Welcome to the world of nanobugs!

We live in a world where human beings think they rule. But within this world lies the unseen kingdom of microbes. Because microbes are invisible to the human eye, we often forget they are there. But with a little imagination, we can give life to the microbes and learn how to live in harmony with them.

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Thanks for visiting the nanobugs website! If you like what we have created here, feel free to leave us a tip. That would help us continue our "nanomation" and add more nanobugs to the menagerie.

Nanobugs Blog

Sad News for Food Safety

January 3, 2013

MDP is no longer doing pathogen safety testing so our food safety net now has a big hole in it. http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/01/mdp-officially-shut-down-pathogen-testing-for-produce-halted/#.UOXB4G_BGD8

Nanobugs Offers Unique Educational Toys and Gifts They Won’t Forget

November 23, 2012

So many toys and gifts don’t promote health and wellness – and if they are labeled “educational” they may end up at the bottom of that wish list for Santa. It’s hard for parents to decide between entertainment and education when selecting gifts and toys. The nanobugs were created to entertain and educate people of all ages about practical microbiology for infection prevention. Infections and sickness are not inevitable. We can teach our children how to manage their health and avoid infections. Parents may need to expand their knowledge too, by learning more about microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, the immune system, nutrition and food safety and behaviors that enhance wellness and reduce the risk of disease. It doesn’t need to be boring or academic. No need to sign up for a class at the community college. The nanobugs can teach the entire family while they entertain the young and old.

Safe serving and management of the leftovers

November 22, 2012

The primary serving rule with a turkey dinner is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold and make sure they spend very little time in between. Appropriate holding temperatures, whether hot or cold, tend to dehydrate and deteriorate the food as time goes on. But if the rule is not followed, the consequences can be nauseating!

Sabatoging Salmonella - Clean and Separate – so you don’t cross-contaminate

November 21, 2012

Cross-contamination – is a scientific term which describes the transfer of bacteria from foods, hands, utensils or food preparation surfaces to a food we plan to eat. This is a particular problem with the liquids/juices from raw meat or poultry allowing nanobugs like salmonella to end up exactly where we don’t want them and we EAT them!

Sabotaging Salmonella - It's all about temperature.

November 20, 2012

Just because a turkey is golden brown on the outside, doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat. Cooking a turkey safely is a matter of degrees! The goal is to kill the nanobugs like salmonella without overcooking and dehydrating the turkey flesh.

From Mega to Micro…

Cartoon characters representing bacteria, viruses, and fungi will teach how infections are spread and how to prevent them. After all, generations of children have been endlessly fascinated with the dinosaurs, enthusiastically learning the names of the genus and species of these mega-creatures, like Tyrannosaurus Rex. We believe the nanobugs will bring that same wonder and fascination to the world of micro-creatures (bacteria and viruses). Before long, children (and adults) will want to learn not only the genus and species of their favorite microbes, like Staphylococcus aureus, but also, how to prevent infections and stay healthy!

The Next Big Microscopic Thing…

The news is constantly filled with reports of new and emerging infections like H1N1 influenza and outbreaks of E coli O157 and Hepatitis A. Despite our attempts at prevention of sexually-transmitted diseases, the number of these infections continues to rise. Hand hygiene is preached in schools and health care settings and yet, compliance is a real issue. Health professionals face big challenges in controlling infections in hospitalized patients and the elderly in nursing homes. We hope that the nanobugs will present a fresh approach to infection prevention, stimulating everyone - young and old, teachers and students, doctors and nurses - to learn the practical microbiology needed for infection prevention.

Science + Imagination = the nanobugs

Our company utilizes the contributions of individuals with extensive experience in infection prevention and control and the boundless creativity and imagination of our design team to create captivating cartoon characters. Every effort has been made to maintain the scientific integrity of the nanobugs products. Still, as the nanobugs began to take shape, we couldn't resist the opportunity to let them show a little "attitude"!

Just for Fun

What is the difference between bird flu and swine flu?

What people are saying about nanobugs...

"The kids used the coloring book. Even though I teach 10-12 they enjoyed coloring and learning about infection control. The Hepatitis A Video was a big hit as well! Thanks for a great classroom resource. "

Elementary School Teacher

"We have been asked to participate in a local Reverse Science Fair for girls K - 7th grade. We are going to demonstrate the spread of germs and the importance of good hand hygiene. The nanobugs tattoos will certainly be a fun way to promote our objectives and reinforce the learning. "

Wendy D. - Laboratory Outreach Program Manager from Massachusetts, USA

"Your website is a really fun place to share with my 4-year-old grandson when he visits. He loves to watch the nanobugs do their little monologs. His favorite nanobug is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. He can pronounce their names after listening to the announcer on the website. I was happy when you added the additional information to the menagerie. Alex was asking for more information and I didn't want to try and make things up. By the way, Alex now willingly brushes his teeth saying "let’s get rid of those nanobugs on our teeth". (Streptococcus mutans) "

Nancy S. – a grandmother

"Your rap on Hep A is cool. Your website is impressive. I'll share it with others. "

Marcia M. - Microbiologist

"I finally found the time to check this website out. This is incredible! The oldest boy that I nanny, Jacob (age 8) found the information and cartoon characters so intriguing! I had fun showing him and his brother, Jordan (age 5) your website. Now they go around the house pointing out areas of possible living spaces for Nanobugs and they love to make sure the other is washing their hands all day. I am so excited about your website. "

Emmy C. – a nanny

"The Nanobugs are really fantastic. I am still laughing. Thanks for keeping me informed. "

Gladys S. – a senior citizen

"I am the infection control nurse for our hospital. This is the first time that I have seen your site, but I have sent it to all my friends who have children. IT IS THE GREATEST!!!!

Keep up the great work. There is a need for this in public, private, home schooling, and specially at the Juvenile Detention Center schools. "

Deborah - Infection Control Nurse

"Nanobugs flash cards are a great learning tool. The colorful characters and quotes with them make remembering the diseases easier and a lot more fun. I look forward to using them often in class! My favorite is C. Difficile - I don't think I'll forget to wash my hand again! "

Kristi J. - Junior Nursing Student

"I am a student teacher in Lincoln, NE and find these nanobugs intriguing! I introduced them to my fifth graders and they had a ball learning about the different viruses and such. The trading cards are also information for me and my roommates. This is such a neat website and will definitely pass this along! "

Rachel L. - Student Teacher

"The Nanobugs tattoos were a big hit at our hospital safety fair. My assistant took one home to put on her daughter. She said they are the best quality tattoos and it stayed on for a loooooooooooong time! "

Barbara G. – a hospital infection control professional

nanobugs, Inc