Microorganisms are diverse and ubiquitous. They can be found in almost any environment on Earth, from deep sea ocean vents to the clouds in the sky. As biological entities, they display a range of traits and abilities related to their physiology, genetics, and behavior. Microorganisms have a significant impact on Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and are critical to ecosystem functioning.

In recent years, advances in molecular and genomic technologies have enabled the study of the “microbiome” of different environments, including the human body. This research has revealed the vast diversity of microorganisms within and their impact on human health. Microorganisms have been linked to conditions such as obesity, autism, and depression, and microbial therapies are being developed to treat these and other diseases.

Microbiology is a rapidly evolving field that is continuously discovering new microorganisms and uncovering their potential uses in medicine, industry, and environmental bioremediation.