As a microbiologist, my interest lies in how microbes exist and interact with their environment and with humans. Although we see them as tiny things without much personality, they have huge impact on our lives- both for good and bad…

They are in that sense a bit like a myth or a legend. They are something that lurks in the back of our mind, filling us with fear and dread. Without microbes we can’t exist. Without myths- stories, legends, folklore- does civilization exist?

This blog will explore disease and health throughout history and how the stories we have told each other for thousands of years have shaped our approach and attitudes towards disease and health. It is a mix of science and superstition; myths and microbes.