In Your Gut

            Microbiologists have recently discovered new viral genes in faeces. More than 80% of the viral genetic sequences found include sequences of animal and bacterial virus characteristics which have never been reported by microbiologists. There are more than 10 trillion bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria help break down starches, sugars, and proteins. They also help synthesize essential amino acids and vitamins and produce anti-inflammatory factors. In these bacteria are bacterial viruses, also known as bacteriophages, which affect bacteria numbers and behavior, such as being a predator or to co-exist with other bacteria.

            This relates to biology concepts because it has to do with the human body. Discovering more about our bodies can help us understand the processes that go on in there. Also, knowing more about the bacteria that lives in our gastrointestinal tract can help solve problems that people might have. Also, these bacteria living in our intestines and colon are like ecosystems in a way. It's the same thing as species of animals living in environments, and depending on each other to thrive. Predation also exists between bacteria.

            This article is important for people to read because it lets them know what's going on in their intestines. It gives the person more knowledge on what is happening in there, and it could also help make future solutions for pain. In order to make medicine for things, more information must be received by these biologists for them to understand what helps and what doesn't. This new information may lead to other information that may help people understand better on how these bacterias effect their metabolisms and such.

http://www.bioedonline.org/news/news.cfm?art=6534