Abstract
The world will be an entirely transformed place if in not too distant future the molecular workings of the microbiome are unlocked. Just imagine that the biogenesis of the microbiome is known, the regulatory processes mediating the assembly, disassembly and re-assembly of the invisible organ are unravelled, the communication networks among the microbes and the host are resolved, the genetic information and the role of each resident in the human microbial community are deciphered, and the interactions between the invisible organ and the visible organs are decoded. Such an accomplishment will be similar to the current state of knowledge we have on a number visible organs including the liver or the heart. This information will be revolutionary as it will have a tremendous impact on the health delivery system where the microbiome will be central in promoting wellness and fighting diseases. Tracking of individuals and their behaviours with the aid of their microbial partners and the corresponding molecular fingerprinting will be a common practice in all aspects of human activities in a manner analogous to the currently widely utilized DNA profiling. Material belongings can be infused with characteristic personal microbes and identified readily. Commercialization of microbial communities endowed with a desired attribute will be a reality either as medications, cosmetics or to impart unique features to any individual. Designer babies, tailored-made non-invasive therapy for various diseases and a microbiome-based security system will be within the realm of possibilities. The microbiome-driven engineering of unique trait in any individual can also be performed on demand. The invisible organ has a lot of amazing features in store that will enable limitless societal transformation. The exploration of this treasure trove has just begun and it will undoubtedly reveal information that will reshape all spheres of our lives.
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Appanna, V.D. (2018). What If the Workings of the Microbiome Are fully Uncovered? – A Revolution in Human Health, Wellness and Beyond. In: Human Microbes - The Power Within. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7684-8_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7684-8_4
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