The microbial influence on the failure of the Biosphere II project is discussed. Viewers learn about how the ecological cycles are caused by microorganisms and how viruses and bacteria can cause disease. The programs outline potential solutions to world health issues, such as hunger, bioremediation, and genetic engineering. Footage of scientists at work and the magnified images of microorganisms are blended with computer animations. The text extends the information presented in the videotaped programs with additional information and colored photographs and illustrations.
Highlighted boxes contain specific examples and supplemental facts.
One of those boxes explains how Typhoid Mary, who was a chronic carrier of Salmonella typhi, managed to spread typhoid fever in the meals that she served as a cook in a New York restaurant. Acknowledgments The world that came in the mail Introduction to a small, small world Denizens of the microbial world Section 1. The sum of the parts Section 2. The tree of life Shaking the tree Life's diversity Using DNA to build the tree of life Evolution on fast forward Forward to the past Section 3. Our evolutionary dance with microbes Section 4.