Microorganisms are powerful machines that have learned many important traits to survive. Scientists can study microbial traits and engineer them, controlling, modifying, and scaling for human processes. This includes genetically engineering microorganisms to reconstruct their DNA and having them ferment substances like sugars to create new chemicals and food. These are only a few of the ways that microbes can be used to develop new tools, products, and industrial processes:
Human Health
Understanding the microorganisms inside the human body is critical to helping people live longer, happier lives. Even though these creatures are so small they can’t be seen with the naked eye, they have a huge effect on the delicately balanced system inside the human body. Microbiologists can study microorganisms and not only protect the body from diseases and pathogens but harness the power of beneficial microbes as well.
Disease Control and Treatments
Because of microbiology, scientists can identify the causes and sources of infectious diseases. Understanding how pathogens spread is key to developing successful infection control strategies, such as hand washing, vaccines, or quarantine. Microorganisms also help researchers create important vaccines to stop the spread of deadly diseases like polio and measles. It also supports the development of antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungal drugs that treat infections.
Human Microbiome
Not all microbes are bad for humans. In fact, we have trillions of beneficial microbes in our body, including in the “gut microbiome”. These microbes are incredibly important, aiding digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Through studying these microbes, scientists can learn more about how the human body works, and how to keep it healthy.
Good and bad microbes can also be found in the food we eat. Food microbiologists ensure that food is not carrying harmful pathogens or causing foodborne illnesses. They also study microbes found in water to test for quality and contamination. There are good microbes that can be found in food, and microbiologists can use these to learn more about human health. These good microbes are found in several foods, like yogurt, kimchi, bread, and more!
Environment
Microorganisms play a huge role in Earth’s natural processes. They protect and regulate our environment, meaning that they keep us in an optimal environmental balance, where the Earth won’t get too hot or cold and waste won’t build up.
Decomposition and Recycling
Microbes naturally break down many types of waste. A big part of this is natural waste. Bacteria and fungi decompose dead plants and animals, returning the nutrients to the soil, and composting relies on microorganisms to turn organic matter into fertilizer. Other tougher materials can even be broken down by microorganisms. Certain bacteria can help break down oil spills, and some fungi can absorb toxic metals from soil. This means that microbes are one of the best ways that our Earth breaks down pollution and landfills.
Air, Soil, and Water
Microorganisms help drive biogeochemical cycles, recycling elements and nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. This allows life-sustaining materials to be continuously reused and balanced in the environment and used by humans, animals, and plants. By keeping cycles balanced, microbes also help regulate greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane through decomposition and respiration. Some microbes even help reduce methane emissions from wetlands and agricultural systems.
Technology
Microorganisms are like little engineers, building and breaking down organic compounds. Scientists can study these workers to gain a deeper understanding of how these processes work and implement them for the benefit of humanity. Here are a few ways that scientists are progressing technology using microorganisms:
Space Exploration
If there is one thing that is essential to long-term space exploration besides a rocket ship, it is microorganisms. Microbiological research helps design life-support systems that recycle air, water, and waste in space. Their ability to live in extreme conditions also helps scientists in their search for potential life on other planets.
Nanotechnology and Energy
Microorganisms are masters of nanoscale engineering. They can build complex shapes like cages, spirals, and tubes and can make magnetic or metal nanoparticles. Viruses themselves are basically self-assembling nanostructures. When scientists study microbes at work, they are learning from master builders who can make nanostructures better than we can and with less chemicals and effort. Scientists can then copy or harness these abilities to create new technologies in medicine, electronics, and materials science.
Scientists also study microorganisms to study the way they convert energy. Many of them naturally convert organic materials into usable forms of power. Some microbes can be harnessed to create electricity or break down trash to create fuel. With the help of microorganisms there is a possible path to clean, renewable energy technologies.
Continuing to Advance
As microbiologists continue to research and experiment, we will see more advancements in many areas of life. From our bodies on Earth to space travel and robotics, microorganisms help us discover better, faster, and cleaner ways to advance society.
Citations
Annual Reviews — Annual Review of Physiology Research Article
MDPI — Clinics and Practice Research Article
National Library of Medicine (PMC) — Research Article
NOAA — Who Thinks Crude Oil Is Delicious? These Ocean Microbes Do
NOAA — Who Thinks Crude Oil Is Delicious? These Ocean Microbes Do
National Library of Medicine (PMC) — Research Article
Frontiers in Microbiology — Research Article
WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology — Research Article
ACS Nano — Research Article
Preprints.org — Research Article