KINGFISHER KNOWLEDGE takes readers into the heart of a subject.Stunning photographs and thought-provoking digital artwork capture the essence of each topic, while compelling text guides the reader through a wealth of information. Each chapter encourages the reader to discover more through links to websites, books and places to visit, and also suggests possible career opportunities.

 KFK Microscopic Life explores the world of tiny organisms that exist alongside us, from the bacteria in our bodies to the mites that live in our carpets. Meet the fungi and moulds that help us in our daily lives, as well as the microscopic worms and viruses that can cause worldwide epidemics. Discover how we study them through microscopes and learn how scientists work with them to find cures for disease and make the world a healthier place.

FOREWORD

CHAPTER 1

MICROLIFE REVEALED

Unseen world

Size and scale

Under the microscope

Smaller and smaller

Life from nowhere?

The building blocks of life  

Summary

CHAPTER 2

MICROSCOPIC ORGANISMS

Viruses

Bacteria          

Protists       

fungi

Mini-animals

Summary

CHAPTER 3

INSIDE THE MICROWORLD

Virus alert

Bacteria - enemies or friends?

Fungi at work

Infection and defence

Great epidemics 

Microbe fighters

Microbes as partners

Persistent parasites

Life on humans

Natural cycles

Ocean life

Living at extremes

Summary

Glossary

Index

Acknowledgements