Open AccessA vision for a ‘microbcentric’ future
Author(s) -
Cavicchioli Ricardo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.13262
Subject(s) - blueprint , metagenomics , data science , toolbox , biology , genomics , ecology , world wide web , computer science , engineering , genome , genetics , mechanical engineering , gene , programming language
Microbes are the most abundant lifeforms on the planet and perform functions critical for all other life to exist. Environmental ‘omic’ technologies provide the capacity to discover the ‘what, how and why’ of indigenous species. However, in order to accurately interpret this data, sound conceptual frameworks are required. Here I argue that our understanding of microbes will advance much more effectively if we adopt a microbcentric, and not anthropocentric view of the world.