“Welcome to ‘Microverse’—a journey into the unseen world that shapes our lives! Our adventure began with a simple gesture—collecting hand samples from our colleagues. Intrigued by the similarities and unique features in these samples, we delved deeper into the microscopic exchanges that occur with every handshake, every touch.

Through artistic expression and AI technology, we visualized these germs, blending science and art to reveal the complex ecosystems on our skin. But our exploration didn’t stop there. We investigated the dual nature of germs—the good, the bad, and their misunderstood roles in our health and environment. Inspired by the media’s influence, we explored how perceptions are shaped, often isolating us within bubbles of belief—echoes of the confusion and denial witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We then ventured into the processes of life and death, contemplating the ongoing cycle of decomposition and rebirth, questioning the fears instilled by mysophobia, and debating the hygiene hypothesis, which challenges our modern sanitization practices.

At ‘Microverse’, we invite you to see beyond the surface. Do you dare to explore the microscopic narratives that weave the fabric of our lives?

Join us, engage with our findings, and decide for yourself—how close do you want to get to the world of germs?”

How many germs do you think we carry around?

Research
For this project, we dove into the lab, collecting samples from people in all sorts of situations: public transport users, hands before and after washing, and even those who had recently interacted with each other. Noticing intriguing similarities in these samples sparked a fresh perspective on the microbiome world.

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As part of our research, we had the chance to interview Sarah Wettstadt, a microbiologist and writer whose expertise helped us shape our narrative and bring a nuanced perspective on germs to the public. Her insights allowed us to explore the hidden world of microbiomes in a way that’s both scientifically grounded and engaging for everyone.