Summary: Although we can't see them, microbes are essential for every part of human life - indeed all life on Earth. The emerging field of metagenomics provides a new way of viewing the microbial world that will not only transform modern microbiology, but also may revolutionize understanding of the entire living world. This report briefs looks at the recommendations the National Research Council gave on how to shape this emerging field of study and manage the immense findings that it is sure to provide
