1. Introducing the Microbes and Social Equity Working Group : considering the microbial components of social, environmental, and health justice
- Author
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Sahana Kuthyar, Melissa B. Manus, Ashkaan K. Fahimipour, Jake M. Robinson, Justin D. Stewart, Mallory J. Choudoir, Jeff Kline, Jeffrey Letourneau, Ashish Pathak, Emily Nonnamaker, Patrick F. Horve, Kieran C. O’Doherty, Suzanne L. Ishaq, Ashvini Chauhan, Adriana L. Romero-Olivares, Ariangela J. Kozik, Nicolae Morar, Katherine A. Maki, Nicole Farmer, Naupaka Zimmerman, Leslie Dietz, Kristen M. DeAngelis, Mauna Dasari, Amber Benezra, Jackie L. Collier, Patricia G. Wolf, Emily F. Wissel, Francisco J. Parada, Peter L. Moses, Carla Y Bonilla, Megan A. Carney, Michael Friedman, Katherine Weatherford Darling, Laura E. Grieneisen, and Janani Hariharan
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Physiology ,Public policy ,Biochemistry ,Microbiology ,Nutritious food ,Economic Justice ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,microbiomes ,structural determinants of health ,Genetics ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Social determinants of health ,Molecular Biology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,health disparities ,Environmental ethics ,integrated research ,Editor's Pick ,biopolitics ,QR1-502 ,Health equity ,Computer Science Applications ,030104 developmental biology ,social determinants of health ,Modeling and Simulation ,Perspective ,Business ,Nexus (standard) ,Biopower ,Social equality - Abstract
Humans are inextricably linked to each other and our natural world, and microorganisms lie at the nexus of those interactions. Microorganisms form genetically flexible, taxonomically diverse, and biochemically rich communities, i.e., microbiomes that are integral to the health and development of macroorganisms, societies, and ecosystems. Yet engagement with beneficial microbiomes is dictated by access to public resources, such as nutritious food, clean water and air, safe shelter, social interactions, and effective medicine. In this way, microbiomes have sociopolitical contexts that must be considered. The Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) Working Group connects microbiology with social equity research, education, policy, and practice to understand the interplay of microorganisms, individuals, societies, and ecosystems. Here, we outline opportunities for integrating microbiology and social equity work through broadening education and training; diversifying research topics, methods, and perspectives; and advocating for evidence-based public policy that supports sustainable, equitable, and microbial wealth for all.
- Published
- 2021