"Simplifying Microbial Community Building: The Quest for Simple Rules"

Microbiologists are seeking a universal theory for how bacteria form communities based on their roles rather than species. By using genome sequencing techniques, researchers aim to uncover universal rules governing bacterial communities, focusing on the functions of organisms rather than their taxonomy. Recent research has shown that microbial functions can be predicted without species information, and the molecular makeup of a microbe's genome can predict its food preferences. This new approach could lead to practical predictions about microbial communities, potentially aiding in environmental management and medical treatments.