Urban Microbiomes and Built Environments

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to urban microbiomes and the built environment, summarizing important concepts from the lecture notes.

Built Environment (BE)

All human-made structures and indoor spaces, including homes, offices, transit systems, and hospitals.

Hygiene Hypothesis

A framework suggesting that reduced exposure to beneficial microbes can lead to immune dysregulation and chronic disease.

Biodiversity Hypothesis

A concept stating that limited interaction with diverse natural environments increases the risk of inflammatory and allergic disorders.

Indoor Microbiome

A mixture of microbial communities from human occupants, outdoor environments, water systems, pets, and building materials.

Farming Effect

The phenomenon where exposure to farm dust, rich in specific microbes, protects against allergies and asthma.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The ability of microbes to resist antibiotics, often linked to indoor environments and cleaning practices.

Probiotic Approach

A strategy in building design that emphasizes curated exposure to beneficial microbes instead of disinfection.

Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs)

Chemicals produced by mold and dampness that can affect immune and endocrine systems.

Microbial Inoculants

Materials or products that introduce beneficial microbes, such as Bacillus-inoculated concrete, to support health and plant growth.

Vertical Transmission

The transfer of microbes or pathogens from parent to offspring via processes like breastfeeding.