Alpha Blog

When we think about the invisible world of bacteria and fungi, we often imagine petri dishes filled with jelly-like substances used in laboratories. That jelly is agar – a powerhouse medium that has revolutionized microbiology , biotechnology , and even food science . But what exactly is agar? Let’s explore its origins, properties, uses, and importance. 🧬 What is Agar? Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae , primarily from species like Gelidium and Gracilaria . It's a polysaccharide , meaning it's made of many sugar molecules, particularly galactose . Unlike gelatin, which is animal-based, agar is entirely plant-based , making it vegan-friendly and widely used in both scientific and food industries. 🌊 Origins and History Agar was first discovered in Japan in the 17th century , where it was called kanten . It was later introduced into microbiology by Fannie Hesse , the wife of a German microbiologist, who suggested agar as a better medium than gela...

A review article is a comprehensive summary and critical analysis of existing research on a particular subject. Unlike original research articles, which present new data , review articles focus on analyzing previously published studies to give a broad and deep understanding of the topic. They play a major role in scientific progress because they help researchers, students, and professionals stay updated with the current state of knowledge , identify research gaps , and explore future directions . It is most commonly used in scientific, medical, pharmaceutical, and academic fields. 📚 Types of Review Articles Review articles come in several types depending on the purpose and structure: 1. Narrative Review Also known as literature review . Provides a qualitative , descriptive summary of the existing literature. Often used to give a broad overview of a topic. Focuses on background, key concepts, debates, theories , and current understanding . Less structured th...