Within just the last couple of years, we have come a long way toward interpreting this code of microbial symbiosis all about how teeny microbes and their hosts do a little dance of mutual benefit. Having waded into the depths of agroecosystems and insect microbe buddy systems, researchers have been able to come up with a treasure trove of microbial partners that potentially could upset the apple cart on biofuel production and waste management. Who knew microbes could be so eco-nerdy

But hold your horses! Researchers have been exploring extreme environments like Deepsea hydrothermal vents or hypersaline basins, with the most astounding symbiotic relationships. These discoveries are increasing our knowledge of how microbes can adapt to nasty conditions but also tossing out some rather interesting questions regarding life on other planets. Now that is a cosmic connection if ever there was one!

Leave alone our gut microbiomes! In the process of doing so, the study of such microbial communities in different animals has provided a ringside view of the delicate balance maintained by the host with their tiny tenants. Knowledge that is molding everything from ecological conservation and sustainable farming to personalized medicine a future bristling with surprises as we continue to track the intricate web of microbial relationships with every new discovery turning out to be another adventure in science.