Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues
Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues
Book Brief
BetaMissing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014273
Book • Nonfiction
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues, Martin J. Blaser explores the consequences of excessive antibiotic use on human health. He emphasizes the disruption of essential microbes, leading to modern health challenges. Blaser argues for more judicious antibiotic use to maintain microbial balance and prevent disease.
Informative
Challenging
Unnerving
Dark
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
4,581 ratings
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Review Roundup
In Missing Microbes, Martin J. Blaser provides a compelling examination of the adverse effects of antibiotic overuse on human health. Critics praise its insightful exploration of microbes’ role in preventing disease. However, some find the arguments overly simplified or alarmist. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on medicine's future.
Who Should Read Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues?
Readers interested in Missing Microbes by Martin J. Blaser typically enjoy exploring microbiology, public health, and the impact of antibiotics. Fans of Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma and Siddhartha Mukherjee's The Emperor of All Maladies will appreciate its scientific insights and accessible narrative.
4,581 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Martin J. Blaser highlights the concept of the "microbiome," the community of trillions of bacteria living in and on our bodies, which is crucial for our health and is disrupted by overuse of antibiotics.
The book explores how the loss of diversity in our microbiome due to antibiotics is linked to a rise in conditions like asthma, allergies, diabetes, and obesity.
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Blaser emphasizes that his research suggests a critical need for responsible use of antibiotics to preserve the beneficial bacterial species that protect our health from various modern plagues.
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273
Book • Nonfiction
2014
Adult
18+ years
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