A large variety of microbes on the skin has more of a pronounced effect than individual bacteria.
This is the main finding from new research, published in “Microbiome”.
"...a full community of microbes has unique and pronounced effects on the skin."
"Thus, in its impacts on the host, the skin microbiome is more than the sum of its parts."
"Thus, in its impacts on the host, the skin microbiome is more than the sum of its parts."
The team, mainly from John Hopkins University in the USA, also suggests that the behaviour of individual microbes can depend on the community “context”.
This research is important because it suggests that we should be much more concerned about the overall state, or biodiversity, of the skin microbiome, than individual members.
