The study describes how microbes could behave in a good or bad manner depending on the conditions that surround them.
A National Geographic article sums up this “microbiome mutiny”.
For the germs themselves, these are just two ends of a seamless spectrum.”
A particular focus is placed on how microbes can start behaving harmfully to people as they age.
Humans become more susceptible to infections the older they get.
"Under some conditions, natural selection may favor gentle handling. But in other situations, causing deadly disease may be the winning strategy."
Why is this revolutionary?
Well, it could be important for a few reasons.
Firstly, it may signal the need to re-think the science behind probiotics, which is already being questioned by an increasing number of scientists. This is because the idea of “good microbes” is used to market these products.
Secondly, it could encourage microbiologists to use inspiration from ecosystems across nature to apply to the microbiome.
It is already understood in these ecosystems that organisms are not inherently good or bad.
What do you think?
