Our Bodies, Our Microbial Clouds

We leave a trail of microbes on every surface we touch, from pens and keyboards to door handles and elevator buttons. Of course, germs are everywhere, and our evasive tactics are basically useless—but that’s OK, since most bacteria aren’t dangerous.

Here’s where things seem to veer into science fiction: Turns out, in addition to leaving our mark on surfaces, we’re also emitting a bacterial signature into the air—what scientists call a “microbial cloud.” And according to a new study conducted by the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon, this invisible aura is so specific that it can be used to distinguish between individual people.