Jessica Green: Good germs make healthy buildings

Summary

The script explores the concept of designing invisible microbial ecosystems in our surroundings, such as offices and buildings, to influence human health. Research at the University of Oregon revealed distinct microbial communities in different spaces, suggesting that architectural design, air systems, and human movement can shape these ecosystems. The speaker advocates for 'bioinformed design,' using ecological principles to create healthier environments, and discusses the potential impact on challenges like hospital-acquired infections.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Invisible ecosystems are composed of microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which reside on everyday objects and in our bodies.
• 🧬 Our bodies host trillions of microbes that significantly influence our weight, mood, immune system, and even breath freshness.
• 🤝 Personal ecosystems interact with the ecosystems on objects we touch, such as a pencil, leading to microbial exchange.
• 🛠️ Designing for invisible ecosystems can potentially influence our health in new and significant ways.
• 🔍 Research in architecture demonstrates the impact of both conscious and unconscious design on microbial ecosystems through dust sampling and gene sequence comparison.
• 🏢 The Lillis Business Complex at the University of Oregon was studied to understand how architectural design affects microbial landscapes within a building.
• 🔬 Dust samples from the building were analyzed to create a 'fossil record' of the microbial communities present.
• 🌐 Bacterial communities in different spaces, like offices and restrooms, have distinct compositions, likened to different biomes like tropical rainforests and temperate grasslands.
• 💨 The building's air system plays a crucial role in microbial dispersal, with air handling units creating distinct microbial environments.
• 🌍 Mechanical engineers, through their designs, can inadvertently structure biomes within buildings, similar to eco-engineers.
• 🚶‍♂️ Proximity of rooms influences the similarity of their microbial ecosystems, with closer rooms sharing more similar microbes.
• 🏥 The understanding of microbial dispersal can be applied to tackle challenges such as hospital-acquired infections.
• 🌿 Sustainable design strategies, such as those implemented by architect Charlie Brown, can impact the ecology and health aspects of a building by improving air quality.
• 📱 The concept of bioinformed design suggests that we could intentionally design spaces with beneficial microbes, like on phones or in planes, for improved health outcomes.

Q & A

What are invisible ecosystems?

Invisible ecosystems refer to the microbial communities composed of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit various surfaces and spaces, including desks, computers, pencils, and buildings.

How do personal ecosystems interact with the ecosystems on objects we touch?

Personal ecosystems interact with the ecosystems on objects through microbial exchange, which occurs when we touch things like pencils, influencing both the object's and our own microbial composition.

What influence do gut microbes have on humans?

Gut microbes can influence a person's weight and moods, indicating a significant role in both physical and mental health.

How can microbes on the skin contribute to our health?

Microbes on the skin can help boost the immune system, playing a role in our body's defense mechanisms against pathogens.

What is the role of microbes in the environment?

Microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, decomposing organic matter, and supporting plant growth by fixing nitrogen and other essential elements.