This event is co-hosted by the Knight Science Journalism at MIT & Simons Center for the Social Brain.

Description: Every animal is an entire world—a thriving ecosystem that teems with trillions of microbes. These invisible companions sculpt our organs, protect us from diseases, guide our behaviour, and bombard us with their genes.

In this talk, based on his New York Times bestselling book I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life, science writer Ed Yong will take us on a tour of our microbial partners and the astonishing ways in which they shape our lives. You'll learn how bacteria have shaped animal evolution, why breastfeeding is about more than just babies, how animals can survive without mouths or guts, why Australian scientists are fighting tropical diseases by releasing infected mosquitoes, and what the microbiome means for human health.

***Books will be available for purchase beginning at 4:00 pm in the Atrium (3rd floor, building 46). The MIT Press Bookstore is offering a 20% discount (retail price: $27.99, with discount: $22.39). Payments accepted: cash, check, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, & Discover).

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Title: I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life
Author: Ed Yong
ISBN: 9780062368591
Publisher: Ecco Press
US SRP: $27.99
Binding: Hardcover
Pub Date: August 09, 2016