This course on microbes introduces Lina, a fictional character. Explore how microbes colonize her from birth and influence her long-term health.

Explore the five major microbe types-bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses-where they live in the human body, and their functions. Astonishingly, over half your body's cells are microbial.

Our bodies tolerate microbes because they disarm harmful microorganisms and aid in digesting complex molecules such as gluten.

Follow the fermentation process from cacao beans to chocolate. This intricate, anaerobic process, mediated by microbes, is also key to producing wine, cheese, and yogurt.

Explore gut microbe environments: the acidic stomach, the antimicrobial small intestine, and the nutrient-rich colon. Our health depends on microbial fermentations.

Do microbes hijack human minds? This investigation finds a line of defense is the blood-brain barrier.