Microbiomes: A Very Short Introduction

Microbiomes are communities of microorganisms that are beneficial to humans, animals, and plants, but can also cause or exacerbate disease. This Very Short Introduction provides an essential guide to the fast-moving discipline of microbiome science, explaining how and why our health and wellbeing depend on them and providing readers with the fundamental knowledge they need to judge the reliability of claims about microbiome-based applications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The term "microbiomes" has emerged as a significant scientific breakthrough in recent years, highlighting the realization that humans, animals, and plants host communities of microorganisms that can have beneficial effects, as well as potentially contribute to or exacerbate diseases.

Our rapidly evolving understanding of microbiomes is translating into innovative microbial therapies for human diseases and contributing to sustainable practices in agriculture and food production.

However, there is growing concern that certain claims made about microbiomes, particularly in relation to human health, may exceed the available scientific evidence.

This Very Short Introduction serves as an essential guide to the rapidly advancing field of microbiome science. It provides accessible insights into the composition, functions, and importance of our resident microbiomes, explains how they impact our health and well-being, and equips readers with the fundamental knowledge necessary to evaluate the credibility of claims related to microbiome-based applications.

The Very Short Introduction series from Oxford University Press boasts an extensive collection of titles covering nearly every subject area. These compact books are designed to provide a quick and efficient way to gain a comprehensive understanding of new subjects. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm to make complex and challenging topics highly accessible and engaging.

Weight: 120g
Dimension: 174 x 112 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198870852