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Microorganisms and Microbiomes

Microorganisms and microbiomes influence health, agriculture, and ecosystems. The National Academies explore microbial diversity and its role in environmental and human systems. 

What's happening

Are all microbes dangerous?

Based on Science

Most microbes either help human health or do not affect people’s health one way or the other. Of the millions of types of microbes in the world, only a few make us sick.

May 20, 2022
Based on Science Banner. Skin microbiota, conceptual illustration - stock illustration. Various bacteria and pathogens on a human hand, the microbiota of the skin, 3d illustration.

Are all infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria?

Based on Science

Viruses and bacteria are not responsible for all infections diseases. Many infectious diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria. But there are also other types of pathogens that cause illness.

May 20, 2022
Based on Science Banner

Nobel Prize Laureates and Other Experts Issue Urgent Call for Action After ‘Our Planet, Our Future’ Summit

Statement

This statement was inspired by the discussions at the 2021 Nobel Prize Summit, issued by the Steering Committee and co-signed by Nobel Laureates and experts.

Apr 29, 2021
nobel summit 2021 logo

Featured Publications

Featured work

Research at Multiple Scales: A Vision for Continental Scale Biology

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

Formalizing Best Practices for Data Governance of Life Science Data in Central Asia

Educational/Outreach Activity

Recently Completed

Committee on Planetary Protection (CoPP)

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Strengthening Southeast Asian Academia and Industry Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Safety and Security - A Workshop

Meeting of Experts

In Progress

Assessing and Navigating Biosecurity Concerns and Benefits of Artificial Intelligence Use in the Life Sciences

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Exploring Linkages Between Soil Health and Human Health

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Engaging a Trusted Scientific Network in Southeast Asia to Counter Misleading Information about Biological Threats

Educational/Outreach Activity

Completed

Biotechnology Capabilities for National Security Needs

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information about Biological Threats through Scientific Collaboration and Communication in Southeast Asia

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Advancing Understanding of the Implications of Environmental-Chemical Interactions with the Human Microbiomes

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Units

Center for Health, People, and Places (CHPP)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Magnified body's raw materials, stem cells

Forum on Microbial Threats

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress

Board on Life Sciences

Standing Committee

In Progress

Standing Committee on Advances and National Security Implications of Transdisciplinary Biotechnology

Standing Committee

In Progress

Committee on Science, Technology, and Law

Standing Committee

In Progress

Board on Global Health

Standing Committee

Recently Completed

Roundtable on Science and Welfare of Animals Involved in Research

Roundtable/Forum

Recently Completed
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