The microworld is a fascinating area of science where incredible transformations are taking place that are having a profound impact on our world. This invisible world is inhabited by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and others that can cause significant changes in the health and behaviour of plants, animals and humans.
One key example is how microorganisms affect the transformation of plants. Bacteria, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens, can infect plants and cause the formation of tumours known as galls. These tumours appear on the stems or roots of plants and alter their normal growth processes. Viruses such as tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) can also cause changes in the colour and texture of leaves, leading to deformation and reduced photosynthetic capacity.
Another example is fruit rot caused by fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, also known as grey mould. This fungus attacks the fruit, leading to softening, discolouration and eventually complete decay. This transformation of the fruit from edible and tasty to spoiled is caused by the rapid growth and action of micro-organisms.

But microorganisms are not just harmful. They are also key to useful transformations in the food industry. For example, lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus transform milk into yoghurt or cheese through the process of fermentation. This transformation not only changes the texture and taste, but also adds new nutritional value and extends the shelf life of foods.

The transformations that take place in the microcosm therefore have a direct impact on our lives, from agriculture to healthcare to food. Studying the microworld helps us to understand how these invisible processes affect the visible world around us and how we can take advantage of these transformations or, conversely, resist them. At the Scientists' Night event, we can immerse ourselves in the world of microorganisms and discover how important these transformations are for our everyday reality.