I spend a lot of time reading internet news and blogs to stay on top of current research. In the course of my web surfing, I have found some really great scientific sites for microbiology news and fun. I wanted to share with you my favorite places to visit and let me know what sites you like.

These are not in any particular order except for news, followed by fun, followed by science gifts and toys.

Blogs, News, and Information:

1. MicrobeWorld: Microbeworld is a site that compiles the most up-to-date research news from all over the world onto one site. MicrobeWorld is a division of ASM with a dedicated team that scours the internet finding every new microbiology report daily. Also, they’ve told me that all of you should feel free to submit links to your own blogs or articles, current events in microbiology going on at your institution or local news, and even abstracts for microbiology meetings. I also love their “featured image” on the left.  Submit images from your own research and you can be featured in that spot. (The Myspace page has some cool pictures and videos also.)

2. Meet the Scientist with Carl Zimmer : Carl Zimmer interviews microbiologists about their research in some of the hottest and most exciting areas of research today.

3. Small Things Considered: This is an ASM blog written by Moselio Schaechter, former ASM president and now actively retired microbiologist and Merry Youle, a research biologist turned editor and publisher. The blogs covers various interesting topics in microbiology and comments are welcome.

4. The Tree of Life: is a blog written by Jonathan Eisen, a professor at the University of California at Davis, and an editor-in-chief of PLoS Biology.  He is an evolutionary biologist studying the origin of novelty in microorganisms. Much of his work utilizes metagenomic and genome sequencing techniques.  Dr. Eisen’s blog is a favorite among the science blogging community and microbiologists. You can also follow him on twitter at @phylogenomics.

5. Twisted Bacteria: is a blog written by César Sánchez, a scientist turned editor. César was the editor for Trends in Microbiology prior to writing full-time on his own site. On his blog you can find new information in the field of microbiology. Follow @TwistedBacteria on twitter for updates.

6. The Third Reviewer:  The Third Reviewer is a forum for scientists to share opinions about recently published research. It’s like journal club, but it’s fast, convenient, and comprehensive. They just started the Microbiology version. Check this out and participate anonymously, pseudonymously, or using your real name.

Fun and Games:

7. Microbe Zoo:  is a digital learning center for microbial ecology and designed like an online microbial amusement park. Visit and learn about different attractions such as: DirtLand, Animal Pavillion, The Snack Bar, Space Adventure, and Water World.  Microbe Zoo was developed by the Comm Tech Lab and the Center for Microbial Ecology at Michigan State University.

8. Microbe Kombat:  If you like video games such as Halo and Mortal Kombat, you’ll find this entertaining. Microbe Kombat pits microbes against each other in an ultimate confrontation- gladiator style. Players must consume proteins, reproduce, and wipe out the opposing microbe fraction.  Try it out and let us know what you think.

Gifts:

9. Molecular Muse:  A site for science inspired gifts created by Raven Hanna, a scientist-turned-artist.  She creates beautiful jewelry using the molecular structures of molecules such as Caffeine, Endorphin, Serotonin, Capsaicin, THC, Resveratrol, Estrogen, Theobromine (chocolate), and Dopamine (love). The silver jewelry is aesthetic, unique, and symbolic in meaning. Check it out this Christmas for the girl in your life. Whether or not she is a scientist, she will love receiving anything on this site.

10. Giant Microbes: Most everyone has seen the great stuffed microbe toys these days at tradeshows or in some of the magazines. But for those who have not, check this out. They have a very wide variety of really cute toy microbes. The makers of these toys just keep getting more creative with every new addition. Here are some of their bestsellers. What microbiologist wouldn’t love to cuddle up to Mad Cow or a sweet little Bed Bug?

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Have fun reading this weekend and in between incubations at some of these cool sites. What microbiology and science related sites to you read? Send me your suggestions for your favorite blogs or informational websites and I’ll post the links here.

~Suzanne (@SuzyScientist on twitter)