Science

The Stages of Decomposition

In our latest infographic, get a front-row view of “life after death.” There are dozens of forces at work when a body begins its journey through decomposition —bacteria, insects, fungi, and even temperature all have a job to do in shaping the moments between death and decay.

Our Genome’s Viral Graveyard

How viral DNA has shaped human evolution

Mummies Speak to Us via Ancient Bacteria

Preserved mummy bacteria can tell us a lot about the evolution of pathogens and antibiotic resistance.

Fungi Live Large at the Poles

When scientists began researching how to preserve rotting historical relics in Antarctica, they discovered a new world of fungi critical to Antarctica’s polar ecosystem.

Visualizing The Plant Microbiome

Inside every plant is a world of microbial life. Microscopic organisms like fungi, viruses, and bacteria inhabit each and every region of the plant’s anatomy — and it’s not just inside humans that the microbiome plays a critical role.

Solving Crimes with the Necrobiome

We can’t talk to the dead, but they can sure speak to us.

Biomes, They are A-Changin’

Why your microbiome is considered an ‘essential organ’

Image Gallery: Who Hosts Wolbachia?

Microbes 101: Fungi

Fungi are a structurally diverse group of organisms, and not all of them are small. They range from single-celled yeasts in…

Image Gallery: Microbes For Good