Evolution is considered a cornerstone theory of biology by many. Evolution is not something which occurred in the long distant past, but the mechanism by which life constantly changes. It is micro organisms which play a significant role in this process. Scientists have viewed eukaryotic calls as the most complex cell types for a long time. These are the cells found in visible plants and animals. It was in the 1960's that American biologist Lynn Margulis published the theory of symbiogenesis or endosymbiotic theory where she produced proof that our more complex cells result from a union of two simpler organisms. This little youtube video by the amoeba sisters depicts this theory in a fun and factual way. These ideas had been around since the 1800's but not taken seriously until Dr. Margulis provided microbiological proof. She shows that cells are constantly interacting and sharing.
Lynn Margulis' research and thoughts on evolution have created a more expansive view of this process which connects it to our lives today. Two of her books I would particularly recommend are Symbiotic Planet: A New Look at Evolution and, co authored with her son Dorian Sagan, Dazzle Gradually : Reflections on the Nature of Nature. These are a more challenging read.
Evolution is an ongoing dance of all organisms living on earth. It is a topic which should be central to all science education. The microbiome is an expression of our evolutionary past. It is many species of microbial organisms co existing and working together to perform many of the functions required for us humans to be healthy. Our interference with their proper functioning is implicated in our chronic health issues today.
Today we are shifting our behavior as the implications of the emerging research on the microbiome research is beginning to show us that over sanitation, birthing practices, overuse of antibiotics, etc are reducing the diversity of micro organisms residing in our bodies. These practices may play a significant role in the afflictions of our children including asthma, obesity and others. In the book "Missing Microbes
Dr. Martin Blaser expresses concern about the overuse of antibiotics, unnecessary cesarean sections, agricultural practices etc and gives a warning call to pay attention. Like many scientists today he writes in layman language as it is not enough to communicate only with fellow scientists , he send his message to the general public .His ideas are encapsulated in this review of his book in the journal Nature.
Microbiome testing
Today companies are developing to test your microbiome. This type of research which reaches out to anyone interested and has potential to change our view of ourselves. It helps develop the "supra organism" concept. As participants in this type of testing increase more information becomes available to understand a healthy flora.
This website entitled UBIOME provides information on what that company is learning through testing. This is a testing company. My husband and I used this testing service and got a sense of our microbial flora.
Lynn Margulis' research and thoughts on evolution have created a more expansive view of this process which connects it to our lives today. Two of her books I would particularly recommend are Symbiotic Planet: A New Look at Evolution and, co authored with her son Dorian Sagan, Dazzle Gradually : Reflections on the Nature of Nature. These are a more challenging read.
Evolution is an ongoing dance of all organisms living on earth. It is a topic which should be central to all science education. The microbiome is an expression of our evolutionary past. It is many species of microbial organisms co existing and working together to perform many of the functions required for us humans to be healthy. Our interference with their proper functioning is implicated in our chronic health issues today.
Today we are shifting our behavior as the implications of the emerging research on the microbiome research is beginning to show us that over sanitation, birthing practices, overuse of antibiotics, etc are reducing the diversity of micro organisms residing in our bodies. These practices may play a significant role in the afflictions of our children including asthma, obesity and others. In the book "Missing Microbes
Dr. Martin Blaser expresses concern about the overuse of antibiotics, unnecessary cesarean sections, agricultural practices etc and gives a warning call to pay attention. Like many scientists today he writes in layman language as it is not enough to communicate only with fellow scientists , he send his message to the general public .His ideas are encapsulated in this review of his book in the journal Nature.
Microbiome testing
Today companies are developing to test your microbiome. This type of research which reaches out to anyone interested and has potential to change our view of ourselves. It helps develop the "supra organism" concept. As participants in this type of testing increase more information becomes available to understand a healthy flora.
This website entitled UBIOME provides information on what that company is learning through testing. This is a testing company. My husband and I used this testing service and got a sense of our microbial flora.