Does for microbiology what Dr. Joe Schwarcz’s Brain Fuel did for chemistry- informs and entertains with accessible mini-essays.

Jason Tetro, author of The Germ Code, is back with a very different book but the same message- microbes are amazing, they deserve our respect and we should learn to live with them in harmony.

The way we feel, think, look and even interact with the world is affected by the germs in and around us. Despite their reputation for making us ill, germs also keep us alive and healthy. They even offer us relationship advice- the millions of bacteria shared in a first kiss send the brain strong messages about compatibility.

In a series of brief, brilliant essays, arranged into themes such as health, child care, sex and the environment, Jason Tetro is here again to advise us and amaze us about germs. They enjoy breast milk, and help look after our babies in return for it; feed them artificial sweeteners, though, and they’re capable of showing their displeasure by making us put on weight. If we upset their balance, they can make us depressed or encourage us to drink too much and eat junk food. One way of maintaining that balance is for us to take probiotics-but do they really stay in the body long enough to do any good? Yes-so long as you choose the type that bribes the immune system with a selection of rich chemicals.

Some items are purely fun, some are there to boggle the mind, some might just save your life. All are designed to improve our relations with germs for the benefit of human health and happiness.