#AgarArt

#BlackInMicro community, get those microbes growing for #AgarArt!

On Bacteriology day at 12pm EST, you can show us how you use bacteria as an art medium. To participate, all you need to do is prepare your #AgarArt and share a picture of it via twitter or Instagram. Tag @BlackInMicro and use the hashtags #BlackInMicrobiology and #BlackInBacteriology.

Stuck at home? No problem! Follow the homemade agar recipe below and swab your mouth, doorknobs, or even just leave the agar open to the air to see what grows! Bacteria are all around us and you’ll be surprised how beautiful they can be.

To make agar: 1) Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, 2) to the water, add 1 tsp (4.2 g) of beef stock powder, 1 tsp (4.2 g) of sugar, and 1 tsp (4.2 g) of gelatin and stir for 1 minute. 3) Let your mixture cool for 10 minutes and then pour into 1-2 clean, lidded containers.

Add bacteria to your agar from anywhere including the air and then grow overnight in a warm place. Be sure to keep the agar lidded as much as possible or the bacteria from the air may take over your agar. Agar recipe adapted from madaboutscience.com