Our intestine is inhabited by a large and diverse community of microbes, collectively referred to as the gut microbiota, composed of more than a thousand different species. We (the host) and our microbiota coexist for better or worse. On one hand, maintaining a healthy relationship... click to read more

There is a microscopic society living within us. Our bodies are home to more than 100 trillion microorganisms, similar to the number of human cells in the body. Many of them reside in our gut. Most of the time, this microsociety - which includes hundreds... click to read more

As scientists, we often think of bacteria as free-swimming, lone cells, growing in test tubes. Indeed, the majority of experiments are performed in this kind of environment. However, in reality, bacteria often grow in groups of cells, attached to surfaces. These cellular communities are social;... click to read more

The American reality show "The Biggest Loser" features obese contestants that are competing for the strongest weight loss within the duration of one season of the TV series, which is rewarded with a cash prize. A wide audience has followed the show, and its concept... click to read more

The trillions of microbes that live in our gastrointestinal tract are known as the gut microbiome. It is an "acquired organ" of the body that is essential for the development of immune and metabolic systems and for nutrient digestion and absorption, among other things. As... click to read more