Microbes play a role in almost each and everything. They are enhancers in agriculture, fermenters our foods, or environmental maintainer, microbes are good at every job they perform. However, microbes have another unique role in sports. Microbes work in improving various areas such as:
1. Bio-fabrication of equipment- Many sports companies are making biofabrics for their sportsperson, sweat-wicking wears, and sweat-resistant materials. These can benefit the sportsperson by improving their performance and providing them with comfort. Researchers have developed biofabrics that contain bacteria that can automatically ventilate clothes. Biofabrics can be made by yeast proteins, mycelium, and Acetobacter.
Photo credit-www.mdbiocoals.com
2. Bio algae-based gear- Water sports such as surfing nowadays have surfing boards made up of algae that are bio-degradable. These boards reduce carbon footprints in seawater. A student from UC San Diego made an algae-based surfing board that is an example of a blend of biotechnology, sports, and commercialization.
Photo credit-www.energy.gov
4. Wet suits- Some experimental wetsuits are treated with anti-microbial material to avoid microbial infection.
5. Gut health- Gut microbes play a vital role in not only sportsperson but also all the human body. Sportsperson regularly have probiotics to maintain their gut health and gut bacteria number. Gut health has a great impact on skeletal muscles and mental health. Algae also serves as a single-cell protein for nutrition.
Photo credit-www.health.harvard.edu
6. Extreme sports- Sports such as mountaineering and polar exploration demand higher physical strength. These include methanogenic archaea such as Methanospirilium and Methanosarcina. Sportspersons are usually adapted to extreme microbes that are present in water, high altitude, or deep sea.
7. On-ground sports- Soil microbes have a very important role in maintaining the soil quality and its texture. Soil treatment is provided on the ground where sports are played. A perfect sports ground is possible because of the texture maintained by the micro-organisms. These organisms are referred to as pitch and ground microbiota. These include Actinomycetes, bacteria, and fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Trichoderma.
Extreme sports encompass a wide range of factors, from player health and equipment durability to performance optimization and environmental sustainability, all of which may be significantly impacted by microbes, although indirectly. By being aware of these microbial relationships, participants in these activities can enhance their entire experience and make more educated decisions.
Until next time, stay happy and stay safe.
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