Germs and disease

Biological warfare, or germ warfare, is a frightening concept, but readers are able to focus on facts rather than fear with the help of this objective guide to a challenging topic. From examples of germ warfare throughout history to the most modern ways of preventing a bioterrorism attack, readers are given essential information to help them see how science concepts are connected to military strategy and historical and current events. In addition to the accessible main text, sidebars expand on important concepts, and graphic organizers help visual learners. Full-color photographs and critical thinking questions also add to this reading experience.

Looks at parasites, including classification, spreading, and prevention.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has raised important questions about how we fight germs: How do vaccines work? Can wearing a mask really stop diseases from spreading? How do diseases spread in the first place? These questions aren't new, but they're an important part of life today. And readers discover the answers to them in this . . . look at the fight against germs"--Provided by publisher.

We can't see bacteria, but it is everywhere - in the air, in the ground, on our hands, even in our bodies. These microscopic single-celled organisms have inhabited earth far longer than humankind and live in almost all the habitats the planet provides. The study of bacteria provides fascinating insight into early history and has an endless depth of knowledge to be discovered.

Viruses are behind many types of illness, from mild colds to severe diseases like acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even COVID-19 itself is mild for some and severe for others. Viruses have been found all over the Earth. Researchers estimate that they are ten times more common than bacteria. These tiny germs, that are not even a cell themselves, invade other organisms and are an unavoidable part of our lives.

It is easy to be grossed out by fungi or worry about its impact on our health. While both are valid concerns, fungi and mold are actually important to our everyday lives. Like bacteria, fungi exist almost everywhere on the planet. They are hardy organisms the thrive in places you might not expect. Also like bacteria, they are essential in the breakdown of dead and decaying matter. One important group of fungi that does this is known as saprophytes. These fungi use decaying matter for nourishment, and without them breaking down organic matter throughout the environment, life on Earth would be quite different. Without fungi, the world we know could not exist.