What’s the matter with that ongoing disinfecting of everything? Of course, hygiene is important. Nevertheless, we would like to raise the question of who came up with the rule that hands, tables, door handles, and other surfaces have to be disinfected constantly.

The pharma industry has a new showpiece: probiotics. And we are already highly influenced by the marketing strategies of the companies. Are you ready for a little proof test? Which of the following keywords have you heard of: Hyaluron, antioxidants, L. casei cultures. And what specific effect do they have?

The article starts off explaining in detail what the human microbiome is all about. Assuming that the target group on the magazine is above all scientists, alumni, students, and employees of TUM, we can derive that even in this presumingly educated readership of academics, general awareness on the microbiome is still lacking.

Many women suffer from recurring bacterial vaginosis – an imbalance in the bacterial composition in favour of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina. Under unfavourable influences, the healthy vaginal flora can change and an increase in bacteria can occur, which can lead to undesirable symptoms.

We have just awarded our (Scalp-)Microbiome-friendly seal to the very first ingredient, TILAMAR® Boost 150. It is a polymer compound, adding demonstrably more volume to the hair. DSM surprised the beauty industry with the certification.

It may be uncertain what the main drivers of the current obesity epidemic are, but claiming that “fat is bad” or “carbohydrates are bad” appears to be far too simplistic, given the accumulated knowledge. Our nutrition from the perspective of microbes. 

A healthy microbiome and a healthy diet are among the fundamental factors that can aid the immune system in shaking off the virus. And, if you suddenly end up in a quarantine in your own home because of infection or a curfew, it could be good to stock up on food.