by Carl Zimmer
First published 2008
From birth, we are infested with billions of E. coli bacteria. These microscopic organisms have a remarkable history, shaping our understanding of life itself. As scientists rebuild E. coli from the ground up, they uncover its staggeringly sophisticated inner workings - a network of millions of molecules and over 4,000 genes. While some strains wreak havoc, engineered E. coli now save millions of lives, producing everything from insulin to jet fuel. Zimmer's captivating exploration reveals the surprising power of the humble bacteria that live within us all.
Genres: science, non-fiction, biology, academic, history-of-science, science-nature
Vibes: captivating, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: informative-non-fiction, scientific-exploration
256 pages · Hardcover · Pantheon