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I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life

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'I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life' by Ed Yong is a fascinating exploration of the intricate world of microbes and their interactions with multi cellular life. The book delves into the history of microbiology, the current state of research on microbiomes, and the complex relationships between microbes and living organisms. Ed Yong's storytelling style brings the invisible science of microbes to life, showcasing the wonders of the microbial world through captivating anecdotes and engaging narratives. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the symbiotic relationships between microbes and their hosts to the ethical, theological, and sociological implications of microbial interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is approachable and engaging, blending humor and scientific clarity to make complex topics easily digestible while providing vivid descriptions and relatable anecdotes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative dives deep into the fascinating world of microbes, emphasizing their crucial functions and interrelationships with various hosts, including humans. It sheds light on contemporary scientific discoveries and personal health experiences tied to microbial interactions.

Setting:

The setting explores both the microscopic realm of microbes and various environments, including human bodies and ecosystems, where these interactions occur, alongside the scientific contexts in which they are studied.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, punctuated by anecdotes that captivate readers, though some parts may require a bit more focus due to their complex nature.
Baba does not flinch. He is unfazed by the throng of excited kids who have gathered around him. He is unperturbed by the Californian summer heat. He does not mind the cotton swabs that brush his face,...

Notes:

The gutless bone-eating snot-flower worm, Osedax mucofloris, eats dead whales on the ocean floor.
Microbes form intricate symbiotic relationships that are crucial to our health and survival.
Some worms don't have mouths, stomachs, or anuses; they get all their nourishment from bacteria.
Bacteria can exchange genes quickly, allowing for fast adaptations in their populations.
The modern obsession with eliminating microbes can lead to health issues, as was my experience with c-diff after antibiotic use.
Natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and having pets can positively influence our microbiomes.
Microbiomes can help prevent diseases like dengue fever and have potential applications in medicine, such as fecal microbiota transplants.
Our bodies host billions of microbes that play vital roles in digestion and protection from diseases.

From The Publisher:

New York Times Bestseller

New York Times Notable Book of 2016

NPR Great Read of 2016

Economist Best Books of 2016

Brain Pickings Best Science Books of 2016

Smithsonian Best Books about Science of 2016

Science Friday Best Science Book of 2016

A Mother Jones Notable Read of 2016

A Bill Gates "Gates Notes" Pick

MPR Best Books of 2016

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of 2016

Minnesota Star-Tribune Best of the Year

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

A PW Best Book of the Year

Guardian Best of the Year

Times (London) Best of the Year

A groundbreaking, wondrously informative, and vastly entertaining examination of the most significant revolution in biology since Darwin-a "microbe's-eye view" of the world that reveals a marvelous, radically reconceived picture of life on earth.

Every animal, whether human, squid, or wasp, is home to millions of bacteria and other microbes. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ed Yong, whose humor is as evident as his erudition, prompts us to look at ourselves and our animal companions in a new light-less as individuals and more as the interconnected, interdependent multitudes we assuredly are.

The microbes in our bodies are part of our immune systems and protect us from disease. In the deep oceans, mysterious creatures without mouths or guts depend on microbes for all their energy. Bacteria provide squid with invisibility cloaks, help beetles to bring down forests, and allow worms to cause diseases that afflict millions of people.

Many people think of microbes as germs to be eradicated, but those that live with us-the microbiome-build our bodies, protect our health, shape our identities, and grant us incredible abilities. In this astonishing book, Ed Yong takes us on a grand tour through our microbial partners, and introduces us to the scientists on the front lines of discovery. It will change both our view of nature and our sense of where we belong in it.

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1 comment(s)

Loved It
5 months

4 stars

RTC

Happy Reading!!

 

About the Author:

Ed Yong is a science writer who reports for The Atlantic. For his coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, he won the Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting, the George Polk Award for science reporting, and other honors. His first book, I Contain Multitudes, was a New York Times bestseller. He is based in Washington, DC.

 
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