Ecosystems that surround us

Think of the 1 creatures you've even seen in a sci-fi film. Now think of this: there are far stranger, albeit smaller, 2 living in your own home. And Rob Dunn at North Carolina State University wants you to go on safari to find them.Research has been done on the diversity of 3 , fungi and other organisms that live on our skin, in our guts, even in our belly buttons.But there are other entire ecosystems that surround us. And scientists want to understand how they differ based on how and where we live. What's the tiny life like on a door frame in Brooklyn compared with that in Des Moines? Or how do fridge 4 of an urban singleton stack up with those of a suburban family?The research team seeks ten volunteers from each state, five urban and five rural. Each volunteer will get a kit of vials and swabs, along with instructions about where and how to swipe—such as door frames, couch cushions, 5 , even yourself. The samples will be 6 , to uncover the secrets of our 7 companions. To find out more, go to robdunnlab.com