From the surface of our skin to deep inside our gut, humans are teeming with microbes. The trillions of microorganisms that inhabit humans make up 1 to 3 percent of our total mass and play a vital role in our everyday functions and overall health. More than 100,000 species of bacteria have been identified in the human body, though the population distribution of bacteria can vary greatly from individual to individual. Deciphering the complexity of the human microbiome will help determine new methods for health management and treatment of disease.

Science Bulletins is a production of the National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology (NCSLET), part of the Department of Education at the American Museum of Natural History.

RELATED LINKS

Nature: Structure, function and diversity of the healthy human microbiome
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Nature: A framework for human microbiome research
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NIH Human Microbiome Project
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International Human Microbiome Consortium
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J. Craig Venter Institute: Human Microbiome Project
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The Human Microbiome Project Collection
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