[Series] Evolution, human-microbe interactions, and life history plasticity

A bacterium was once a component of the ancestor of all eukaryotic cells, and much of the human genome originated in microorganisms. Today, all vertebrates harbour large communities of microorganisms (microbiota), particularly in the gut, and at least 20% of the small molecules in human blood are products of the microbiota. Changing human lifestyles and medical practices are disturbing the content and diversity of the microbiota, while simultaneously reducing our exposures to the so-called old infections and to organisms from the natural environment with which human beings co-evolved.

Source: LANCET - July 28, 2017 Category: General Medicine Authors: Graham Rook, Fredrik B äckhed, Bruce R Levin, Margaret J McFall-Ngai, Angela R McLean Tags: Series Source Type: research