Microbial transmission in the social microbiome and host health and disease. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38181740/)

These scientists wanted to understand how germs and other tiny organisms can spread from one person to another when they interact socially. They called this the "social microbiome." They studied how these organisms can affect our health and cause diseases.

They looked at different ways these organisms can be transmitted, such as through touch or sharing things. They also studied how these organisms can change and evolve over time. They wanted to know if certain organisms can make us sick or if they can help us stay healthy.

The scientists also wanted to see if these organisms can be passed between different species, like from animals to humans. They were also interested in studying how these organisms can become resistant to antibiotics, which are medicines that kill germs.

By understanding how these organisms spread and affect our health, the scientists hope to find new ways to prevent diseases and keep us healthy. They also think that these organisms might have a bigger impact on our health than we previously thought.

Sarkar A., McInroy CJA., Harty S., Raulo A., Ibata NGO., Valles-Colomer M., Johnson KV., Brito IL., Henrich J., Archie EA., Barreiro LB., Gazzaniga FS., Finlay BB., Koonin EV., Carmody RN., Moeller AH. Microbial transmission in the social microbiome and host health and disease. Cell. 2024 Jan 4;187(1):17-43. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.014.