Bacteria are one of the oldest of all life-forms. And after two billion years on earth, these bugs are getting famous.

Bad Bugs
Instances of food poisoning are daily news, with some pathogens – that's the tiny percentage of bacteria that are dangerous – including Escherichia coli and Salmonella now household names. Other potentially deadly microbes such as those responsible for Legionnaire's disease also continue to do good business. In industry many bacteria producing hydrogen sulphide and slimes cause a miriad of problems.

However, bacteria are not all bad news.

Good Bugs
There are a number of good bugs about, who are really winning friends and influencing people. With a helping hand from microbiologists, the career opportunities for these single-cell wonders have truly taken off. Traditionally restricted to the role of fermenters in food production, bacteria are now being put to work centre stage in a host of other industries. They are being used to manufacture chemicals. They are helping to clean up environmental pollution. Including that caused by other bacteria they are even being employed to improve production from oil reservoirs.