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Teaching Resources

Ourselves (Our Personal Microbiology)

A baby’s complex needs for brain development, growth, and immune health are met by breast milk, a uniquely tailored fluid from the mother. It provides essential nutrients, immune factors, prebiotics for gut health, and live microbes. Colostrum, the first milk, is rich in antibodies and protects newborns. Over time, the composition of breast milk adjusts to the baby’s changing needs.

Unlike formula, which lacks the unique components of human milk, breast milk supports an infant's health, reducing the risk of allergies, asthma, and obesity. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to 2 years. Mothers also benefit, with lower risks of cancer and heart disease.

Breastfeeding

Nurse: why is breast milk best for my baby?

When you look in the mirror, you see "you," but that’s only part of the picture. What you don’t see are the countless bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms living on and in your body. Don’t worry—these microbes aren't just "germs." They play vital roles in your health, even affecting your mood. As we learn more about the microbiome, it’s clear we should nurture these organisms, not destroy them. In this lesson, we'll explore the skin's microbes, the non-medical skin issues they sometimes cause, and how to restore balance for better skin health and appearance.

Dandruff

Daddy: why does Tristram’s father always have “snowflakes” on his jacket

Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-green-zip-up-jacket-and-gray-fedora-hat-3598462/

A healthy indoor environment with good air quality is essential, as people spend most of their time indoors. While some microbes indoors are beneficial, especially for developing immune systems, moisture problems can lead to harmful microbial growth and pollution. Dry conditions prevent this, but damp environments allow the spread of spores, allergens, and volatile chemicals (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.

Climate change and improper building insulation may worsen moisture damage, increasing health risks. Proper building maintenance and moisture control are crucial to prevent microbial growth and ensure a safe indoor environment.

Moisture damage and mould in our home

Mom: I splashed some water on the floor while taking a bath! Will mould start growing in the bathroom?

Owning a pet dog is often seen as a fundamental right for children and offers many benefits. Dogs provide health and developmental advantages, such as microbiome enrichment, which supports immune development and reduces allergies, regular exercise, and fostering a sense of responsibility. Their companionship also promotes feelings of joy, affection, and emotional support during stressful times.

However, dogs can transmit infections and parasites and have a significant environmental footprint, mainly due to dog food production. This impact can be reduced by lowering meat consumption and using plant-based alternatives. Owning a dog thus impacts several Sustainable Development Goals.

Pet dogs

Daddy: Maisy has just been given a gorgeous little puppy for her birthday. Can we have one?

Photo by Stephen Andrews: https://www.pexels.com/photo/toddler-and-dog-standing-by-the-wooden-fence-9812589

What do you think is the most important part of the human body? While everything has a vital role, without a mouth, eating and survival would be impossible. This lesson explores the essential functions of the mouth and why it's crucial to take care of it. The mouth, the first part of the digestive system, is responsible for ingesting food and producing saliva. It also plays a key role in communication through the throat, lips, and jaws.

The mouth contains the teeth and is divided into the vestibule and the oral cavity, with the lips marking the transition from the skin. The inside of the mouth is lined with oral mucosa, and like the rest of our body, it hosts its own microbiome, known as the oral microbiota. Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, is essential for a healthy mouth and body, preventing disease and bad breath. In this lesson, we’ll cover these topics in detail. Let’s begin!

Taking care of our teeth

Mummy: can I have money to buy sweets at the tuckshop?

Microbes are often misunderstood, primarily known for causing infections and diseases. While some microbes are harmful, only about 1,400 species are pathogenic to humans, which is less than 1% of all microbes on Earth. Most microbes are harmless and even beneficial; those in our gut, for example, help regulate sleep, digestion, mood, and more. However, an unhealthy relationship with our microbes can lead to issues like neurodegenerative diseases and addictive behaviors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports beneficial microbes, and understanding their role in our health can lead to new probiotic therapies that promote well-being.

Gut Brain Axis

Mommy, what do people mean when they say to follow your gut? Can guts think?

The microbiome, a community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, is vital to all organisms, residing in areas like the gut and mouth. This microbiome begins to form immediately after birth, as the newborn is exposed to microbes from the birth canal, the mother’s skin, and the environment. These initial exposures kickstart microbial colonization. Feeding, immunizations, and continued contact with people, animals, and the environment further shape the microbiome. The infant’s microbiome plays a crucial role in immune function and can influence future health and development.

Our early microbiome

Mum: where does my microbiome come from?

Our homes harbor an amazing diversity of microorganisms, from dry environments to nutrient-rich drains. We spend most of our time indoors, making it crucial to understand these microbes for healthy living. Homes influence our microbial exposure, affecting the development of immune systems and exacerbating allergies and asthma. Understanding how microbes interact with our home environment can improve building design and quality of life. Topics such as the microbiology of the built environment, the impact on health and sustainability are explored in relation to water, safe settlements and sustainable production.

The microorganisms in our home

Is that a bad thing?

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