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The teaching of microbiology may be problematic if its practical aspects cannot be performed in sterile environments. Most of the schools do not have a dedicated microbiology lab and the handling of microorganisms is usually done in a biology or a chemistry lab which lacks any controlled environment. This situation makes contaminations almost unavoidable and practical microbiology activities are very limited.

In addition, any microbiology laboratory should be classified according to biosafety regulations (Directive 2000/54/EC). When applied to basic school labs, teachers and students are supposed to work with biological agents that are non-pathogenetic, implying that no specific biocontrol is required. Nevertheless, the principles of good occupational safety and hygiene should of course be observed.

In the search to find a solution to these issues, Prof. S. DasSarma from the University of Maryland, USA, and his colleagues have pioneered the use of Halobacterium salinarum (H. s.) as a model organism in classrooms

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