Microbes
It's a microbial world
Science writer Ed Yong investigates the complex world of microbes in his book "I Contain Multitudes." Audio
The Science of... Sweat
Simon Morton and Alison Ballance present a three-part series exploring the science of sweat, virtual reality and Vitamin C. This week, the function of a much-maligned bodily fluid that plays a vital… Audio, Gallery
Weather bugs: microbes making rain
Microbes inhabit every nook and cranny from the depths of the ocean to your small intestine, but could these tiny organisms also be playing a part in the weather? Audio, Gallery
Kauri dieback and how microbes sense the world
Microbes, such as the fungi-like kauri dieback disease, use chemicals to sense their world - and understanding this might help us to develop new treatments. Video, Audio
Parenting: Let them eat dirt!
When it comes to parenting, have we become too obsessed with being clean and worrying about children getting sick from all of the germs they might pick up? Audio
Microbes Are Our Friends
Human cells make up only half our bodies and microbes make up the other half. Science writer Ed Yong explains the vital role of these immigrant microbes and the unique ecosystem in our bodies in his… Audio
Microbes and moods
We are more microbe than human, and our microbiome may be affecting our brain, moods and behaviour. Audio
Dr Tim Spector on the hidden microbial world inside us
Genetic Epidemiologist Tim Spector, from Kings College in London has spent much of his career studying the trillions of microbes that live on us and inside us. They outnumber our own cells, 10 to 1… Audio
How microbes have shaped the earth
Paul Falkowski studies how the humble microbe has shaped human history in his book 'Life's Engines' (Princeton University Press). Audio
Microbes and premature birth
Professor David Relman of Stanford University is looking at the link between microbes and premature birth. Audio
Microbial moods
Dr Chris Smith on how your gut microbes could be affecting your mood. Also the discovery of the earliest evidence yet of Earth's magnetic field, found in some 4.4 billion year old Australian rock. Audio
Hangovers and microbes
Professor Tim Spector of King's College London on how the microbial communities in your gut could be playing a major role in how bad your hangover is after you overindulge in alcohol. Audio
Loving your inner ecosystem
In his book 'I, Superorganism' (Icon Books) the science writer Jon Turney goes on a journey through our inner ecosystem. On the way he he finds out there's lots to love about the hidden microbial… Audio
Rob Knight - follow your gut
Ex-pat Kiwi Rob Knight looks at allergies, obesity and acne - conditions that may be caused, and someday cured, by the microscopic life inside us. His TED book 'Follow Your Gut: The Enormous Impact of… Audio
The secrets of Blood Falls
Jill Mikucki is an Antarctic researcher who's been studying the evocatively named Blood Falls at the McMurdo Dry Valleys. She's discovered the falls are part of an extensive network of interconnected… Audio
Bacteria and the nervous system
Naked Science with Dr Chris Smith. Fascinating new research shows how our gut bacteria helps with the formation of our nervous system. Audio
Faecal transplant pill
Could there be an alternative to the invasive, unappealing prospect of a faecal transplant? Dr Elizabeth Hohmann is working on a pill that can do the same job with seemingly equal efficacy, and Dr… Audio
Moving microbiomes
The Home Microbiome Study tries to understand how the communities of microbes living in and on us colonise our rooms and buildings. Jack Gilbert of the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National… Audio
Smart Seeds and Finding a Treatment for Black Rot
The Smart Seeds programme at Lincoln University has been screening brassica seeds for potential microbial biocontrol agents against black rot and diamondback moths Audio
Pathomap
Pathomap is a microbial census taking thousands of swabs all over New York City and its public places. Christopher Mason of the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University is leading the… Audio