14 episodes

What is a microbe and what have they ever done for us? From Black Death to Cholera, and Syphilis to Typhoid, microbes have been responsible for some of the world’s most devastating diseases. But they have also provided the human race with the technological advances of genetic engineering and nitrogen fixation, the vision of life on Mars, the life-saving properties of antibiotics and food preservation, along with the wonderful taste of beer. Using expert commentary, animation and stylised visuals, these videos provide an engaging introduction to microbiology, by examining the impact microbes have had on humans through a historical perspective, from Egyptian times to the present day.

Seven Wonders of the Microbe World - for iPad/Mac/PC The Open University

    • Education

What is a microbe and what have they ever done for us? From Black Death to Cholera, and Syphilis to Typhoid, microbes have been responsible for some of the world’s most devastating diseases. But they have also provided the human race with the technological advances of genetic engineering and nitrogen fixation, the vision of life on Mars, the life-saving properties of antibiotics and food preservation, along with the wonderful taste of beer. Using expert commentary, animation and stylised visuals, these videos provide an engaging introduction to microbiology, by examining the impact microbes have had on humans through a historical perspective, from Egyptian times to the present day.

    • video
    History of Beer

    History of Beer

    In this video we look at the origins of beer and brewing in Ancient Egypt, and the role microbes play in the process.

    • 3 min
    Transcript -- History of Beer

    Transcript -- History of Beer

    In this video we look at the origins of beer and brewing in Ancient Egypt, and the role microbes play in the process.

    • video
    Black Death

    Black Death

    This video looks at the microbial origins of the Black Death.

    • 4 min
    Transcript -- Black Death

    Transcript -- Black Death

    This video looks at the microbial origins of the Black Death.

    • video
    Food Preservation

    Food Preservation

    How do microbes destroy the food that we eat and how has humankind sought out different ways of preserving foodstuffs? 

    • 3 min
    Transcript -- Food Preservation

    Transcript -- Food Preservation

    How do microbes destroy the food that we eat and how has humankind sought out different ways of preserving foodstuffs? 

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