Bedsonia

/bɛdˈsoʊniə/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic microorganisms (bacteria-like organisms) that can cause infection in humans and animals.

Etymology

Named after Samuel Bedson, the British microbiologist who discovered this organism in the 1930s. Scientific naming convention adds the Latin suffix '-ia' to the discoverer's name.

Kelly Says

Bedsonia were among the first organisms identified as being between bacteria and viruses, which totally confused scientists and helped force biology to expand its categories—organisms don't always fit into neat boxes we expect.

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