The renaissance of microbiology.

Microbiology is finally occupying its true position as the pre-eminent field in life sciences. This is due to advances in molecular techniques that confirm the evolutionary significance of the biology of microbes. It is anticipated that the use of comparative genomics will provide information that will advance the understanding of mechanisms of pathogenesis and the importance of secondary metabolism in social microbiology. More emphasis on studies of microbial diversity will increase its value in both fundamental microbiology and its industrial applications.