Dr. Jake Robinson is a microbial ecologist at Flinders University and researches microbes, ecosystems, social equity issues, and ways to conserve and restore nature. He studies how microbes can benefit human health and not just cause disease. He is also the author of the new book Invisible Friends. He came on the podcast to discuss a variety of topics, including the following:
- The importance of microbes for building a strong immune system
- Balancing microbial exposure and targeted hygiene
- How microbes in nature can enhance human health (read more here)
- What forensic microbiology is (read more here)
- Applications of forensic microbiology
- His book Invisible Friends (read more here)
- At-home microbiology activity: Forensic microbiology trace evidence (find the activity here)
Listen to my episode with Dr. Jake Robinson
Powered by RedCircle
Or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify
Microbes in our daily lives
When I asked Jake what he has learned overall from his work that changed how he thinks about microbes in his daily life, he shared how it affected his view of organisms. Instead of viewing individual plants or animals as separate entities, he now sees them as communities with trillions of microbial organisms working in a symbiotic relationship. He hopes that more people will start to think about this as well, as considering the roles of microbes is crucial in restoring and maintaining ecosystems. Viewing the human body as an ecosystem is also important to understand our health, as the microbes within our bodies play an integral role in our overall health and well-being.
At-home microbiology activity
Links & Resources
This post contains affiliate links — see my disclosure policy.
- Dr. Jake Robinson’s website (blog and other resources)
- Invisible Friends (book)
- Microbiome-Inspired Green Infrastructure (Review paper)
- Books related to microbes:
- I Contain Multitudes by Ed Young
- The Secret Life of Your Microbiome by Susan Prescott and Alan Logan
- Scientific papers Jake recommends for further reading:
- Revegetation of urban green space rewilds soil microbiotas with implications for human health and urban design
- Naturally-diverse airborne environmental microbial exposures modulate the gut microbiome and may provide anxiolytic benefits in mice
- Transfer of environmental microbes to the skin and respiratory tract of humans after urban green space exposure
- Ecosystem restoration is integral to humanity’s recovery from COVID-19
- Exposure to airborne bacteria depends upon vertical stratification and vegetation complexity
Connect with Dr. Jake Robinson
Jake Robinson is a microbial ecologist based in the UK. He has a PhD in microbial ecology and nature-based interventions. He loves to research microbes, ecosystems, social equity issues, and ways to conserve and restore nature. He also has an interest in forensic microbiology. His debut popular science book, Invisible Friends, was published on March 7, 2023.
Microbiology Education Ideas And Tips From The Joyful Microbe Community
