Bonnie Bassler is known for her research on bacterial communication and quorum sensing, which is how bacteria communicate with one another to coordinate their behavior.
Regarding the number of bacterial cells in or on humans, it is commonly stated that there are approximately 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells in the body. Estimates suggest that a typical human body contains about 30 to 40 trillion human cells, while the bacterial population can range from 40 to 100 trillion cells, primarily in the gut microbiome but also on the skin and other surfaces.
However, it's important to note that recent studies suggest that the ratio of bacterial cells to human cells may be closer to 1:1, depending on the individual and specific circumstances. The estimates can vary based on factors such as body size, health, and the methods used to measure these cells.
If you're interested in more details about Bonnie Bassler's work or the human microbiome, feel free to ask!
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