Explore the Microcosmos

The Challenge

Microbes are the most abundant and diverse life forms on the planet - out numbering the total stars in the universe by several orders of magnitude. This “microcosmos”, a small part of the macrocosmos, more commonly known as the universe–plays an essential role in creating and sustaining the conditions for life itself. The diversity of microbes provides a vast reservoir of biological sequence data that can both teach us about ourselves, our environment and be central to much needed innovation as we begin to experience the consequences of climate change.

While genomics can be exhilarating for experts, the dense information produced by this field often overwhelms those without specialized knowledge or time for deep exploration. We make it fun to explore the world around us.

The Solution

We created the Microcosmos app as a labor of love - making it free to all. Bridging art and science, the app tells fascinating stories about how four letters form the building blocks of all life–from an elephant, to an onion, and everything in between.

Enter the Microcosmos to delve into genomic stories that bring science to life, meet tree-of-life members and explore their genomes through vivid visuals. Explore the intricate relationship between genes and human diseases like COVID-19 and Lyme disease. Use our genomics portal as a jumping point to other topics in this domain of nooks, crannies, and unexpected connections.

“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself” ~ Carl Sagan, an inspiration for the Microcosmos.

Read more or download (free) here: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/the-microcosmos/id1555443746