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ShareOct. 28, 2011 — The E.coli superbug has hit Birmingham -- but don't worry, this one isn't about to make you ill. It's a huge scientific model, certified by Guinness World Records as the largest ever. The model -- 'Bacterium E.coli magnified two million times' -- was installed at Aston University this week to show the internal structures of a bacterium without the need for a microscope.
The model was designed and built by microbiologist Dr Henry Tribe. The aim is to allow the public to gain an idea of the inner workings of the bacterium on a giant scale, with the model approximately five metres long and two metres tall. It showcases the DNA, proteins and other molecules of E.coli -- the parts that humans would normally never see.
Dr Tribe believes that the model allows the general public to gain a greater understanding and insight into E. coli. The model highlights the incredible abilities of the superbug, including its capability of creating 1850 different proteins in half an hour and its ability to 'swim' at 1000 revolutions per minute. Every one is host to the bacteria, however only a very few strains of E.coli cause the deadly food poisoning associated with it.
The model is currently on display to the public in the Main Reception of Aston University.
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