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Maya Voichek (Shamir) (Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel)
At least one-half of the cells in our body are not human at all, but are rather bacterial. This rich consortium of micro-organisms, collectively termed “the microbiome”, can be regarded as a virtual organ of the body that has essential functions and a major impact on our health, and is only beginning to be understood. Recent research has shown alterations in the microbiome composition are associated with numerous diseases, obesity, smoking and other human conditions, and these changes provide important clues to medical questions that have so far remained unanswered. Only by modifying our anthropocentric view to contain also the microbiome, only by learning how to take care and nurture this invisible organ, will we be able to truly see ourselves.