The microbiome and gut health have become some of the most intensely researched topics in the scientific world in recent years. This invisible ecosystem, composed of trillions of microorganisms living in our bodies, directly affects not only digestion but also the immune system, mood, and overall health. The discovery that a large portion of happiness-related hormones such as serotonin is produced in the gut explains why it is referred to as the second brain. Disruption of th

1. Ottoman Period: Foundations of Microbiology (1800–1900) 1838–1867: Beginning of Quarantine Practices · Quarantine systems were established in the Ottoman Empire due to cholera and plague outbreaks. · In 1839, the first official quarantine organization was established. · This marks the beginning of infection control before the concept of microorganisms was known. 1867: Modern Medical Education at Mekteb-i Tıbbiye · Established in 1827 (during the reign of Mahmud II); the sp

Bacteria are among the oldest and most widespread groups of living organisms on Earth. They are thought to have existed for approximately 3.5 billion years. They are single-celled organisms and, despite their microscopic size, they play critical roles in maintaining the planet’s ecological balance. What Are They? Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. Their genetic material is freely located within the cytoplasm. They have a cel

Plastic has made our lives easier; however, its non-degradable nature has now become a serious threat to both our planet and ourselves. Microplastics, in particular, are particles so small that they are invisible to the naked eye—yet their impact is significant. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They form in two main ways: Primary microplastics:  These enter the environment directly from cosmetic products, cleaning agents,

Fermentation is the process by which microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and some fungi) break down sugars and similar organic compounds to produce energy. During this transformation, various biological products are formed. This process can occur naturally in nature; today, it is also deliberately used in many fields ranging from food and medicine to biotechnology and environmental applications. In its simplest sense, fermentation is both a biological transformation and a produ

Sometimes the biggest transformations in life begin with a tiny “change of a letter.” The genetic information carried inside our cells is encoded on a molecule called DNA. We can think of DNA like a book: on each page there are specific instructions, and these instructions determine how living things will develop and how they will function. A mutation is the change in the text of this book in other words, a change in the DNA sequence. DNA’s “Letters” and the Meaning of Mutati

One of the most common and most difficult challenges to manage in biotechnological production processes is contamination. Contamination is defined as the unintended introduction of biological, chemical, or physical elements into the process other than the target microorganism or product during production. It is often detected too late, and its impact can be significant enough to compromise the entire process. Cases we encounter in the field show that contamination usually doe

What Is a Biopolymer and Why Is It Important?

What is Sustainability

Microbiology is not merely the science of small organisms.

What is the water footprint? Why should we care?

Microbial biotechnology harnesses the natural abilities of bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses to create industrial, agricultural, and medical solutions.