Feature Microbes

The year in microbiomes

This year, scientists pegged microbes as important players in several aspects of human health

micrograph of cells in mouse colon

NOT SO SWEET  In mouse colons, sugar-eating gut microbes encourage mutations in DNA (blue), which elevate cancer-related proteins (green). The result may explain carb-rich diets’ link to colon cancer — one of several findings this year linking the microbiome to human health.

ANTOANETA BELCHEVA AND ALBERTO MARTIN

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

Scientists have long known that people are cozy homes for bacteria — but figuring out the myriad roles of bacteria in the body is still a work in progress.