Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
In New Jersey we are proud of our state flower, the Common Meadow Violet (Viola sororia), and the state bird, the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). Microbes are a major component of our soil’s ecology: Filamentous bacteria (Streptomyces) give the soil that wonderful earthy aroma (geosmin), they turn over organic materials to maintain soil fertility, and are also a major source of today’s antibiotics. Yet, we lack a state microbe.
To date, only Oregon has recognized a state microbe: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yeast, the basis of brewing, in recognition of the state’s many small craft breweries. Wisconsin and Hawaii are considering naming state microbes as well. The microbe Streptomyces griseus, discovered in New Jersey, has dramatically advanced world health and thus merits state recognition. More
Huh. I would have guessed the governor or maybe Chris Christie.
Was E. coli already taken?
The Clap microbe would be a good fit for NJ.
I nominate Treponema pallidum pallidum to be the official microbe of Washington, D.C.
So, they’re trying to associate themselves with “good, clean dirt?”
That’s not possible, not in that state.
San Francisco names its own microbe
Clostridium difficile (C-diff)
Here, In Wisconsin, I’m thinking it’s a tie between cryptoporidium and listeria (but there are many others to choose from in raw milk).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptosporidium
https://www.sharecare.com/health/milk-nutrition/what-harmful-bacteria-raw-milk.
I thought this highly coveted state designation was a heated battle between Senators Robert Menedez and Corey Booker. Both are dirty and smell of earthworms.
A Fungus Amongus?
Cory?
Damn!
I can’t get in a word!
Governor and/or Booger already taken.
izlamo delenda est …
How about Nostrils Snotum (or booger for short)?