Microbiology 101: Identify Bacteria by Gram staining

Gram staining is a classical microbiology technique that provides a quick and easy way to differentiate between two giant branches of the Bacterial Tree of Life: those with only a single cellular membrane (such as the lactic acid bacteria we're working with in the Vegan Cheese project), versus those with a second outer membrane (such as our old friend E. coli). 

This method is literally as old as bacteriology, having been invented by Danish scientists Hans Christan Gram in 1884, the same year Koch's Postulates outlined the bacterial causes of disease. Yet it is still in daily use in pathology labs around the world as one of the first steps in identifying unknown bacteria. Come learn this fundamental lab skill in a hands-on class with Cheryl Ching, who is currently studying microbiology at UC Berkeley. 

Welcome to our new, weekly class series! Each Saturday, a member of Counter Culture Labs will host an hour-and-a-half long class on the topic of their choosing. Classes are open to other CCL members and the general public. A minimal fee to cover supplies and prep time may be requested, however no one will be turned away for lack of funds! Please RSVP ahead of time so teachers can plan accordingly, by signing up on the Counter Culture Labs Meetup page.

Happy science-ing!