Mysterious Microbes

WHOI microbiologist Amy Apprill, shown here giving a presentation in 2013, studies the relationships between microorganisms and marine animals. Like humans, marine animals have bacteria living on their skin. While scientists know some of the important benefits that skin-bacteria provide to human health, little is known about the identity or function of skin bacteria in other mammals. The first scientist to lead and publish research on whale skin-associated microbes, Apprill’s work was recently highlighted in “The Humpback Microbiome,” part of a special online video series produced by Science Magazine. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)