Kerala declared Bacillus subtilis its official state microbe in a first-of-its-kind move in India. The aim is to draw attention to helpful microorganisms for sustainable health care, food security, environmental protection and climate resilience.
Bacillus subtilis is a common spore-forming soil bacterium that survives harsh conditions. People use it as a probiotic to support gut microbes, improve immunity and help digestion. Farmers use it as a biofertiliser and to protect crops from disease.
The new Centre of Excellence in Microbiome will study beneficial microbes, develop products and train people. The centre director, Sabu Thomas, spoke about the many practical uses of the microbe.
Difficult words
- microbe — very small living organism, often microscopic
- bacterium — a single microscopic living cell, not animal
- probiotic — a live microbe product that helps digestion
- biofertiliser — natural product that improves soil and plants
- spore-forming — able to make spores to survive hard conditions
- microbiome — all microbes living in a place or body
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which use of this microbe (health, farming, environment) seems most useful to you, and why?
- Would you eat food with this probiotic? Why or why not?
- How could a local centre that studies microbes help your community?
