Bacteria were among the first forms of life on earth, and while some strains cause infection or spoil food, others are essential to providing nutrients to plants, fermenting foods, and supporting our gut and reproductive health. Dr. Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, associate professor of basic medical sciences, as well as obstetrics and gynecology at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, explains how the delicate balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria affect the health of the female reproductive tract. She shares how her research will ultimately help to develop better diagnostics, preventatives and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, gynecological cancer, and more.
