A better understanding of bacterial stress responses in food environments will help scientists develop practical preservation systems that minimize public health risks.

A better understanding of bacterial stress responses in food environments will help scientists develop practical preservation systems that minimize public health risks. Through May 2006, researchers are studying how different stresses affect bacteria growth and survival. They are examining the effects of stress conditions on the disease-causing potential of pathogenic bacteria. Investigators intend to develop techniques for detecting healthy as well as stressed or injured bacteria in foods. Contact: Pina Fratamico, USDA-ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center, Microbial Food Safety Research Unit, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038. Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail].