Bacillus Memes

The genetic engineering quiz that's making everyone sweat! While people panic about "BT corn" being "biologically tampered," it's actually named after Bacillus thuringiensis , a soil bacterium whose genes were inserted to make corn produce its own insecticidal proteins. The irony is perfect—the fear-inducing term people use (biologically tampered) isn't even correct. Meanwhile, actual scientists are facepalming so hard they've developed calluses. Next up: finding out the "GMO" in GMO foods doesn't stand for "Greatly Mysterious Organisms."

The microbiologists' version of a late-night food run! Those bacteria are literally on a mission to find their favorite growth medium. Luria broth (or LB medium) is basically the five-star restaurant buffet for bacteria - packed with peptides, vitamins, and minerals that make microbes multiply faster than college students at a free pizza event. The streptococci chain (left), bacillus rod (middle), and that spiky E. coli (right) aren't just hanging out - they're the microbial equivalent of friends raiding the fridge at 2am after studying all night. Only instead of leftover pizza, they're hunting for peptone and yeast extract. The dedication is real - even single-celled organisms get those midnight munchies!