Positive Microbiology in the Movies

Author: mycolabadmin
1/2/2025
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Summary

Movies rarely show the good side of microbes, focusing instead on diseases and bioweapons, which creates fear of germs in the public. This article reviews commercial films that actually depict beneficial uses of microbes, such as making wine, cheese, and antibiotics. Teachers can use these movies as engaging tools to help students and general audiences understand why microbes are essential for life and industry.

Background

Microbes are essential for life and numerous biotechnological applications, yet they are predominantly portrayed negatively in commercial films as agents of disease and bioweapons. This skewed portrayal reflects a broader societal issue known as germophobia, which impedes balanced understanding of microbial activities. Cinema is a powerful communication tool that appeals to emotions and can shape public perception of science.

Objective

To identify and curate commercial films and television series that highlight the beneficial roles of microbes in biomedical sciences, food microbiology, and environmental microbiology. The goal is to demonstrate how these films can serve as educational tools to counter germophobia and promote positive microbiology literacy among students and general audiences.

Results

Student surveys showed 62% found micro-clips very helpful for understanding topics, with 85% of follow-up respondents two years later recalling them as very interesting and effective for learning retention. Twenty-nine films were identified spanning themes including vaccine development, antibiotic production, wine fermentation, bioremediation, gene therapy, and astrobiology, demonstrating diverse representations of positive microbiology.

Conclusion

Commercial films can serve as valuable educational tools for teaching microbiology and biotechnology concepts to diverse audiences. By integrating carefully selected films and micro-clips into curricula alongside critical analysis, educators can promote microbial literacy, correct germophobic biases, and foster appreciation for microbes’ beneficial roles in society and technology.

Published in:Microbial Biotechnology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1111/1751-7915.70085, PMID: 40908565