The microbiome refers to the collective genomes of microorganisms residing in specific environments, including the human body, where they play crucial roles in health, disease, and ecological balance.
Mycology is the branch of biology dedicated to the study of fungi, encompassing their taxonomy, genetics, biochemical properties, and applications in medicine and industry. This field examines various fungal forms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, and their roles in ecosystems and human affairs.
Petrichor is the term for the characteristic earthy aroma that arises when rain falls on dry soil. Coined in 1964 by Australian researchers Isabel Joy Bear and R. G. Thomas, the scent reflects a combination of plant-derived oils, microbial metabolites such as geosmin, and physical processes that aerosolize these compounds during light to moderate rainfall.
Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic, eight-legged invertebrates renowned for their resilience to extreme environmental conditions. They inhabit diverse ecosystems worldwide, from deep oceans to high mountain ranges.