Mighty Small

Jessica C.Y. Wong tells us how micro-organisms can assist policy makers in decisions around human health. When you consider the molecular dynamics of nature, small is beautifully strong

ALMOST 400 YEARS AGO, Anton van Leeuwenhoek peered through a microscope to describe bacteria in a drop of water. Today, PhD candidate Catherine Febria examines a piece of gel glowing with bands of DNA extracted from these tiny creatures. Centuries may have passed, but it wasn’t until 20 years ago that environmental scientists had the technology that enabled them to decipher the molecular controls that shape our planet. ...