Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems
Microbial communities exhibit striking parallels with economic markets, resembling intricate ecosystems where microorganisms engage in resource exchange akin to human market transactions. This dynamic network of resource swapping mirrors economic trade in human markets, with microbes specializing in...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Microbiology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1305148/full |
| _version_ | 1827345974578642944 |
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| author | Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima Anna Siri Anna Siri |
| author_facet | Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima Anna Siri Anna Siri |
| author_sort | Nicola Luigi Bragazzi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Microbial communities exhibit striking parallels with economic markets, resembling intricate ecosystems where microorganisms engage in resource exchange akin to human market transactions. This dynamic network of resource swapping mirrors economic trade in human markets, with microbes specializing in metabolic functions much like businesses specializing in goods and services. Cooperation and competition are central dynamics in microbial communities, with alliances forming for mutual benefit and species vying for dominance, similar to businesses seeking market share. The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms within and on our bodies, is not only a marker of socioeconomic status but also a critical factor contributing to persistent health inequalities. Social and economic factors shape the composition of the gut microbiota, impacting healthcare access and quality of life. Moreover, these microbes exert indirect influence over human decisions by affecting neurotransmitter production, influencing mood, behavior, and choices related to diet and emotions. Human activities significantly impact microbial communities, from dietary choices and antibiotic use to environmental changes, disrupting these ecosystems. Beyond their natural roles, humans harness microbial communities for various applications, manipulating their interactions and resource exchanges to achieve specific goals in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. In conclusion, the concept of microbial communities as biological markets offers valuable insights into their intricate functioning and adaptability. It underscores the profound interplay between microbial ecosystems and human health and behavior, with far-reaching implications for multiple disciplines. To paraphrase Alfred Marshall, “the Mecca of the economist lies in economic microbiology.” |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T23:21:26Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-f9c51c291dd5418fa8cbb138e7192218 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1664-302X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T23:21:26Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Microbiology |
| spelling | doaj.art-f9c51c291dd5418fa8cbb138e71922182024-02-21T05:50:50ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Microbiology1664-302X2024-02-011510.3389/fmicb.2024.13051481305148Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systemsNicola Luigi Bragazzi0Nicola Luigi Bragazzi1Nicola Luigi Bragazzi2Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima3Anna Siri4Anna Siri5Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, CanadaDepartment of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Postgraduate School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, ItalyUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair, Health Anthropology Biosphere and Healing Systems, University of Genoa, Genoa, ItalyLaboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, CanadaUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair, Health Anthropology Biosphere and Healing Systems, University of Genoa, Genoa, ItalyDepartment of Wellbeing, Nutrition and Sport, Pegaso University, Naples, ItalyMicrobial communities exhibit striking parallels with economic markets, resembling intricate ecosystems where microorganisms engage in resource exchange akin to human market transactions. This dynamic network of resource swapping mirrors economic trade in human markets, with microbes specializing in metabolic functions much like businesses specializing in goods and services. Cooperation and competition are central dynamics in microbial communities, with alliances forming for mutual benefit and species vying for dominance, similar to businesses seeking market share. The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms within and on our bodies, is not only a marker of socioeconomic status but also a critical factor contributing to persistent health inequalities. Social and economic factors shape the composition of the gut microbiota, impacting healthcare access and quality of life. Moreover, these microbes exert indirect influence over human decisions by affecting neurotransmitter production, influencing mood, behavior, and choices related to diet and emotions. Human activities significantly impact microbial communities, from dietary choices and antibiotic use to environmental changes, disrupting these ecosystems. Beyond their natural roles, humans harness microbial communities for various applications, manipulating their interactions and resource exchanges to achieve specific goals in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. In conclusion, the concept of microbial communities as biological markets offers valuable insights into their intricate functioning and adaptability. It underscores the profound interplay between microbial ecosystems and human health and behavior, with far-reaching implications for multiple disciplines. To paraphrase Alfred Marshall, “the Mecca of the economist lies in economic microbiology.”https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1305148/fulleconomic biologymicrobiologymicrobiodiversitybiological marketsmathematical modeling |
| spellingShingle | Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima Anna Siri Anna Siri Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems Frontiers in Microbiology economic biology microbiology microbiodiversity biological markets mathematical modeling |
| title | Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems |
| title_full | Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems |
| title_fullStr | Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems |
| title_short | Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems |
| title_sort | economic microbiology exploring microbes as agents in economic systems |
| topic | economic biology microbiology microbiodiversity biological markets mathematical modeling |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1305148/full |
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