A new understanding of the microbiome suggests humans should think of themselves as metaorganisms
Sam Falconer
Many people believe that they are individual members of the species Homo sapiens. However, this article will challenge such perceptions and present the idea that humans are more than just individuals. In reality, trillions of other organisms exist on and within our bodies. As you delve into the following reports, you will discover the profound impact these organisms have on your identity. The microbes that reside in and on you shape who you are and redefine what it means to be human. With the increasing knowledge about this aspect of our existence, the exploration of the microbiome has never been more relevant.
In the past, scientists believed that three distinct components of our nature defined our individuality: the immune system, the genome, and the brain. However, recent findings have challenged this notion. Thomas Bosch from Kiel University in Germany explains, “None of these traditional pillars of the self – immunity, genome integrity, the central nervous system – are unaffected by microbial influence.”
The microbiome, which encompasses bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, defies the concept of a discrete self. While bacteria have been extensively studied, other microbes also play pivotal roles in shaping our biology. Together, these microbes orchestrate the immune system, influence brain function and development, and impact our personality and emotions. Surprisingly, more than a third of human genes have bacterial origins. Additionally, the trillions of microbial genes in our gut directly affect our nutrition and more.
