Methylothon: a Versatile Course-Based High School Research Experience in Microbiology and Bioinformatics with Pink Bacteria.

Methylothon is an inquiry-based high school learning module in microbial ecology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics that centers around pink-pigmented plant-associated methylotrophic bacteria. Here, we present an overview of the module's learning goals, describe course resources (available for public use at http://methylothon.com), and relate lessons learned from adapting Methylothon for remote learning during the pandemic in spring of 2021. This curriculum description is intended not only for instructors but also for microbial ecology researchers with an interest in conducting K-12 outreach. The original in-person version of the module allows students to isolate their own strains of methylotrophic bacteria from plants they sample from the environment, to identify these using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, and to contribute their strains to original research in a university lab. The adapted version strengthens the focus on bioinformatics and increases its flexibility and accessibility by making the lab portion optional and adopting free web-based tools. Student feedback and graded assignments from spring 2021 revealed that the lesson was especially effective at introducing the concepts of BLAST and phylogenetic trees and that students valued and felt inspired by the opportunity to conduct hands-on work and to participate in community science.

Healthcare Experiences and Needs of Consensually Non-Monogamous People: Results From a Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals engaged in consensual non-monogamy (CNM) face broad and potentially harmful experiences of sexual stigma in society, yet no published empirical literature has examined the experiences of this population within the healthcare system. AIM: The present investigation sought to explore positive and negative experiences of CNM individuals within the healthcare system, as well as specific needs of these patients regarding inclusive healthcare practices. METHODS: 20 CNM-identified adults from a non-profit organization serving CNM individuals completed a brief survey and participated in 1 of 3 focus groups of 70 minutes duration centered on their healthcare needs and experiences. OUTCOMES: CNM patients report challenges in addressing their healthcare needs related to lack of provider knowledge, inadequate preventative screenings, and stigmatizing behaviors that impact their health and trust in the healthcare system. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers must monitor and work to avoid assumptions and pathologization of individuals who engage in CNM, creating an open, accepting environment to work collaboratively with CNM individuals to meet their unique sexual health needs. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Although the present sample is diverse with respect to sexual and gender identity and socioeconomic status, it may not represent the experiences of CNM individuals outside of the midwestern United States and those who do not identify as polyamorous. CONCLUSION: CNM individuals frequently experience sexual stigma in interactions with the healthcare system that interferes with receipt of sensitive, medically accurate care relevant to their unique needs and experiences. Vaughan MD, Jones P, Taylor BA, et al. Healthcare Experiences and Needs of Consensually Non-Monogamous People: Results From a Focus Group Study. J Sex Med 2019;16:42-51.