This book lets us peer into the world of microbes -- not as germs to be eradicated, but as invaluable parts of our lives -- allowing us to see how ubiquitous and vital microbes are: they sculpt our organs, defend us from disease, break down our food, educate our immune systems, guide our behavior, bombard our genomes with their genes, and grant us incredible abilities. While much of the prevailing discussion around the microbiome has focused on its...

Teaches students how to prevent the spread of germs by washing hands and details the importance of cleanup. Includes full-color photographs, a glossary, and further reading sources.

Depicts the characteristics and abilities of several small but powerful forces such as plankton, microchips, bacteria, and fleas. Includes color illustrations, a glossary, and further resources.

Level 1 guided reader that teaches students how to prevent the spread of germs by washing hands and the importance of cleanup.

Angela Dawson, M.D., appears to have it all: at the age of thirty-seven, she owns a fabulous New York City apartment, a stunning seaside house on Nantucket, and enjoys the perks of her prosperous lifestyle. But her climb to the top was rough, marked by a troubled childhood, a failed marriage, and the devastating blow of bankruptcy as a primary-care internist. Painfully aware of the role of economics in modern life, particularly in the health-care...

"Discover the bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes that keep our bodies and our world running, as well as how and when they can be harmful and the precautions we can take to prevent them from becoming so. Meet a glowing squid, traveling fungus spores, and much more. Walk the line between 'ew, gross!' and 'oh, cool!,' exploring why we need bacteria and introducing readers to its microbial mates--viruses, fungi, algae, archaea, and protozoa....

"Picture this: after a long week, you finally have the house to yourself. As you settle into the couch, something stirs--a mouse darts out from under a cupboard, a fly zips past the window--and you suddenly realize that you're not alone after all. Indeed, our homes are buzzing with life, but aside from the pursuit of better pest control, we've had only the barest understanding of it. That is why Rob Dunn and his team decided to take a closer look....

Entertaining, eye-opening and educational, this deep dive into the microscopic world of germs discusses the microbes in and on our bodies that help us survive, the ones that don't and everything in between.

"...an informative and entertaining look at the good and the bad (and possibly a few ugly) microscopic organisms that live in you and on you."--Page [4] of cover.

Looks at how ancient microorganisms in primordial oceans transformed the chemistry of the planet over billions of years, eventually allowing the development of more complex forms of life, and how they continue to make life on earth possible.