50 Years Ago Microbes

50 years ago, scientists were on the trail of a brain-eating amoeba

Excerpt from the September 19, 1970 issue of Science News

a microscopic image of Naegleria fowleri

The brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri (pictured), dwells in rivers and lakes. After gliding up swimmers’ noses to the brain, the parasite damages tissue there and kills victims within a few days.

Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D./Virginia Commonwealth University

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

cover of September 19, 1970 issue of Science News

Amoebic killers — Science News, September 19, 1970

A fearsome [disease] has been recognized in recent years, produced by a one-cell organism….