I am setting a timer and listing all of the non-infectious diseases influenced by microorganisms that I can think of:

Go!

• diabetes mellitus
• schizophrenia
• stomach ulcers
• kaposi sarcoma
• cervical cancer
• gastric cancer
• atopic dermatitis
• depression
• obesity
• vaginosis
• periodontitis

Comparing this to my list I made in week 1, I listed 5 more diseases than I did, and used 8 new diseases. I think the in-class examples of stomach ulcers and obesity being influenced by the microbiome will stick with me. I had an easier time grasping the concepts surrounding these examples, likely because something in either case resonated with me. I think this class gave me a new perspective on bacteria as more than just disease-causing, but also as modulators of pre-existing ails and healthy behaviors.