The project aims to safeguard the beneficial microbes living in and on the human body
Our bodies host a vast ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Just as scientists are beginning to understand how this microbiome supports human health, hallmarks of modern life such as antibiotics and processed foods may be pushing many of our microbial residents toward extinction.Now an international team of scientists wants to safeguard humanity’s long-term health by creating a Noah’s Ark for microbes.“If we are just at the beginning of really understanding and elucidating what is the role of the microbiota, it is of course precautionary to at least safeguard part of this diversity before it just goes away,” says Dominik Steiger, chief operating officer of EvalueScience, which is based in Zurich.
