Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 4/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am  doing a science project on how certain bacteria affect the growth and appearance of plants but I cannot find anywhere that will provide me with the bacteria. Is there anywhere else I can try other than Universities?

ANSWER: Dear Toni,

You may need special permits to buy certain types of bacteria.  But you'll have better luck ordering from a scientific supply company than from a university.  Try Ward's Scientific:

http://www.wardsci.com/

If you start here:

http://www.wardsci.com/search.asp?t=ss&ss=bacteria&x=0&y=0

you'll find several pages of live bacteria and bacterial kits and products.

Ward's has a wide variety of live specimens, and all you'll need is a credit card.

Good luck!

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You,
but,I think,that even with this website I think it has to be sent to a school, and my school has "No Bacteria" Policy. Do any companies send bacteria to private residencies.

Answer
Dear Toni,

For liability and safety reasons, no reputable companies will send bacteria to private citizens.  To do the project you've planned, you will need to find a sponsor who has facilities where growing bacteria is permissible and carefully monitored.

Good luck,

Dana