The Female Microbiologist You May Not Know, But Should: Marjory Stephenson

Although women in the mid twentieth century were not publicly recognized for their contributions to microbiology or antibiotics, there are a number of female scientists who made significant discoveries during this time. Marjory Stephenson may not be a household name, but her research in bacteria changed how infection and cell biology is viewed today.

Born in 1885 in England, Stephenson was an educator and researcher who studied the metabolism of bacteria, to help foster a better understanding of reactions within bacteria that enable it to thrive and grow. Her contributions to microbiology led to the publication of her "Bacterial Metabolism" book in 1930, that continues to be cited by leading biologists and microbiologists today. For many in this field, it is considered an essential read for cell biology. She would later author over twenty papers during her time as a researcher.

(image credit: Amazon.com)

Stephenson was also dedicated to leading the advancement of education in tandem with research. She was one of the founding members of the Society for General Microbiology and became the second president for the organization. In 1953, the Marjory Stephenson Memorial Lecture (known today as the Marjory Stephenson Prize Lecture) was established to recognize Stephenson's contributions. Today, this prize is awarded by the Society for General Microbiology for outstanding individual contribution in microbiology.

While a researcher at Cambridge University in the biochemistry department, Stephenson encouraged the university to increase the number of female researchers in the biochemistry department. It is estimated that at least 15% of researchers in Cambridge's biochemistry department were women under Stephenson's guidance, although it was still considered to be an anomaly for a female to receive a university appointment as a lecturer. Finally, in 1943, Stephenson received her appointment at Cambridge.

Stephenson's accomplishments are impressive. She developed a washed suspension technique while working with Margaret Whetham and Juda Quastrel - a process originally introduced by Louis Pasteur, that enabled the enzymes to be extracted from bacteria. She also demonstrated the theory of "adaptive enzymes", and studies of nucleic acids.

Today, Marjory Stepheson' contribution to microbiology has led to further research and development regarding bacteria development, including biofilms. Biofilms are pervasive and represent the most prevalent bacterial mode of growth. Biofilms are formed when bacteria and/or fungi adhere to surfaces and excrete a glue-like substance that acts as an anchor and provides protection from the environment. Biofilm formation can make bacteria up to 1000 times more resistant to antibiotics, antimicrobial agents, disinfectants and the host immune system and are acknowledged to be one of the main contributors to the "antibiotic resistance crisis".

Biofilm related infections are difficult to treat and they commonly manifest themselves as chronic or recurrent in nature. According to an estimate by the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 80% of all human bacterial infections are caused by biofilms.

It was not until the 1990s that the elaborate organization of attached bacteria was identified as a biofilm. Research on biofilms has only progressed rapidly in the last decade, leading to a greater understanding of the role biofilms play in infection and antimicrobial resistance. New understandings of how biofilms develop and propagate will suggest ideas for preventing and eliminating them.

With 81 patents and patents pending, Kane Biotech is creating smarter ways to fight bacteria, leading the advancement of technologies and products that break up biofilms and destroy bacteria.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.