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Harnessing the Power of Microbes
Microbes have been successfully used in various applications, such as degrading oil slicks and clearing ponds of unwanted plants. However, there is a lack of emphasis on encouraging more individuals to pursue careers in microbial ecology, generating new ideas to secure grant funding, and fostering collaborations among different stakeholders. Safety is paramount, and partnerships with regulators are essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of microbial solutions. Overuse of antibiotics, especially in young children, can disrupt the microbiome, leading to long-term consequences on health. The microbiome established in infancy typically persists into adulthood, but disruptions from excessive antibiotic use can introduce unwanted microbes that persist over time.