cellulosic material, produce large amount of methane along with CO2 and H2. These bacteria are collectively called methanogens.

Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods (using biological agents for natural predation) for controlling plant diseases and pests, rather than using chemicals.

Biofertilisers- In agriculture Biofertilisers are organisms that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil.

Organic farming -Agriculture by using only biofertilisers is called organic farming because there are problems of pollution, associated with the overuse of chemical fertilizers. The main sources of biofertilisers are bacteria, fungi and cyanobacteria.

Mycorrhiza- Fungal symbiotic association with plants which helps plants to absorb phosphorus from soil, is called mycorrhiza. Many members of the genus Glomus form mycorrhiza.

Cyanobacteria -Cyanobacteria are autotrophic microbes widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments many of which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, e.g. Anabaena, Nostoc, Oscillatoria, etc.

Anup Singh Yadav M.Sc. M.Ed. M.Phil. NET Lecturer in Biology

Anup Singh Yadav
M.Sc. M.Ed. M.Phil. NET
Lecturer in Biology

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The Way You Prepare Soil in Your Kitchen Garden Will Affect Wildlife and Climate Change

2013-12-19T23:50:00.000-08:00

Digging top soil releases carbon dioxide and destroys habitat that invertebrates need. The worms, arachnids, and isopods that live in earth and leaf litter are the first level of many food chains. Wildlife such as; birds, bats, shrews, toads and newts rely on the soil in your garden to provide a varied diet all year round.

Fresh dug earth after the previous crop stubble has been turned into the top soil looks tidy and new but it gives little opportunity for bio diversity. A lower number of worms live in cultivated soil but one mollusk appears to thrive in it. The garden slug is every gardener's worst enemy. Slug numbers multiply. The natural predators; ground beetle and garden centipede are excluded from the surface of a vegetable garden once the soil is turned. Leaf litter provides habitat for spiders, ground beetles, ladybird larvae, centipedes and woodlice.

Woodlice are a garden work horse. They shred dead plant material that can then be distributed into the soil profile by worms. Here it is further processed by beneficial fungi and bacteria. Ground beetles, centipedes, ladybird larvae, and spiders predate; caterpillars, aphids and the eggs of the garden slug. Digging soil reduces the opportunity for habitat for mini beasts that live in leaf litter.

We introduce large amounts of air into the soil profile when we turn it over. Aerobic bacteria respond by multiplying into vast populations that permanent soil in its natural state could never sustain. These bacteria eat the carbon from the soil. Soil organic matter and humus is converted into carbon dioxide and water soluble substances in a short period of time. The result is carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and soil erosion. The organic matter is washed from between soil particles. The earth becomes a sterile aggregate that relies upon artificial fertilizer to feed subsequent cropping.

There are a few solutions to the problem of over cultivating top soil. We can consider permanent crops: top fruit, soft fruit, rhubarb and asparagus. The husbandry of these food crops doesn't require turning the soil and leaf litter yearly. Large root systems recycle nutrient from deep into the soil.

The majority of food crops need a seed bed or cultivation prior to planting. To enjoy a varied diet we rely on plants that produce a yield having grown from seed in a single season. We don't have to turn all the top soil. Minimal cultivation methods have been trialled by many gardeners not always successfully. Planting or sowing seed directly can be disappointing. Seedlings or young plants stand in saturated soil. Their roots don't develop and a stunted root equals a stunted plant.

Cultivating narrow drainage channels overcomes all the surface drainage issues minimal cultivation systems have suffered from previously. A channel 20 mm (3/4 inch) wide and 180 mm (7 inches) deep will usher excess surface water into deeper soil. Young plants and seedlings establish in the normal manner. Their roots grow looking for moisture lower down. When roots develop in a healthy way the rest of the plant grows normally as well.

Garden food crops that grow from seed and produce a yield every year can enjoy the benefits of permanent soil. At the same time healthy plants establish in free draining top soil. The permanent soil and extra leaf litter will provide opportunity for bio diversity. The soil will act as a giant sink and vast quantities of carbon dioxide will be locked into it. The effect of leaving large areas of soil undisturbed saves a lot of effort and sustains wildlife while slowing climate change.

Andrew Astle has grown food and ornamental crops for thirty years. He is a member of the Centre for Alternative Technology and the Permaculture Association.

He wrote the book "TINE" How to Garden Without Digging. This books explains a method of growing kitchen garden crops easily while sustaining wildlife and contributing to the removal of greenhouse gas from our atmosphere. There is more information at: http://www.soilisalive.com

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Star Anise - Stellar Swine-Flu Fighter

2013-12-19T03:42:00.000-08:00

Not many people know that when they are given the drug, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for swine flu, bird flu or seasonal influenza they are taking a product derived from the particularly tasty, decorative spice, star anise.

Star anise (Illicium verum) is a universally used spice grown primarily in China, India and the Philippines. It is included in a wide array of ethnic dishes and is a component of Chinese cooking's five spice powder and Indian cuisine's garam masala. It has a similar taste to ordinary anise and is often used as a substitute for that spice. However it is the star-shaped pericarps (seed-pods), rather than the seeds themselves, that gives it both its flavor and provides the shikimic acid - the chemical compound used in the production of Tamiflu.

Shikimic acid
Shikimic acid itself does not have any known antiviral activity. However it does have a distinctive chemical structure that is used as the starting point for a complex, multistage process that culminates in the production of Tamiflu.

Tamiflu
Oseltamivir is known as a neuraminidase inhibitor that does not actually kill swine flu or other influenza viruses directly. Instead it inhibits the internal spread of these viruses by blocking a protein that facilitates the escape of replicating viral particles from body cells. Although some virus strains have developed resistance to this drug it is still very effective in most cases - especially if it is taken early on in the infective process.

Global Shortage?
As a result of the growing swine flu pandemic there is now a global shortage of star anise. However this is likely to be a temporary problem as shikimic acid can now be produced by the fermentation of specific E. coli bacteria. Another less important plant source of shikimic acid is the fruit of the liquidambar (sweetgum) tree. However the sweetgum fruit does not have very high concentrations of this compound. Other spices that contain shikimic acid, but are not used as commercial sources for the compound, are ginger and fennel.

Other health benefits of star anise
Although shikimic acid does not have any direct antiviral effects, star anise contains a compound called linalool that does indeed have antiviral activity. Like all spices, star it also has strong antioxidant activity. In particular it protects against the oxidation of fatty acids thereby helping to contain the deposition of cholesterol deposits in the arterial walls. Limonene is another important phytonutrient found in star anise that demonstrates strong anticancer activity.

Star lifesaver
In star anise we have yet another spice that, in addition to its enhancement of our gustatory experiences, is making a massive contribution to the containment of one more life-threatening disease.

Keith Scott is a medical doctor who has a particular interest in nutrition. He is the author of several books including Natural Home Pharmacy and more recently, Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices. Watch the VIDEO at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dqIM6QB3wt4/ and download his PDF at: http://medspice.com/

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Organic Soil Matter - Pocket Friendly Agricultural Product

2013-12-18T20:23:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of buzz about Mycorrhizae fungi and beneficial soil biology being used to successfully build organic soil matter in and around your plants root zone. In my opinion beneficial soil biology and mycorrhizae fungi are absolutely effective in rebuilding and aerating broken down soils as well as increasing the fertility of high quality soils. Soil biology products like Myco and Soil Blast, are effective in all sorts of soils from, sand to clay to coco coir and are used for both indoor and outdoor growing alike. Beneficials will find a place to process the plants organic soil matter wastes, into rich organic plant nutrition, even in hydroponic applications like rockwool and coco coir. In classic, natural growing, plants are constantly being bombarded with particles of decaying organic soil matter and use low concentrations of naturally occurring beneficial organisms to break these particles down naturally, over time.

In man mixed soils that are found in today's construction, many of these organic soil microbes are missing or have been stripped out. That is why it is so important to use products like Soil Blast and Myco Blast to introduce massive amounts of beneficials to process all available organic soil matter in the soil, into usable plant food. When our blend of beneficials, fungi and soil bacteria go to work, they ensure a steady flow of organic materials processed and made directly available to the plants roots. This results in more nutrition to the root zone and the end result is a faster growth rate and a healthy and balanced plant, ready to handle the multiple stresses of high performance growing.

To know more please visit us at http://www.supremegrowers.com/

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What Age Group Does Swine Flu Affect?

2013-12-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

Swine flu or the H1N1 virus has become a national scare because of its sudden appearance and collective international death toll. Many people fear the virus and it has been promoted to the level of a pandemic by the United Nations. However, in spite of all this, the swine flu virus is not something to be feared because of it is not a very active or deadly virus. As a matter of fact, it is a milder strain of the influenza virus or the common cold, which takes over a hundred thousand lives each year. The only reason the swine flu has had a high death toll is because of inadequate screening procedures and its side effects.

H1N1 affects all kind of people, young and old. But the fact is that a healthy adult should be able to combat the virus and recover from it within a week or so. The main problems that one would have to deal with are severe body ache and difficulties in breathing. Because of this, the age group swine flu affects and kills most are those who do not have an active or strong immune system. These would be the people in the age group of 0 to 15 and 55 and above. In other words, the young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for an age group being affected by swine flu and it can be lethal for them. They have a weak immune system which will not be able to take the severe attack of the flu and become weakened physically by it.

Although nobody knows why exactly, but another demographic that seems to be affected are pregnant women. Many number of pregnant women are falling ill with this virus and some are even dying. This means that apart from various age groups affected by H1N1, this demographic is at high risk to the virus and should be very careful about their health. Because of the tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing causes by swine flu, those with diseases such as asthma and bronchitis will also suffer a lot. They will have to put up with even more breathing problems than usual and can fall ill.

Other than these, heart patients are also at a risk for complications causes by H1N1. Patients who have been suffering from chronic liver and kidney disease also suffer from body aches and vomiting causes by swine flu as it further suppresses their immune system and creates further problems. The age group affected least by swine flu is that of people 25 years to 45 years of age. These people have stronger immune systems that can work actively to produce H1N1 antibodies and will not suffer from the side effects of swine flu as much as other age groups. Those under the age of 5 years and those above the age of 60 years should be vaccinated immediately and others should cut down social interaction to a minimum.

Patrick Smith is an NYC native who not only reads about health scares but has reviewed under cabinet microwaves for http://www.undercabinetmicrowave.net.

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Home Garden Plans - Much to Know About the Soil For Garden

2013-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

A spadeful of soil for garden may look very simple, innocuous substance. But it is, in fact, of such enormous complexity that it is doubtful if mankind will ever fully understand it. First of all, if it is good soil, it is filled with life. In every teaspoonful of soil there are millions of bacteria - bacteria of numerous species as well as algae, microscopic animals, the mycelium of fungi, and viruses. In larger quantities of good soil you are sure to find worms and the larvae of numerous beetles and other insects. It has been calculated that there are from five to ten tons of living matter in every acre of soil.

The interrelationships of these various animals and plants are of great complexity. There are long and involved food chains, and subtle mutually beneficial arrangements. There are chemical processes of such complexity that no scientist has ever been able to duplicate them in his laboratory. For example, there are five species of bacteria that we know of which can fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into the type of amino acid which can make protein for plants and ultimately people. Two other species of bacteria have the baleful effect of turning useful nitrites and nitrates, that could have been used by plants, into free nitrogen gas again; three species can turn ammonia into nitrites; another can turn nitrites into nitrates which plants can use; and a huge array of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes turn protein and other dead organic matter into ammonia. That simple spadeful of soil is a chemical factory of sophistication that no human chemist has ever been able even to approach.

The origins of soil
Fundamentally, soil is rock that has been pulverized by such agents as heat and cold, water and wind, and, very importantly, has been subjected to the eroding effect of lichens, bacteria, algae and other living creatures. The hardest rock in the world, as long as it is exposed to light, is being gradually gnawed away by plant life. For the purposes of the gardener, although a geologist might disapprove, it is enough to say that most of the land surface of the Earth consists of a layer of soil lying on top of rock. Between the two is an intermediate layer known as subsoil, which is rock in the process of being broken down by natural forces. Some soils are the direct products of the rock underneath them; others were brought to where they are by other forces. They may have blown there; like the Ioess soils of North America and China, been carried there by glaciers, like much of the soil in North America and much of the soil north of the Thames in Britain, or been washed there by water, like many sols in river valley.

Types of soil
To, the practical gardener the origin of his soil is of interest, but not vitally important. What is important to the gardener is the nature of his soil, wherever it came from: Whether it is light, meaning composed of large particles like sand; heavy, meaning composed of very small particles like clay; or something in between. It is important to know: whether it is that rare commodity, organic soil, which means it is composed of decaying vegetable matter; whether it is acid or alkaline sand is inclined to be acid, clay alkaline; whether it is naturally well drained or not; what lies underneath it - soil above chalk or limestone is vet-) likely to be alkaline. Fortunately, whatever your soil: is like, you can improve it. There is scarcely a soil in the world that will not grow good crops of some sort if it is properly treated. There are many types of fertilizers to assist with this, but I strongly suggest using an organic garden fertilizer, especially ones you can make at home like compost or organic liquid fertilizer. Excess acidity is easily remedied by adding time; excess alkalinity by adding compost or manure. Water logging can always be cured by drainage. Trace clement deficiencies can be cured simple by adding the missing trace elements.

Happy Gardening! - Brian Dick

I have been gardening for nearly 30 years and have successfully grown everything from asparagus to zuchini. I have recently come across many excellent sources for helping to decide what to grow based on the nutrient make up of each vegetable a, source that really lays out the secrets to successful gardening and more. I strongly endorse both products and best of all they are available only as a e-book so they are environmentally sound. Find out more about these sources as well as gain access to my FREE 12 step e-course at The Happy Gardener [http://www.thehappygardener.me]

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The Living Soil - How to Garden in a Responsible and Environmentally-Friendly Manner

2013-12-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Living Soil

Did you know that in one teaspoon of living soil there are 100 million to 1 billion bacteria,1 mile to 40 miles of fungal hyphae, and 1,000-100,000 protozoa? These organisms provide a variety of benefits for the plant. The bacteria eat the exudates (simple sugars, carbons, carbohydrates) that the plant puts out through its roots, who are then eaten by the protozoa, and what it excreted by the protozoa is plant available nutrients. Beneficial fungi protect the plant from pathogens and harmful microbes, as well as creating pathways in the soil that bring water and nutrients back to the plant from larger distances. Bacteria and fungi work together in decomposing organic material and making the nutrients plant available. This is a sustainable process that allows for the growth of healthy plants, without the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. After all, there's no one out there putting Miracle Gro on our rainforests, yet a look at successful plants are at growing in these microbially-rich environments.

So what went wrong? Why can't the plants in your backyard grow in the same manner? The answer is simple. The biology necessary to cycle nutrients to the plant and protect it are no longer present or not present in adequate numbers. So where did they go? Well, they were killed off by chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, over tilling and compaction.

Chemical fertilizers and other ~cides contain salts. Remember back to high school science where you learned about the process of osmosis? It's the movement of water through a cell membrane from a solution of low solute concentration to a solution with high solute concentration. So where is the water in the soil located? It's locked up in the cells of these microbes. When salts in the form of chemical inputs are added to the soil, the water is drawn out of the microbes and they are either killed or go into a dormant state. Now the plant is dependent on you to provide all of its food and protection. That's why you have to fertilize on a regular basis.

In addition to damaging the biology in the soils, these chemicals are having other impacts of much greater consequence. Nitrates from fertilizers are leaching into our water system, and pesticide exposure has been linked to a variety of diseases such as cancer. There's a reason that lawn companies recommend keeping children and pets off of lawns after they've been sprayed, these chemicals are highly toxic!

So what's an alternative? This is a shift from our current N-P-K paradigm towards an organic way of gardening by feeding the microbes in the soil and letting them do the work for us. Our ancient ancestors gardened in this manner long before we knew what bacteria was. Fertilizer was in the form of manures, which was decomposed by the microbes and provided all the nutrients the plant needed.

Using present day technology, we are now able to add these organisms back to our soils and feed them through a variety of organic inputs. The three best things you can do for your soil is to topdress with compost, mulches, and compost tea. Since many of you probably already know about the benefits of compost and mulch, I'd like to focus a bit more on compost tea.

When I say compost tea, I'm referring to actively aerated compost tea or AACT for short. This distinction is important because there is a big difference between throwing some compost or manure in a bucket letting it sit for a couple of weeks, and AACT.

AACT is an aerobic water solution that has extracted the microbe population from compost along with its nutrients. The concept behind compost tea is quite simple, though the actual process become scientific and has many variables that need to be accounted for. The idea is that compost (full of beneficial microorganisms) is put into water and then nutrients or foods for the microorganisms are added to allow the bacteria, and protozoa to multiply rapidly and the fungi to grow. Air is sent through the water to keep the dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg/liter, as this selects for the aerobic microorganisms, which are the ones found to be most beneficial. At the end of the brewing cycle, what you have is a concentrated liquid full of billions of microorganisms that can be sprayed directly onto the leaf surface. This puts the "good" biology where the plant needs it to protect itself. It keeps the plant healthier and helps to fight off potential diseases. The "good" biology occupies the infection sites on the leaf surface and survive there by consuming the exudates that the plant puts out. The "good" biology, then out competes the pathogens for the space on the leaf surface or around the roots. This is how plants protect themselves in nature.

It is possible to make bad AACT. If you don't start with good compost, don't add the proper amount of nutrients, or keep the brew sufficiently aerated, you could be selecting for pathogens rather than beneficial and end up with a tea that will have little to no effect on your plant or possibly even do damage.

Along with compost tea it's important to do applications of other bio-amendments such as soluble seaweed, humic acids, and fish hydrolysate for example. Seaweed serves as a bacterial food substrate and also provides additional benefits for your plants in the form of growth hormones, increased stress resistance, and faster plant response. Humic acids serve as a fungal food and also chelate (bond with) minerals in your soil and make them available to your plant (many minerals in your soils are "locked up" or unavailable to your plant).

When gardening in this manner, it's important to adjust your application rates or program to fit with the needs of your garden or pumpkin patch. In the case of giant pumpkins, I'd suggest an initial topdressing of your patch with compost and an application of compost tea, adding soluble seaweed and humic acids to the tea after brewing. Then, another application 2-3 weeks before planting and another one when you plant your starters (adding mycorrhizal fungi into the hole at this time). After that, I'd start a weekly application schedule comprised of both a foliar and soil application for the life of your plant. In the fall, I'd add a mulch to your patch, followed by an application of compost tea (to speed up decomposition over the winter). Since you have such rapid growth requirements for these pumpkins, I'd suggest an organic fertilizer to supplement the rest of your program.

These application rates are much higher than what I typically recommend to homeowners or gardeners. Once an organic program has been established, typical application rates of AACT, humic acids, and seaweed are only 3-5 times per year.

In this manner, you can improve your soil, protect our water supply and environment, and grow giant pumpkins! If you have any questions or want to learn more about this subject, go to http://www.simplici-tea.com, http://www.soilfoodweb.com, or pick up a copy of Jeff Lowenfels book, "Teaming with Microbes."

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What Organism Causes the Swine Flu?

2013-12-17T00:03:00.000-08:00

Swine flu is a derivative and like other derivatives has a genealogy. Often, the crux of finding a successful vaccine hinges on proper understanding of the attributes of the derivative. It follows then that to find out which organism causes swine flu it is necessary to study it's genealogy.

Of course the flu was at one point restricted to pigs only, but even then had similarities with the common cold virus, gastroenteritis virus and the regular flu virus. Obviously, something happened to the virus, mutation or whatever else because it transgressed. And it is understanding the why and how of this transgression which is the key to understanding what organism causes swine flu in humans.

Physiologically we are similar to pigs and can share some traits. The primary difference however, is the virus would have to modify to transgress as in it's pig form it wouldn't be able to get past first base; the human immune system. And out of interest, there have been cases of previously human only diseases to transgress to pigs and other animals - it seems then this can work both ways!

Many of us can remember a few short years ago, there was an outbreak of avian flu which transgressed to humans. After many tests and research projects a reliable vaccine was eventually found. And no doubt a reliable vaccine will be found for swine flu virus [http://thehomebusinessventure.com/swineflu.html] too, since after all, it is not entirely new, it's merely a new strain of an old virus.

To learn more about the causes of swine flu and other Swine Flu Info you really should read the latest guide which tells you The Truth [http://thehomebusinessventure.com/swineflu.html] about swine flu, information you won't get from the press or politicians but nevertheless it's info you NEED to know.

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