Let microorganisms do the talking, let us talk more about microorganisms. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nai, Corrado; Magrini, Boris; Offe, Julia
• Is Part Of: Fungal biology and biotechnology. Volume 3:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Microorganisms -- Antibiotics crisis -- Microbial secondary metabolism -- Filamentous fungi -- Co-cultivation assays -- Science outreach -- Science slams -- "Art & science"; Fungi -- Periodicals; Fungi -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 579.505
• DOI: 10.1186/s40694-016-0023-9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-3085

Abstract

Abstract Microorganisms are of uttermost importance, yet in the eyes of the general public they are often associated with dirt and diseases. At the same time, microbiologists have access to and comprehensive knowledge of just a tiny minority of the microbial diversity existing in nature. In this commentary, we present these issues of public misconception and scientific limitations and their possible consequences, and propose ways to overcome them. A particular interest is directed toward the secondary metabolism of filamentous fungi as well as novel outreach activities, including so-called "science slams" and interactions between the arts and the sciences, to raise awareness about the relevance of microorganisms.