Have you ever thought about the trillions of invisible, microscopic entities inhabiting your body right now? While much of the microbiome spotlight shines on bacteria, there's a hidden side to this story that many people overlook.

In this podcast episode, we discuss the lesser-known residents of our microbiome: viruses. These tiny but potent entities are fundamental players in our gut's ecosystem. And Michael Shamash, a microbiology researcher studying these viruses, shares all the profound roles they play in our gut and our overall health. After listening, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for these microscopic allies within you and how they can impact your well-being.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Bacteria, phages, and the microbiome
• Gut virome and its role in human health
• Phages in early childhood microbiome development
• Phages in infant gut microbiome and their potential impact on adult health
• Phage therapy for early childhood illnesses
• OnePetri app to automate the process of phage plaque counting
• At-home microbiology activity: Crafting Model Phages

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