Jason Tetro

"Human beings are engaged in a 'war on germs', in which they develop ever-more sophisticated weapons and defensive strategies. But it is a war we can never win. The Germ Code is a wise, witty and wonderfully readable guide to living with these infinitesimal but infinitely powerful creatures. Microbiologist Jason Tetro takes readers outside the lab and shows the enormous influence of germs upon humanity's past, present and future. He unlocks the mysteries of 'the germ code' to reveal how these organisms have exploited our every activity and colonised every corner of the earth."

There used to be a commercial for a certain soap which claimed to kill 99.99 % of the germs we come into contact with on a daily basis. Personally, I found this worrisome because it wasn’t the 99.99 who were so easily killed a mild soap could do it but that hardy little .01% left to carry on that scared the bejeezus out of me. In The Germ Code author Jason Tetro AKA the germ guy explores how germs effect us both for good and for bad, which ones we should learn to coexist peaceably with and those we should bring out the big guns for and how, sometimes, the two can become interchangeable. He examines some of the methods developed to fight the most deadly microbes like malaria, why some succeeded and why many are now failing. He also looks at some of the new strategies which are being tested for diseases like Colitis, some of which are a tad disgusting but surprisingly effective. And, in case you have ever wondered, he explains which part of our body tells our life history through the germs living there and, trust me, it is not where you’re think. Honestly, someone needs to get that bar of soap out.

The book is written in language even a scientifically challenged sort like me can understand. He not only takes us on a fascinating stroll through the wonderful world of microbes but he lists strategies which can be taken to lessen their impact on our lives. I was surprised that he suggests using antibacterial products but, otherwise, I found The Germ Code both enjoyable and enlightening.… (mehr)