Beneficial bacteria

Everything around you has millions of microscopic bacteria living on it – even your keyboard.

But don’t be alarmed! Most bacteria do not cause disease, some can even help us. Read on to find out more.

• There are about 500-1000 different species of bacteria living in our bodies. Some of these species help us to break down foods that we normally couldn’t digest, and help to keep a balance with other microbes. When we take antibiotics for an infection, it also kills some of the “good” bacteria in our guts. This can upset the balance and give us a tummy-ache.
• Bacteria are used in making dairy food such as cheese, yoghurt and sour cream. They help by breaking down the milk sugars. These foods taste different because of the different species of bacteria living in them.
• Scientists use bacteria to make medicinal drugs. Human genes can be inserted into the DNA of bacteria such as E. Coli, which then carry out the instructions of the DNA and make insulin for diabetics.
• Bacteria are found nearly everywhere on earth, including boiling acid lakes, radioactive waste, and deep within the earth’s crust. Scientists are studying bacteria to see if they could even live on other planets.