The Yogurt Bacteria: A Quest for Longevity
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Resources & Recommendations
Books
- Paperback booklet with English explanation of the history - This booklet provided historical context about the museum and its subject, Stamen Grigorov, to the host during her visit.
Articles & Papers
- "Baba and Tudor Vasilka are of special interest to science" (New York Times, 1912) - This article discusses the longevity of Bulgarian centenarians, linking their long lives to the consumption of soured milk, and confirming Mechnikov's theory.
- "The bacillus of long life" (Research paper, 1911) - This research paper discusses the isolation of the same bacillus (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) from various curdled milk products across the Balkan peninsula and the Don region of Russia.
People Mentioned
- Daniella Yordanova Antova - A staff member at the Museum of Yogurt in Studen Izvor, who assisted the host during her visit.
- Stamen Grigorov - A Bulgarian medical student and scientist who discovered the Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria in Bulgarian yogurt.
- Ilya Mechnikov - A Russian scientist and Nobel laureate who studied aging and proposed that good bacteria in the gut, particularly from soured milk, could prolong life.
Organizations & Institutions
- Pasteur Institute - A French non-profit private foundation dedicated to the study of biology, micro-organisms, diseases, and vaccines, where Stamen Grigorov presented his findings.
Websites & Online Resources
- Libertiesjournal.com - The website for "Liberties," a journal that features essays connecting history, politics, and ideas.