Name: Listen to Your Microbes
SKU: 9781912589395
Availability: PreOrder

When we are born, we are basically sterile. By the time we die, we are more microbe than human. Microbes – microscopic organisms which live in and on us – are essential to the development of human life. Until Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed his own microbes under a self-made microscope in the seventeenth century, we were not even aware that they existed.

In this remarkable graphic book, gastroenterologist Fergus Shanahan and graphic design artist Laura Gowers join forces to shed light on the microbial world. They suggest ways in which we can protect and nurture microbes in the face of the climate emergency – and show how minority ethnic groups, including Irish Travellers, have unique microbiomes. Listen to Your Microbes, which features QR codes linking to further information, will be of interest to students young and old – and all those who are interested in life on Earth.

Check out Fergus’s previous book, The Language of Illness

"In this marvellous book, Fergus Shanahan takes us on a fantastic journey to the microbiome within us – the microbes that live in our bodies and are so crucial for our health and well-being. Spanning everything from breastmilk to dietary fibre to probiotics, to how we share each other’s microbiome and on to how our microbiome changes with age, what we have is a highly accessible account of this most important area of biomedicine. Written by a true world expert in this area, and wonderfully illustrated by Laura Gowers, LISTEN TO YOUR MICROBES to your Microbes is the best account yet of the microbial world within us, an area critical for the effort to prevent or treat the many diseases that afflict us. ––Prof. Luke O'Neill, TCD

"LISTEN TO YOUR MICROBES is a fresh approach to public health communication. Using humour, wit and charm, it succeeds in presenting complex ideas about the microbiome not only with clarity but with beauty too." ––Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE, MP

"Fergus Shanahan and Laura Gowers combine humor, clarity and graphic detail to elucidate the complex interplay between ourselves and the microbes with which we coexist. Just like graphic illustration has been used to unlock the complexity of Joyce – himself a potential victim of microbes run awry – so does Gowers' artistry interweave with Shanahan’s science to reveal to all of us how the bugs in our gut may be the seat of our souls." ––Prof. Garret A. Fitzgerald, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

"This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the complexity and importance of our microbiome. Although cutting-edge scientific ideas are introduced, the visual presentation brings audiences of all ages along, while extra resources are provided (via QR) for those who want more information. For microbiologists trying to connect with the general public, this provides a rare positive viewpoint, introducing and promoting this amazing, unseen and often misunderstood microbial world." ––Prof. Joy Watts, Faculty of Science and Health, University of Portsmouth

"This is a truly exceptional book providing an account of the human microbiome, the story of the hidden world we used to ignore, and its key impact on life on the universe. Employing a short but highly informative text, the importance of microbial life is demonstrated in a series of clever and humorous line-drawings which never fail to bring a smile. Wonderful!" ––Prof. Conleth Feighery, Dept of Immunology, TCD

"LISTEN TO YOUR MICROBES is a wonderful blend of science and graphic design that makes very complex ideas accessible to everyone. We sort of knew that we should be listening to our gut, but Shanahan and Gowers’ collaboration makes it a lot easier: the microbes find their voices (and a loudhailer) and swiftly put paid to any idea of the mind-body split. The impact of things like ultra-processed foods, antibiotics and lifestyle factors are addressed simply and amusingly, but without losing sight of what’s going on in the gut. Beneath the fun and effortless storytelling, this book does the important job of making hard science comprehensible to non-specialists of all ages – something we could do with across the disciplines. Never before has your stool been analysed with more charm and humour." ––Dr Vincent Adams, Senior Lecturer in Higher Education and Performing Arts, University of Portsmouth

“LISTEN TO YOUR MICROBES is a highly enjoyable and informative book suitable for all ages, particularly the young – where it matters most. It describes the role of the microbiota in health and in disease and is illustrated by simple but charming illustrations and interspersed with references to the pioneers who led the way in this field. Unlike previous books aimed at educating the public about our microbiomes, it is visually more attractive, easier to follow and does not contain the overly prescriptive and sometimes dramatic prose that characterised previous books. It engages the reader in a simpler yet persuasive manner, yet the messages are clear. I would strongly recommend this book to readers of all ages who are trying to navigate this complex world of mixed messaging." ––Stephen Collins, Director, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Canada

“The microbiome is a complex and evolving entity; intimidating to all but the cognoscenti. This beautifully presented book allows us all to enter this world unencumbered by technical jargon, actively and entertainingly engage with its key questions, and leave, not only informed, but giddily enthused about this miraculous field of biomedical science” ––Eamonn M. M. Quigley, Professor of Medicine, Institute of Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital

"an enjoyable and educational read with crossover appeal to children and adults alike. Recommended for those looking to explore the wonderful world of the human microbiome." ––Robyn @ neverimitates

"Beautifully produced in support of public health education, the detail never comes across as anything other than appealing and interesting. A fun and friendly book to peruse, conveying an important message in a way that may be clearly understood by anyone. A recommended read for any human who values their health." ––Jackie Low @ neverimitates